Using a clear bridge signal is important when training specific behaviors. A bridge signal can be anything you have conditioned to predict a food reinforcer. You want to use something short, obvious, and unique. Something that isn’t easily mistaken or confused. A box clicker is the usual option, some like a whistle, but you can also use a verbal cluck or smooch. If your horse is deaf, using a flash of light, a tactile tap, or hand signal.
Simply pair the signal with food repeatedly until when the horse notices the signal they immediately expect food.
Using this signal can precisely mark the moment the horse does exactly what you want. This becomes important as you begin teaching more specific skills. For example, if you pick up a horses foot, set it down, then feed – the horse is getting fed for putting their hoof down. If you pick up the foot, bridge, then put the foot down to feed, the horse knows its having the foot up that is why they’re being reinforced.
Imagine the bridge signal is a camera, taking a photo of the exact behavior you want to see more of.
