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Step 1
Introduce the horse to the clicker by getting him to complete a small task. Use an object for him to touch with his nose. Have a few treats ready in your pocket. Encourage the horse to touch the object by holding it in front of him or putting it between you and the horse. As soon as his nose touches the object, click the clicker and then give him a treat. Repeat this a few times until he realizes that to get a treat, he must touch the object.
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Step 2
Use the clicker to teach your horse how to do something that he is not good at. If he doesn't pick up his feet, use the clicker to teach him. Run your hands down his leg. If he stands still, use the clicker and give him a treat. Slowly add putting your hand on his hoof before clicking and giving him a treat. Only use the clicker and treat if he does exactly what you want.
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Step 3
Pick up his hoof and if he stands quietly, use the clicker and give him a treat. Next time pick up his hoof and hold it between your knees. If he continues to behave, use the clicker and give him a treat. If he does not behave, do not use the clicker or treat. Go back to the last movement you did with him standing quietly and start again.
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Step 4
Know that clicker training is not the only way to train a horse and cannot be used for every situation. It is a great tool to use in addition to other training methods. You can teach a horse anything from ground manners to advanced performance skills using clicker training. Always use the clicker as a positive reinforcement and give a reward every time you use the clicker.
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Step 5
Transition from using the clicker to clicking your tongue or using a verbal command. This frees up your hands for training and riding while still rewarding your horse for good behavior.
