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Getting Started: Targets
If you look around your barn, you’ll spot lots of things you can use as targets. Lids off of supplement containers, plastic water bottles, dog toys, small buckets, all work great. Just be sure to choose items that are sturdy enough to be “horse-safe”.
When I first started clicker training, I used whips as targets, but I’ve since found that many horses have trouble seeing them. They learn faster if you use larger objects. My favorite targets are the small orange cones that I also use as markers when I ride.
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Clicker training is based on principles not equipment. You don't need to spend a lot of money on equipment to clicker train. Use your imagination to find the targets and other props you'll need.
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For leading and other exercises where you want to direct the horse out away from your body, you can also use target sticks. To make a target stick, put an empty water bottle on the end of an old dressage whip. Wrap the bottle in duct tape to secure it to the end. Another easy target stick can be made from the foam pool noodles children use as floating toys in swimming pools. Cut off a section about a foot long and stick it onto a whip.
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Shop the aisles of your favorite department or hardware store for other handy target stick ideas. One of my favorites was made from a telescoping golf ball picker-upper.
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Part One: Getting Started with the Clicker
A Step-By-Step Guide
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