How to Train a Horse to Kneel

Teaching your horse tricks is not as difficult as you might guess. With some patience, a lot of repetition and numerous rewards in the form of scratches and carrots, you can teach your horse many entertaining tricks. One of the most common tricks is teaching your horse to bow or kneel.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Carrots
  • Stall
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Instructions

    • 1

      Halter your horse and put it in a stall, preferably one with deep bedding. Attach a lead rope to the horse's halter.

    • 2

      Stand beside the horse, close to its head. Offer the horse a carrot, and then lower it so that the horse has to lower its head to get the carrot.

    • 3

      Continue to lower the carrot until the horse is bending its head down between its legs or down to one side to get the carrot.

    • 4

      Move slightly closer to the horse and face it. Offer the carrot down low again, but this time when the horse moves to get it, move the carrot back so that the horse has to bend its knee to get the carrot. Praise the horse verbally and give it the treat when it does this.

    • 5

      Repeat Step 4 and continue to move the carrot further and further back, encouraging the horse to bend down on one knee to retrieve it. With enough repetition, the horse will learn that it is rewarded when it gets down on one knee.