Introduction to Clicker training

Level 1 Course

14&15 February 2026

A professional, ethical foundation for clicker training with horses

Clicker training can be an incredibly powerful tool — when it’s introduced thoughtfully, safely, and with a solid understanding of how horses actually learn.

This two-day Intro to Clicker Training – Level 1 course is designed to give you a clear, grounded foundation so you can start clicker training with confidence, without creating pushy behaviour, confusion, or overwhelm for you or your horse.

This is not a quick-fix clinic. It’s a structured learning experience that combines science-based theory with hands-on practice, so you leave knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing — not just copying techniques.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for:

  • Horse owners who are curious about clicker training but unsure where to start

  • Riders wanting a kinder, clearer way to train and communicate with their horse

  • Coaches and professionals wanting a solid, ethical foundation in clicker training

  • Anyone working with sensitive, stressed, or easily overwhelmed horses

No previous clicker training experience is required.

Who this course is NOT for

This course is not:

  • A behaviour problem-solving clinic

  • A riding-focused course

  • A “fix your horse in a weekend” solution

Level 1 is about building the foundation that prevents problems later.

The framework you’ll learn

This course is built around my simple three-step training framework:

1. Set Up for Success
2. Connection
3. Motivation

Clicker training sits in the motivation phase — but only works well when the first two steps are in place. Throughout the weekend, you’ll learn how to move through these steps intentionally, rather than jumping straight to food and hoping for the best.

What you’ll learn (Theory)

Across the weekend, we’ll cover approximately 4–5 hours of theory, broken into short, practical sessions.

How horses learn

  • How the horse’s brain processes learning

  • Classical vs operant conditioning

  • Positive vs negative reinforcement (without moralising)

  • Where clicker training fits into the bigger picture

Motivation, nervous systems & readiness

  • Understanding learning thresholds

  • Recognising stress, curiosity, and confusion

  • Knowing when to progress — and when to slow down

  • Why “set up” matters more than technique

Welfare & ethics

  • Mental welfare and ethical training choices

  • Why good intentions can still create poor outcomes

  • How to avoid reinforcing anxiety instead of calm behaviour

Common mistakes & how to avoid them

  • Choosing the wrong first behaviours

  • Poor environment and setup

  • Inconsistent timing

  • Introducing food too early (or too late)

Shaping & progression

  • What shaping really is

  • Why high reinforcement is needed initially

  • Understanding reinforcement schedules

  • How and when to fade food responsibly

  • An introduction to sequencing and chaining

What you’ll do (Practical)

This course is highly practical, while always prioritising the horse’s emotional and mental wellbeing.

Practical work includes:

  • Live demonstrations with participant horses

  • One-on-one coaching moments where appropriate

  • Group learning through observation

  • Demonstrations using Susan’s horses when specific scenarios don’t arise naturally

  • Setting up safe training environments, including distance-based learning and barrier setups

The focus is on:

  • Reading the horse’s emotional state

  • Adjusting criteria in real time

  • Human timing, clarity, and body language

  • Creating calm, thoughtful learning experiences

Toward the end of Day 2, we’ll briefly explore how clicker training can be introduced into more complex work, with demonstrations and discussion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain how horses learn and how clicker training fits within that

  • Set up training environments that reduce stress and confusion

  • Introduce clicker training safely and ethically

  • Choose appropriate first behaviours

  • Recognise when to progress and when to slow down

  • Use food strategically rather than emotionally

Course details

Dates: 14–15 February
Location: Ohariu Valley, Wellington
Format: Two full days (theory + practical)

Maximum participants with horses: 8

Auditors (no horse handling): Auditors are welcome to observe all theory and practical sessions from a designated viewing area. Questions are reserved for the group Q&A sessions, ensuring participants get uninterrupted hands-on learning.

This course is a prerequisite for Level 2.

Pricing

Early Bird (limited): $350
Full Price: $550

Auditing: $50 for one day | $80 for both days

Horse hire may be available (limited) — please enquire

About your facilitator

Susan Nienaber is a horse behaviourist and confidence coach with nearly 2 decades of experience working with horses and humans. Her work is grounded in equitation science, learning theory, and a deep respect for horse welfare. She first got introduced to clicker training back in 2011, and has consistently used it when helping horse and rider combinations who experience behaviour challenges.

She specialises in helping riders and trainers move away from force and confusion toward clarity, confidence, and ethical training choices.

Ready to join?

Spaces are intentionally limited to ensure quality learning for both horses and humans.

Or get in touch if you have questions about whether this course is right for you.