Instructions
Attach a lead rope to your horse's halter.
Grab the lead rope approximately 2 inches below the snap, and pull straight down with a gentle, but consistent, pressure while standing at your horse's side.
Keep applying pressure until your horse lowers his head. After even a slight lowering of the head, release your hand and reward him by stroking his neck.
Put your hand back in place and apply pressure again. Again, when your horse lowers his head, release the pressure.
Continue these lessons until your horse responds to the command within one second.
Start releasing only small amounts of pressure when your horse lowers his head only slightly. Do not release full pressure until your horse lowers his head to the desired position.
Add distracting elements to the training, such as soft noises or people walking around. Eventually, you want your horse to respond to the "head down" cue even in stressful situations that would normally spook him.
Teach your horse to respond to a "head down" cue from the saddle as well, by repeating a similar process. While your horse is standing still, tighten one rein with gentle pressure until he lowers his head. Release the rein completely and offer praise. Repeat until your horse has mastered the cue.
How to Get My Horse to Relax & Not Be Spooked
When something happens that spooks a horse, such as a severe thunderstorm, the horse may suffer from anxiety and become spooked every time it rains or whenever loud noises are heard. If this becomes an issue for you and your horse, the solution is to teach the horse to become relaxed on cue. This is simpler than you might think. A horse with a lowered head has a relaxed body and spine. The "head down" cue can be used to help relax your horse whenever something spooks him.