In practice, the click is often used as a confirmation, which frequently leads to the behavior being ended as a consequence. However, with the concept of „Click for Action, Feed for Position“, the click is not only used to confirm a completed action, but also serves as a tool to influence what happens after the click – such as movement and posture. This opens up new possibilities for purposefully training balance, movement flow, and biomechanically beneficial patterns.
The origin of this approach can be traced back to Bob Bailey, a renowned animal trainer and behavior analyst who studied the role of marker signals in learning processes in depth. In the equine world, this concept is particularly valuable because it not only reinforces the behavior itself, but also improves the quality of its execution. Through precise marking and intentional placement of the reward, movement patterns can be refined and stabilized over time.
The role of click and food placement
The interaction between the click, the placement of the food, and – ideally – an established placement of the lure is at the heart of this training approach. The click refers to the exact moment when the horse performs the desired behavior and it is marked. The placement of the reinforcer, on the other hand, influences the direction or position the horse moves to after the click.
After the click, the horse will always orient itself toward the primary reinforcer, which is why the placement of the food plays such a central role. It can affect the training both positively and negatively. Therefore, it is important not only to consider when to click, but also where the reinforcement is delivered.
By consciously deciding where the food is presented, the trainer can influence whether the horse shifts its weight, maintains a certain posture, or moves in a specific direction. When the placement of the food is chosen strategically, biomechanically beneficial movement patterns can be reinforced, and the horse’s body awareness can be improved. The horse’s neuromuscular controlControl (Kontrolle) ist ein fundamentales Grundbedürfnis, da sie einem Individuum die Möglichkeit gibt, aktiv Einfluss auf seine Umwelt und sein eigenes Verhalten zu nehmen. Kontrolle bedeutet, dass Handlungen vorhersehbare und... » Weiterlesen is enhanced through the combination of precise timingTiming bezeichnet im Clickertraining und in der positiven Verstärkung den genauen Moment, in dem ein Markersignal (z. B. ein Click) oder eine Belohnung gegeben wird. Präzises Timing ist entscheidend, da... » Weiterlesen and intentional placement of the food, allowing movements to become more efficient and automatic over time.
Click for action: the click as a steering mechanism
Traditionally, the click is often used to end a behavior. As a result, the horse learns to stop and turn toward the reinforcer, and wait for the next cue. While this use is common and functional, it limits the full potential of the use of positve reinforcement. When used intentionally as a “click for action,” the function of the click changes: it becomes a tool to continue or even intensify a movement rather than interrupt it.
For example, if a horse is trotting along an imaginary line and shows a desirable posture or particularly harmonious movement, the click can be placed at precisely that moment. In this case, the reinforcement doesn’t need to act as a stop cue but can act as a confirmation of the movement itself. The horse can learn that continuing the motion and maintaining movement quality is desired – the click becomes part of a flowing pattern, while the reinforcement is placed in the direction of the movement.
Neurobiologically, this principle can be explained in part by the release of dopamine triggered by secondary reinforcers like the click. Dopamine acts not only as a rewarding stimulusEin Reiz, häufig auch Stimulus genannt, ist eine äußere oder innere Einwirkung, die ein Lebewesen wahrnimmt und die eine Reaktion auslösen kann, aber nicht muss. Reize können aus der Umwelt... » Weiterlesen but also as a powerful motivator for purposeful behavior. This effect is especially strong when the click occurs within the movement rather than at the end – directly reinforcing the behavior before it’s completed.
This mechanism is further supported by the so-called seeking systemDas Seeking-System ist eines der sieben primären emotionalen Systeme aus Jaak Panksepps Konzept der Affective Neuroscience. Es steuert Neugier, Exploration und die Suche nach Belohnungen. Dieses System wird durch das... » Weiterlesen, one of the seven primary emotional systems described by Jaak PankseppJaak Panksepp (5. Juni 1943 – 18. April 2017) war ein neurobiologischer und verhaltenswissenschaftlicher Forscher, der als Begründer der Affective Neuroscience gilt. Seine Arbeit konzentrierte sich auf die neurologischen Grundlagen... » Weiterlesen. This system is activated not by receiving a reward, but by the anticipation of it. A click placed during an ongoing behavior not only triggers the brain’s reward system but also activates the horse’s intrinsic drive to act, explore its environment, and experience agency.
However, this principle must first be carefully built. Many horses have learned that the click ends the behavior – especially in exercises where static positions like standing still were reinforced. In such cases, the click functions more like a release cue, unintentionally breaking the flow of movement. This understanding, however, is context-dependent: in medical trainingMedical Training bezeichnet das gezielte Training von medizinischen und Pflege Behandlungen, um dem Tier zu ermöglichen, freiwillig und kooperativ an Untersuchungen, Behandlungen und Pflegemaßnahmen teilzunehmen. Es wird häufig mit positiver... » Weiterlesen, for example, this association is intentional, as the click is meant to confirm and reinforce stillness. In movement-based training, however, such a click may disrupt the rhythm unless it is consciously used as part of a fluid sequence. This highlights a key insight: the click is not only a markerEin Markersignal ist ein spezifisches Signal, das in der operanten Konditionierung verwendet wird, um dem Tier genau den Moment zu kennzeichnen, in dem es ein erwünschtes Verhalten zeigt. Es dient... » Weiterlesen – it is also a behavioral triggerEin Trigger ist ein spezifischer Reiz (Stimulus), der eine starke emotionale oder unkontrollierte Reaktion bei einem Tier auslöst. Während ein allgemeiner Reiz neutral sein kann und erst durch Lernen eine... » Weiterlesen or a cue that leads to a learned behavior, depending on how it is applied and understood within the training context. The horse doesn’t stop acting after the click, but is looking for for the next cue to perform the desired behavior.
Feed for position: behavior after the click
The placement of the reinforcer plays a crucial role in determining how and where the horse moves after the click. Since the horse naturally orients toward the primary reinforcer, the trainer can use this tendency strategically to shape posture, direction, or movement.
Depending on its use, the placement of the food can serve different purposes. It can highlight a specific body position, maintain a posture, encourage movement, or prepare a clean reset for the next repetition. For example, it can:
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- Emphasize a static position or location (such as a mat or a lowered head)
- Encourage forward motion or continued movement after the click
- Reinforce a specific movement pattern or line of travel, eg a parcour or figure
- Set up an optimal restart position for the next repetition or cue
When applied with intention and consistency, feed placement becomes a subtle yet powerful tool in guiding the horse’s understanding of what is being reinforced – not just the action itself, but also the quality, orientation, and continuity of that action.
How food placement reinforces locations and static positions
When the click and the placement of the food occurs at the same place, the result is usually the reinforcement of static behavior. The horse comes to expect the reinforcer exactly where it was at the moment of the click – both in terms of space and body posture. This expectation encourages the horse to remain in that position, which is often desirable in many training contexts.
If the horse still moves out of the desired posture immediately after the click, the reinforcer should appear as precisely and unexpectedly as possible at the correct location – almost as if “out of nowhere.” This prevents unintentional reinforcement of the movement. From a behavioral economics perspective, it is more efficient for the horse to stay in the desired position if the reinforcer reliably appears there. Therefore, the undesired movement tends to fade out of the behavior chain.
This mechanism not only further reinforces the posture in addition to the click but also helps stabilize it over time. The principle is especially useful in the early stages of training when building duration or establishing a specific position. It can also be used to classically condition locations such as mats, pedestals, or targetEin Target ist ein sichtbares Objekt oder eine Körperstelle, auf die das Tier gezielt reagieren soll, indem es sie berührt oder folgt. Es dient als Orientierungshilfe im Training und ermöglicht... » Weiterlesen areas by repeatedly pairing them with a precisely placed reinforcer.
Encourage movement through placement of the food
If the goal is for the horse to continue moving after the click, it is helpful to spatially separate the click and the placement of the food. The food should be delivered at a point that fits logically and strategically into the movement sequence – for example, a few steps ahead along an imaginary line. This way, the reinforcement doesn’t interrupt the flow but gently guides the horse forward. At first, straight lines and slow, even movements are ideal; later, curved lines or more complex movement patterns can be introduced.
An initial pause of the horse after the click is not problematic as long as the horse then actively moves toward the reinforcer. However, it is important that the location of the food is clearly defined and that the human does not bring the food directly to the horse’s mouth. Otherwise, the hand movement itself becomes a cue or even a secondary reinforcer. The horse may then stop taking initiative to move toward the reinforcement and instead wait for the food to come to it – which can, over time, reduce movement motivationMotivation ist der innere Antrieb, der ein Lebewesen dazu veranlasst, ein bestimmtes Verhalten zu zeigen. Sie entsteht durch die Erwartung, ein Bedürfnis zu befriedigen oder eine Konsequenz zu vermeiden. Motivation... » Weiterlesen.
In gymnastic or body-awareness work especially, the placement of the food can be used to support movement quality and self-carriage. For example, delivering the food at shoulder height may help improve balance and encourage a healthy upright posture. Offering the food from the side can reinforce lateral bend or weight shifts. A well-placed reinforcer may also support engagement of the hindquarters or prevent the horse from leaning too much on the forehand.
The direction from which the food is delivered also influences posture: Reinforcement from below can support a stretching posture, while food delivered from the front or above tends to promote an upright frame. In this way, not only the movement pattern but also the horse’s muscle tone can be shaped in a highly nuanced way.
From a biomechanical perspective, the placement of the food plays a central role. A strategically chosen feed point supports even muscle activation and healthy weight distribution. If the placement is inconsistent or poorly chosen, it can result in postural imbalances, reduced quality of movement, or even behavioral uncertainty. For example, repeatedly delivering food “around the corner” can lead to the horse cutting corners or twisting through the forehand rather than following a clean line.
Training and maintaining movement patterns and line orientation
Unlike the previous application, which focused primarily on movement quality and posture, this approach emphasizes spatial orientation. Varying the placement of the food can be effectively used to train specific lines – such as in a slalom, a labyrinth, or along a course. The feed point can help bridge the distance to the next reinforcer, allowing the horse to develop a consistent sense of movement along the desired path. In this case, the placement of the reinforcer not only serves as a reward but also acts as a kind of guidepost.
It is important that the reinforcer is presented promptly and with clear intent – without waiting for a specific action from the horse. Horses are highly attentive and interpret even subtle cues, such as hesitation, eye direction, or hand movement. The direction from which the food is delivered also matters, as it can support or disrupt the intended line of movement.
As training progresses, reinforcement can be gradually reduced so that the horse eventually completes full paths or circuits without intermediate rewards. However, this requires careful preparation – including consistent feed placement and stable movement patterns.
It must be kept in mind that movement along an imagined path is always a dynamic process. If the click and feed point are repeatedly placed in the same location or delivered from a poorly chosen position, the horse’s movement behavior will adapt accordingly. From a behavioral economics perspective, the horse will try to maximize reward while minimizing effort. For example, repeatedly feeding „around the corner“ can cause the horse to start cutting curves, lose the intended line, or compromise its posture and balance.
Timing also plays a crucial role in this context. If the trainer begins to move before the click, the horse may interpret this as an anticipatory cue for reinforcement. This could lead to the horse stopping, turning toward the person, or interrupting its movement altogether. Likewise, poorly timed clicks can result in unintended associations – the horse may learn a different behavior than intended and begin to „drift“ from the desired pattern, even if the placement of the reinforcemer will be correct.
Training along a line therefore requires a dynamic strategy that is aligned with movement. The placement of the reinforcer must be flexible but deliberate – always taking into account direction, terrain, horse type, and training goals. Additionally, the relationship between effort and reinforcement should be considered: the longer or more demanding a stretch is, the higher the quality or frequency of reinforcement should be to maintain motivation and clarity.
Using food placement to prepare the next repetition
Another important strength of varying the click and the placement of the food lies in preparing an optimal restart. Especially when training new exercises with a high repetition rate, it is helpful to reinforce the desired posture, position, or movement, but deliver the reinforcer at an alternative location. If the food is given at the same place as the click occurs, static behavior is often reinforced. This means that after marking and reinforcing the behavior, we need to re-established to the start position before the horse can perform the desired behavior again. That interrupts the learning flow, reduces repetition rate, and shifts the focus away from the movement itself.
If, on the other hand, the food is placed so that the horse needs to returns to the starting position or can immediately begin the next repetition after reinforcement, a behavior loopEin Loop im Clickertraining beschreibt eine sich wiederholende Abfolge von Verhalten, Markierung (z. B. durch einen Click) und Belohnung. Besonders wichtig ist der Loop, wenn ein Verhalten zuerst erarbeitet wird,... » Weiterlesen is created – a self-contained training cycle that stabilizes the behavior with each pass. The loop allows the horse to perform the behavior multiple times in the same structure – without delays, waiting, or distraction. This creates a rhythmic learning process that increases motivation and strengthens behavior more quickly.
This structure also offers a major advantage when introducing a cue. If the behavior is already stable within the loop, the new cue can be placed between the reinforcement and the next repetition. This clear placement strengthens the association and supports precise cue control. In this way, the food placement becomes an invisible but essential component of the cue chain.
In addition to its functional role, a consistent feed point also supports the horse’s emotional balance. When the horse reliably knows where the reinforcement will appear and what happens next, it creates a predictable routine that builds trust. Especially in exercises that require fine motor skills or physical effort, a clearly structured loop can reduce frustrationFrustration ist eine emotionale Reaktion, die auftritt, wenn ein Lebewesen daran gehindert wird, ein erwartetes Ziel zu erreichen oder eine gewohnte Belohnung zu erhalten. Sie entsteht besonders dann, wenn ein... » Weiterlesen, prevent uncertainty, and promote a sense of autonomy and success.
Initiating behavior: the placement of the lure as a starting point
In addition to the click and the placement of the food, there is another helpful element in advanced behavior training: the placement of the lure. It is used when the horse has no idea yet which behavior is being asked for. Using food or the promise of food, the horse is guided into a certain position or movement – supported by deliberate pointing or leading with the hand. At this stage, no click is given yet; instead, the horse is simply rewarded for following the placement of the lure.
After a few repetitions, the horse begins to offer the initial movement on its own. Only then is the click introduced, and the placement of the lure gradually transitions into a feeding point – meaning the reinforcer is now strategically placed to reinforce the self-initiated behavior. The placement of the lure and the later placement of the food can be in the same location, but they don’t have to be.
It’s important not to rely on luringLuring, auch Locken, ist eine Technik im Training, bei der das Tier mithilfe eines Lockreizes (z. B. Futter oder ein Target) in die gewünschte Position oder Bewegung geführt wird. Der... » Weiterlesen for too long. If the horse becomes too accustomed to being shown what to do, it may begin to interpret the trainer’s hand movement as a cue. This can complicate the introduction of an actual cue or lead to the horse only acting when a specific body movement precedes it. For this reason, the placement of the lure should only serve as a temporary starting aid and be replaced by free behavior as early as possible.
If the behavior stalls in later stages of training or the horse becomes uncertain, the placement of the lure can be reintroduced briefly. This allows the trainer to rebuild the behavior without having to start from scratch. However, the ultimate goal remains that the horse offers the behavior on its own and the human confirms it with a well-timed click and a thoughtfully placed reinforcer.
Passive signal controlExample training plan: shaping head lowering
To make the concept more tangible, the following outlines an example of how I might structure the training of the behavior “head lowering,” incorporating the concept of click for action, feed for positionClick for Action, Feed for Position ist ein Konzept im Clickertraining, bei dem der Click nicht das Ende eines Verhaltens signalisiert, sondern das Tier dazu ermutigt, entweder weiter in Bewegung... » Weiterlesen. Depending on the horse, training context, and goal, especially the development of duration and the introduction of a cue can also be approached differently.
- Starting with the placement of the lure
To initiate movement toward the desired behavior, the placement of the lure is set below the forelegs toward the ground. The horse follows the food downward without a click being used – since the behavior is not yet offered independently but created through guided food presentation. The goal at this stage is to establish an initial movement pattern. - Transition to click the self-initiated behavior
Once the horse begins to lower its head before the food appears, that initial effort is clicked. The food is still delivered at the same position (formerly the placement of the lure, low). Thus, the placement of the lure becomes the placement of the reinforcer after the click, and the movement begins to stabilize, as the horse starts to recognize the connection between self-initiated behavior and reinforcement. - ShapingShaping ist ein Trainingskonzept, bei dem ein Verhalten schrittweise geformt wird. Das bedeutet, dass bereits kleine Ansätze des gewünschten Verhaltens verstärkt werden, bis das Tier das vollständige Verhalten zeigt. Das... » Weiterlesen the final behavior
In the next step, the click is given increasingly later – meaning the horse is now clicked closer and closer to the final lowered position, rather than just for the initial attempt. Click and food placement gradually converge and eventually coincide: the horse is now clicked and rewarded when it reaches the lowest point. At this stage, the final behavior is considered defined. - Using food placement as a reset and establishing a loop
Because the click and placement of the reinforcer now occurs at the same spot, a static posture forms, and the return to the starting position becomes sluggish. To prepare for the next repetition, the food placement is shifted back to the starting position – the click still marks the lowest point, but the reinforcement is now delivered in a neutral, upright position. This creates a loop: the horse performs the behavior, is clicked at the lowest point, receives the reinforcer in the upright position, and can immediately restart. Additionally, delivering the food at the starting point helps prevent the horse from remaining in the lowered position too long – a feature that is particularly helpful for later stimulus control. - Introducing a cue within the loop
Once the behavior is stable within the loop, a new cue – such as a word like “Down” or a specific gesture – can be introduced. This cue is given after the reinforcement, when the horse is upright and ready for the next repetition. The clear structure of the loop allows the new cue to be consistently linked to the behavior without disrupting the flow. The click continues to mark the correct execution – when the horse maintains its head in the final lowered position. - Passive stimulus control
The previous step describes active stimulus control – showing the behavior after the cue. To build passive stimulus control (not showing the behavior unless the cue is given), a more nuanced approach is required. The cue is withheld until the horse seems likely to offer the behavior, but hasn’t yet done so. Eventually, the absence of behavior in the absence of a cue can also be reinforced. The loop can then be re-established – for example, by briefly returning to luring and quickly phasing it out again, to restart the behavior with clarity. This is also a very stressless approach instead of the often commonly used one by using extinctionSiehe Löschung. » Weiterlesen, causing extinction burstSiehe Löschungstrotz. » Weiterlesen and frustration to get passive stimulus control. - Building duration through strategic reinforcement placement
The duration of the lowered head position can be built by strategically placing the click and the food. Depending on the horse and context, this may mean that the click and the reinforcement are initially delivered in the same place to support stillness, or separated to structure movement. Multiple functional variations are possible. In the final stage, the goal is for the horse to maintain the head-lowered position until the click releases the behavior and the reward is given in the upright stance. Aligning click and reinforcement placement thus helps classically condition the posture but only indirectly contributes to building duration in its final form.
A dynamic concept for a precise and flexible behavior building
The use of the click, the placement of the food, and the placement of the lure is not a rigid step-by-step protocol. Rather, it is a dynamic, adaptable concept that can be flexibly tailored to the individual horse, the specific behavior, and the current stage of training. Each of these elements serves its own function, but they do not act in isolation – they work together to form a refined system of guidance that enables clear communication and precise behavior shaping.
What begins as simple guidance through the placement of the lure becomes, through precise timing and strategic reinforcement, a structured learning process that strengthens the behavior and ultimately brings it under cue control. There is no single “correct” method – instead, there are many functional variations, the effectiveness of which depends on the context.
Those who understand how timing of the click, placement of the food, and placement of the lure interact hold a powerful tool for shaping behavior in a way that is not only effective but also emotionally safe, biomechanically sound, and stable over time. The deliberate use of these principles allows training to become not only more efficient but also clearer, more comprehensible, and more respectful of the horse’s needs – making it an indispensable part of the modern positive training toolkit.
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