The Art and Science of Clicker Training for Horses

You’ll learn a bit more of the behavioral science behind this method than you might find in many horse training books. The Art and Science of Clicker Training for Horses doesn’t have to be read this question and answer style book from cover to cover, but doing so will give you the best overview. Hart is British and some of the terminology is a bit different in North America. In the last chapter, he discusses the acceptability of clicker training horses to the British Horse Society, but his speculations are equally applicable the world over. Over all, I think this is a useful addition to your training library.

This clicker training book by trainer Ben Hart does not give step-by-step instructions like you’ll find in many horse training books. Instead, you’ll find answers to many of the most common questions about clicker training horses. I really appreciated the emphasis Hart's places on safety for both horse and handler.

The book is set up Q and A style with each chapter answering specific questions. It goes into a bit more depth than you’ll find in many clicker training books and explains successive approximation, intermediate and terminal bridge, terms you may not find in other horse clicker training books. It also discusses the most common pitfalls of clicker training horses as well as the possible limitations of this training method.

I enjoy clicker training my dogs and my horses, and Hart takes a look at how this method differs between dogs and horses—both in how you go about it, and how the animals react. I found that this book offered a slightly more scientific view of clicker training horses.

What is very useful is the explanation of how to tackle large problems or projects by breaking them down into small steps. You’ll learn how to plan so your clicker training time is well spent. You’ll also learn how clicker training compliments your horsemanship skills and enhances your understanding of horse behavior.

Black and white photos in the center of the book emphasize points made, and show horses, donkeys and mules being trained. I had to laugh to myself at the photo of the clickers themselves—I think I own most of them pictured.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.