7 ways to use a Target

Targets are a versatile tool when training horses with positive reinforcement. With the creative use of targets we can show our horses exactly what behaviors we want them to do then put them on cue!

First we need to teach our horses just to touch the target with their nose. Most horses find this very easy, its basically a food button "press here to earn food".

Then build duration on this, teaching them to stay stationed on the target. We can use this as a way to teach our horses to remain still while we move around them, groom, tack or practice cooperative vet care.

We can teach the horse to follow the target to teach them to do any movement behavior, back up, head down, lead, lunge, weave, steering while riding or manuevering obstacles and trailers.

Our horses can also learn to send away from us to a target, this can work well to help a horse get comfortable moving away from the handler. This can become sending around to a serious of targets for lunging, riding, driving, or sending over obstacles for agility.

Body targeting can also be a great way to shape various behaviors and develop body awareness. We can teach them to bring any part of their body to a target, nose, cheek, ears, forhead, neck, shoulder, knee, hoof, side, withers, hips, pasterns, tail... then we can shape all sorts of different behaviors.

If you enjoy playful games teaching your horse to pick up items and give them back to you can be fun and handy! Especially if you drop something on the trail

We can also use have the horse bring one target to another. This would be fun for things like basketball, putting their toys in a toy box, putting their laundry away, painting, and any other fun game you can come up with!