Horse clicker training tools - props and toys

April 11, 10:21 AMClicker Training ExaminerEve Alexander

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Beau loves standing on his pedestal.

Mike Branch sends a mustang over a barrel.
 
Beau and I play with the big Parelli ball.

Besides clickers, treats and training sticks, you can incorporate props and toys into your training program! Clicker training is supposed to be fun so get creative with your props and the games you play with them. Just be sure the items are strong and safe. For instance, if you want to teach your horse to stand on a pedestal, be sure to get one that’s made to hold the weight of a horse.

Orange traffic cones are handy for lots of exercises. You can ask your horse to put his nose on a cone, or use a series of cones to practice leading or sending your horse through a serpentine or slalom pattern. Cones come in different sizes. Use small ones for a ‘question box’ or tall ones for your weave course. You can find them for sale at home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Barrels can be used for the same things as cones, plus you can roll a barrel on it’s side and ask your horse to jump over it! Ask your horse to pass between two barrels or a barrel and the fence, so he becomes comfortable in tight spaces. Use plastic barrels like the ones sold for rainwater collection, not metal barrels, and for heaven's sake, please don’t re-use a barrel that once contained something toxic.

Balls can be a lot of fun. I have a friend who got a young Paso Fino during the winter months. Since he was too young to ride and the weather was bad, she started throwing a ball and he learned to retrieve it. They got to know each other and bond over their fetching game. Horses can learn to roll the ball with their nose, carry it and throw it. Parelli Natural Horsemanship and Reis Universal Horsemanship both offer giant balls you can use to desensitize your horse while playing!

Hula hoops can be used for horses and their trainers. One way is for you to stand within the hula hoop laid on the ground to remind you not to move your feet so much. You can also ask your horse to step into the hula hoop. With his front feet in the hoop, you can ask him to move his hindquarters around it.

An old door mat or an inexpensive one from a discount store can be incorporated into your training. Teach your horse to stand on the mat. This is a great way to introduce your horse to ground tying.

My horse Jubilee responds well to flags. You can buy flags especially for horse training or get a cheap one at a discount store.

There are lots of other props and toys you can incorporate into your training. Don’t overlook the natural environment around you (stumps, logs, creeks, slopes, a patch of clover, etc.) to keep your training interesting and fun!

Do you have a toy or game to share with other readers? Email me!

More Information
Mike Branch - Flying B Ranch Horsemanship

Pedestals
Allan Franklin's Savvy Stools

Giant balls
Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship
Parelli Natural Horsemanship

Flags
Barb Apple’s Horse Play