Home- Clicker Training Center

Quoted from the “Riding Teacher” Podjasky says” If he [the horse] shies form any objects, specks of light,
etc, and does not pay attention to the rider, he should be allowed to take a look at these objects. The
teacher leads him up to them, talking to him and rewarding him with sugar when he approaches. Even if it
has to be repeated several times, this method is the surest way to success and much better than even the
slightest punishment” (1974 p. 93). The trainers of the Vienna school use sugar contained in small sacks
underneath their jackets to immediately reward the airs above the ground, courbette, levade, ballotade,
and capriole. This may be seen during the live performance and on the videos. I was lucky not only to see
them in Vienna, but also the performances in Jerez de la Frontera where visited and performed at Las
Cadenas with “The Riding School of Jerez” under the Alvaro de Domecq. This was also during the time
when I was a student at the Domecq School and the excitement of having the stallions and riders at the
school was a joy to all of us. The work of the Spanish Riding School demonstrates the power of primary
reinforcement that has been quietly used for more than 50 years with horses.

The absence of punishment does not equal reward!
Isn't that how most horses are trained nowadays? If the horse does well, he gets to be put away- he is no
longer "punished" by being riden?
Don't you ever wish that your horse would greet you as eagerly as your dog does? That your
horse felt being put away was a punishment rather than a reward?That your horse trusted you so much
that he would overcome his fear of anything because you said it was OK?
Most training nowadays is done with some punishment in mind, and there is a better way.
The photos are of a Frieisan stallion, Weyland, doing things taught only by positive reinforcement, no
ropes, chains, whips. He is doing these behaviors without a lead rope or halter, by voice or hand signal- he
can walk away or ignore me at anytime- he would just get put back in his stall as punishment- doesn't he
look happy? Don't we look like we are having fun?
Look at the pictures, he is totally relaxed and happy- even training in an open field , he comes eagerly
when he is called! As do all my horses!
The Clicker Training Center advocates training in a new way- using the old methods of kindness, love, and
reward- what a novel idea! It has worked for hundreds of years with the most accomplished horses in the
world. The clicker is new- but the concept is as old as the most distinguished riding school in the world.
The clicker is new- but the concept is not- and students (both trainers and lay people) are amazed by the
results! Trouble horses beg to be trained, bad habits dissapear, and so easily too- by just communicating
using a clearer method and making it fun for both of them.