In my last post I had written that I would talk more about breaking through the communication barrier, because it is a crucial factor in the clicker process. I would add that it is crucial in any form of communication!
If you want to refresh your memory, here is a link to the previous post Part 20 – Tearing Down The Wall
When you start using clicker training with your horses, it’s so exciting. You cue them to touch a target – they receive a treat! So they are happy to repeat the behaviour. Oh – they are so smart!! They also learn to stand on a mat, to stay, to come, to stop, walk, trot and canter! And they can learn to drop their heads, pick up their feet, move sideways, and backwards and forwards.
They will walk to a mounting block, around a circle of cones, weave in and out of cones, stand on a platform and walk over a tarp. They can fetch objects, almost halter themselves and bring themselves to a saddle. AND – they can learn to open their mouths, accept needles, wormers, sprays – and other lotions and potions!
Also we can use clicker training to improve balance by microshaping muscle moves. Balance in the horse and handler is as important as any of the above tasks. If you go back to this blog, you will read about my epiphany! 11. Alexandra Kurland’s Italy Clinic – an Epiphany!!!!
It has truly made such a difference. I have shared some of these photos before – but will share again.
BUT……
What if it can be even better…..
In my opinion, after experiencing the heightened communication I described in the previous post, I feel that we mainly communicate at three quarters of our capacity. When we use that other quarter, we have fully broken down that wall – then not only are our horses clever, but miracles happen!
You are with them – truly with them!
So many times with clicker training, I have been blown away – but the feeling of truly entering Danny’s world was perhaps the most significant discovery so far.
Yes – I often wear my animal communicator’s hat – and of course that still blows my mind – but this was different. I walked away from that session with Danny in tears. They were happy tears, but there was a tinge of grief. I felt the oppression, I felt how hard the horses have to work to follow directions from their humans. I marvelled at how well they do, despite our inadequate communications – and I felt how it can be when we can find that final quarter.
I want to keep working on that – for this is like the missing piece of the clicker training puzzle.
How do I do that? I focus fully on the horse in front of me – I observe carefully, I go ever so slowly when building a move, and I move and behave as quietly and calmly as I can.
That may well keep me busy for many years to come!
Until next time!
IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS STORY, PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING HERE – Part 1 – An Introduction
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