Embarking on the journey of horse training with positive reinforcement (R+) can be incredibly rewarding, fostering a deeper partnership built on trust and clear communication. While traditional methods often rely on pressure and release, the target training method offers a unique and effective way to guide your horse’s behavior without coercion. Initially, the concept of using a “target” might seem peculiar, even unnecessary. However, for trainers committed to exclusively R+ methods, understanding and implementing target training is not just beneficial—it’s a foundational element that unlocks a world of possibilities for force-free communication. This approach transforms how you can teach a wide array of behaviors, promoting clarity and mutual respect between horse and handler.
Why Targeting is a Game-Changer in Horse Training
When first encountering clicker training and positive reinforcement, the idea of teaching a horse to touch or follow a target might appear simplistic, even strange. Many trainers, like the author, initially dismissed it, seeking alternative methods that seemed less unconventional. For a long time, the author managed without target training, successfully teaching many behaviors through other means. However, the arrival of River, a completely feral filly with no prior handling experience, highlighted the limitations of not incorporating target training into an exclusively R+ framework. Without the target, there was no clear, non-coercive way to ask River for fundamental actions like moving forward, backing up, or turning. This realization sparked an experimentation with target training, which ultimately revolutionized the author’s approach to horse training.
Diverse Applications of Target Training
The versatility of target training has since been demonstrated through various applications with trained horses:
- In-Hand Touch Target: The horse learns to touch a target object held in the trainer’s hand on cue.
- Following Target: The horse is trained to follow the target without necessarily touching it, useful for guiding movement.
- Stationary Target: The horse is taught to touch or stand on a target and remain in place until released, excellent for teaching patience and stillness.
- Hand Target: A specific form where the horse learns to touch the trainer’s hand on cue, building confidence and responsiveness.
While it’s possible to begin R+ training without a target, it becomes an indispensable tool for those aiming for exclusively positive reinforcement. The target acts as a clear visual guide, communicating desired actions without any pressure or fear of negative consequences. Horses have the autonomy to engage with the target or not, making the learning process more about choice and less about compliance under duress. This clarity significantly reduces frustration for both the horse and the human, especially when compared to entirely free-shaping behaviors or using a combination of negative reinforcement (R-) and positive reinforcement (R+).
Expanding the Horizons of Horse Training with Targets
The target facilitates teaching a multitude of behaviors entirely force-free. This methodology opens doors to training complex actions that might otherwise require more aversive techniques. Here are just a few examples of what can be achieved:
- Lunging: Guiding the horse in circles from a distance.
- Trailering: Encouraging the horse to confidently enter and exit a trailer.
- Standing Tied Quietly: Teaching patience and calmness while tethered.
- Waiting Patiently at Gates: Fostering good manners when approaching openings.
- Leading: Establishing a clear and respectful groundwork partnership.
- Ground Tying: Enabling the horse to remain stationary in a designated spot.
- Pohnying: Guiding the horse from another mount or vehicle.
- Jumping: Introducing and practicing jumping exercises.
- Safe Personal Space: Teaching the horse to respect the handler’s physical boundaries.
- Backing Up: Developing responsiveness to cues for backward movement.
- Turns: Training precise turns on the haunches and forehand.
- Gait Changes: Encouraging smooth transitions between different gaits.
- And a vast array of other behaviors.
Therefore, training a horse to target is easily recognized as a crucial foundational behavior in R+ training. It serves as a bridge for teaching various behaviors without resorting to force, frustration, or confusion. This method fosters clear communication and avoids coercion, leading to maximum success and a stronger bond between horse and human.
To delve deeper into the intricacies of targeting and explore other remarkable tools used in clicker training, this informative video is highly recommended: The Willing Equine Academy.
Adele begins her journey with positive reinforcement today. With just 20 minutes a day, you’ll learn how to balance the art and science of training. We will tap into the tremendous potential you and your horse have together in a way that honors your horse and remains focused on the true goal: Partnership.
