Scottish Clicker Centre facilities

Facilities

Cuttlehill

In December 2006 we moved into a new farm property, from which to develop our clicker centre. We have already put in a lot of time and work to the place, and have many ideas that we want to establish.

Track system

Barefoot horses thrive on a low sugar, high hay diet. They also benefit from as much movement as possible on a range of different surfaces. To accommodate this, we are setting up a gravel and concrete yard space for the horses, leading onto a hardcore track up to their shed. By having their hay/water and shelter at different locations, they should be encouraged to keep moving. They will also have access to the manege when not in use, giving them a good area to roll in and have fun.

Arena

We have a 30m x 40m woodfibre outdoor arena. It’s surface and excellent drainage means it can be used all year-round. The arena was kindly constructed by Huntly Landscapes (see links), and is proving perfect for working the horses in.

Run-in Barn

In 2007 we converted a slatted cow shed into a massive run-in barn for visiting horses. It has an adjoining paddock with plans for an additional large hardcore corral in 2008. It is great for when the weather is bad, not quite large enough to be an indoor school but ample for groundwork.

Stables

Although the horses living at the centre are not stabled, it is very useful to have them available for working in, especially in the early stages of clicker training. We have an old stone building with three stables and a tack room, and make good use of them when working on things such as targeting and freeshaping.