Kjarkur--Partner of Kay

Trainer Christine Schwartz up.

Kay, Domino, Kjarkur

I think of c/t as operant conditioning, but I have a minor in Psychology from awhile ago and teaching degree. When I first read about click training I was delighted to recognize instantly how it works. But, you're right about the general public not being as warm to the more scientific terms. I'm getting practice in having 'the courage of my convictions' as well as in c/t. The proof is in the results and I think horses, like people, are most comfortable when they know their parameters. I just wish I'd used c/t when I was raising my kids! I sure appreciate this compassionate community.

I am so pleased with Kjarkur I just have to tell someone...I finally took him over to my trailer to start working on teaching him to load easily. I used my clicker and cone to target progressively nearing the interior. Within 7 or 8 minutes he had both front feet inside and was happily nosing the cone for his 'teddy graham' treats. I'm excited for him, and thrilled for me because I finally saw clearly what part of this scares him. He doesn't seem to understand how to go up the short, rather steep, ramp and just hops both front feet into the trailer. It's not the trailer itself which worries him, but the entering. I felt all along that he wasn't just being 'stubborn' but was really concerned, but I didn't know how to analyze the problem. Now I'll have a better idea of how to 'chunk' down this process. I'm thinking that it will help for me to positon the trailer so the ramp is as level as possible. If anyone has additional tips, I'd sure appreciate the feedback. I want to be able to load him easily for a short trip home in a week or so...no long trips until next summer as there's already snow on the ground. Clicker training is surely a gift!

I just read today's digest and the many articulate posts refering to Judy's interesting question. I agreed with everything said and can't add much except to comment that, in my experience, it is rare to find a group of horsepeople who are so intentional and thoughtful about working with horses as are those on this list. The level of committment, focus and enthusiasm is phenomenal. Openness to new ideas and acceptance of the opinions and experiences of others are just some of the great qualities I've noticed with this list. I don't have this kind or depth of support among my own community. It is a real blessing to find it in on the Net.I just keep coming back to be refreshed and enlightened. Thanks!

>>What types of clicker training exercises would y'all recommend to get her to quit rearing? Also, to get her to walk for more than 3 feet? <<

I'm sure you'll get a lot of ideas for this dangerous behavior. When I got my new horse a month ago, he would rear as I was leading him away from the barn. I came upon clicker training at the same time, fortunately. I first worked with him targeting a cone, so he associated a 'click' with a treat. Then I did a lot of leading him, asking for halts, backing up and coming forward from the lead line(with chain) pressure. Within two days he'd stopped the rearing and was paying good attention to me away from the barn. I work on leading him nearly every day...not riding yet as I don't have my saddle. I hope your daughter can reteach this misused horse as rearing can be deadly.

Kay in Alaska

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