Sharing & Clicker Stories

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My thanks go to you for trusting the process and for sharing Magic. Think of all the people our horses have inspired.”

—Alexandra Kurland
theclickercenter.com

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I watched Debra and Magic working together and it amazed me how they have transcended the divide between species. His personality has grown beyond that of a normal horse, and this is clearly due to Debra's training and love. There is nothing that Magic loves more than playing clicker games with Debra!”

—Sola Wolff
equinerevelation.com

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I used to be slightly curious about clicker training, but not attracted to it for the use with horses.

Now my horses and Debra are showing me just how much potential it holds for creating clarity, connection and fun in virtually every activity my horses and I share. But like any training tool or method it can be used poorly wit horses. That is why I am so grateful for Debra's teachings and Alexandra's books and DVD's to help me get it right from the start.

Now I am not only having fun with it, and even more importantly making things fun for my horses, but I'm also amazed by the insights that come through studying behavior and learning for any species, from goldfish to humans!
Clicker training is not only a powerful tool, its also fascinating to explore! Thank you! ”

—Megan Ayrault, LMP
 author of 2 books including, "The Horse Lover's Guide to Massage: What Your Horse Wants You to Know"
allaboutanimalmassage.com

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After watching, The Path of the Horse documentary film created by horsewoman Stormy May, many questions came up for me as to my next steps on my own path. So it was with great pleasure that Stormy herself told me that she had discovered a true teacher in my own state in Debra Olson Daniels. In my correspondence with Debra, I realize that she offers a comprehensive understanding of body mechanics in both human and horse as well as the ability to support health and harmony so that the bond and communication created is one of love, joy and unity. It is completely apparent to me that my ongoing journey as a lover of horses will feature Debra as our teacher, coach, body worker and friend. ”

—Constance Funk
 author of Beauty from Brokenness and Holy as Thou
constancefunk.com

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The first time I saw Magic standing in the arena I thought there is no way this horse is going to impress me. Boy was I wrong. In fact watching Debra and Magic was one of the most moving moments in my whole horse life. To see this small, Tennessee Walker do movements that can put a warm blood to shame, was amazing! They are a team that is exceptional in every way. His beauty is just not in the way he moves, but in the way his personality shines. He is truly happy doing his work. What a pleasure it has been to witness such pleasure and beauty!

The gentleness and patience that Debra showed Junnie was so inspiring. Again, for the first time I saw her I thought there was no way this little pony was going to impress me. Man oh man did her and Magic prove me so wrong over and over again. Her spirit and willingness to reach further and further was astounding. There aren't enough words available that could capture the awe inspiring work that Debra had done with both her horses. ”

—Courtney Higgens


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My horse Major survived 12 years of one abuse or another. When I obtained him, he was very distrustful, aloof, and shut down emotionally. He wanted nothing to do with a halter or to have his faced touched in any way. When my daughter and I went to our first clicker training session with Debra Olson Daniels, the only clicker experience we had was the purchase of one of Alexandra Kurland's books. We had taught our horses how to target an object and that was the extent of our clicker training. We had no idea what a powerful tool we were unleashing. Debra had me turn Major lose in her arena. Major spent a lot of time running around the arena and looking out into the pastures. He totally ignored us. Finally, he decided to grace us with his presence. He really didn't want any part of the halter so I wadded the halter into my hand with only a small portion being exposed and asked him to target my hand. Reluctantly, he did so. I gradually let more and more of the halter escape from my hand until I finally held the halter open between my two hands and asked him to touch the opening. It was so apparent that Major had a battle going on inside him and was torn between wanting to trust me but having huge emotional scars to overcome. The moment Major decided to trust me is one I will never forget. Those of us watching the miracle unfold had tears in our eyes when he dropped his nose into the halter. I felt so honored and realized that I now needed to make sure that I continued to be worthy of Major's trust. Clicker Training opened the doors for Major to start healing from his many abuses and it has opened the doors for me to experience the satisfaction and joy of having such a magnificent animal entrust me with his safety, love and loyalty. ”

—Marcia Wolf


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Debra is a very talented trainer and teacher. I very much appreciate her attention to safety and detail. My horse loves working with her as much as I do and I always come away inspired.”

—Keri Gorman
tagnorthwest.com

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I want to thank you and Magic for the wonderful experience this past weekend. It was wonderful to come home feeling that I learned a bunch of cool stuff and with confidence! Wow pretty darn amazing. You two peas in a pod are such inspiration, fun and beautiful to watch.

It was so cool to work with Magic....you are both wonderful teachers that have opened up a world of possibilities...YES!

I did notice both when working with Magic and Fiera that the footfall sounded different during flexion so I am going to try to keep both my ears and eyes open. Anyway it made me feel good because I think there might be something to what you said about the horses liking to carry themselves in balance... have always thought that all came only through discipline and struggle... I guess that good things can come from a playful mind/relationship. Kind of Mind Blowing. ”

—Kristin Mullen


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I am thrilled to have met Debra and learn about Equine Clicker Training. I have had two lessons with her and I can see wonderful possibilities with this training for my horses and me as well. It is a very calm way to train the horse and works well with high strung horses as it makes them think. I saw it both with Frieden and Candi during our session. As with any training you get a lot from reading books, but to really understand it a trainer makes a big difference.

For me, the biggest light bulb moment is when I am the horse and trying to understand what is asked of me and how difficult it is. WHAT THE HECK is she asking of me? That is how a horse is feeling so you have to be very clear and consistent to avoid frustrating the horse.

This training builds very fantastic foundation that you can use for any type of riding whether it is western or English. You learn to teach your horse to be safe and happy.

I realize you might already have a training plan in place and you are not looking for another one. But if you know of anyone who is struggling with training their horse, maybe you could forward this information for one of their resources.

I found Debra's lessons to be very FOCUSED and she makes sure you understand and she makes you take notes. You and your horse may be mentally exhausted after a session, but in a good way. So much to think about.

You might think there isn't much to Clicker Training, but let me tell you, Debra makes it look easy because of her knowledge and experience. There is so much to learn. And if you are like me, it is not so funny when your horse would rather work with Debra than you because they are learning faster than you are!!! Debra was able to get Candi to do all kinds of things in the first session, when I tried to follow her example, I got a look from Candi saying, "What? I don't understand!". I am looking forward to spending time at Debra's next clinic in the wonderful facility The Magic Center. Frieden and Candi are not ready to travel yet, so I will be attending without them. But I know I will be learning so much even without them and will be able to come home and practice with my notebook full of notes.

Debra's horse is just amazing! I have never seen a so well trained horse that is in balance and able to use his back the way her Magic does. Magic has body issues so Debra has taught her horse exercises to make him feel great. Magic LOVES to show off all that he is able to do.

If you want a horse that calls for you to come 'work' with him, explore Equine Clicker Training offered by Debra! ”

With a smile,
—Susanne H.

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I am so glad that I could go and help Max learn about manners. Max helped me too; he taught me how to be more patient and how to help him. Debra Olson Daniels was brilliant. She knew so much; she was such an amazing teacher and person. Everything she said was true and made me think. It was a great experience and we got to share it. Everyone was so nice. This was such an amazing experience. ”

—Grace Malcomson
age 11

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I have asked Debra to coach me several times. She has done a great job. She always looks at matters from the horse's point of view and has helped me understand better if I am ready for the next step or not, or if I am moving too slowly for the horse. Because —you see— the horse is sometimes further along than I am. ”

—Ursula

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I have never been able to catch my horse. She came from a difficult home and didn’t trust people. I have had her 3 years and during that time she didn’t like me to touch her of catch her. It has been very frustrating for both of us. After just one clinic with Debra I can now touch her all over. She got lots of clicks and treats. It was so amazing to watch her learn to trust people! And now she lets me catch her. And we didn’t even practice that at the clinic! I even think she is starting to like me now. She knickers when she sees me now and comes to me. And she no longer has to wear her halter in the pasture. Thank you again for your kind and generous help. We will be back for more learning this fall. ”

Best to you,
—Marsha Y.

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I want to thank you again for your patience with me and my horse, and for your enthusiasm during the whole process. I learned so much. We are practicing the foundation lessons and will be back up to learn more! ”

Thank you again,
—Sandra

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I have studied John Lyons work for since 1993-94. The way Debra explained to us and the horse the baby gives on the ground first, rewarding the slightest try, and then watching it build slowly into lateral flexions filled in a lot for me. I love John’s work for he breaks it down into baby steps, but Debra took that and made the steps even smaller. Thank you for filling in the gaps. I am so looking forward to learning more! ”

Love you,
—Linda Lockwood

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Thank you again for helping me teach my horse not to be afraid of water through targeting. It has been not fun at all when out on the trails when we come across water. It is nice to have this behind us! And if he gets sticky again I know how to fix it. We are also using it for trailer loading. And that is getting better too! I just loved your seminar! Good food for thought! ”

Thanks for your help,
—Holly S.

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I have seen clicker training with dogs, but never with horses. I was curious and so went to one of Debra’s seminar without my horse. Now I wish I would have taken her. Oh well. Next time. Amongst many things, she really had us focus on body awareness in ourselves first for ‘food delivery’, which related to other things. It became apparent later how important this first step is. She coupled food delivery with targeting and explained the many uses of targeting. Next we went into backing in a square in the stall and then took it to the arena. And most interestingly, the backing led into head lowering which was particularly handy for one particular clinic horse.

That was all the farther we in the 2 day seminar, bur it was a lot, at least for me. I still need help with the rope handling. I tend to react out of fear and jerk or sometimes grab the rope, instead of using it as a ‘communication tool’, as Debra explained. When she had us feel the different ways of handling a lead rope ourselves if was sure an eye opener. Sigh…

Debra really makes you think about how we interact with our horses in a kind and loving and clear way. When she had her horse demo the exercises, he made it look so easy, but when she shared his story, I cried. But then I knew I could do it too.

I left feeling inspired and full of information to take home to my horses. I want to get these first pieces down, so when I come back —this time with my horse!— she can help me with more things.

I found her explanations and having us practice with each other very helpful.

And clicker training horses is so different from clicker training dogs. Thank you Debra and Magic for sharing this work with us. ”

In gratitude,
—Alice G.