Things You'll Need
- Halter, preferably rope
- Lead rope
Instructions
Place a halter and lead rope on your horse in its stall where there are few distractions.
Pull straight down on the lead rope, exerting a light and steady pressure, while using a command such as "easy" or "relax" or "down." Release the pull as soon as your horse responds to the command. Do not pull any harder than necessary, as a horse will often learn to brace against a pull.
Ask your horse to lower its head more each time you ask. A horse cannot rear if its head is low, and a horse that lowers its head is also more relaxed and less likely to respond by rearing or trying to run away.
Lead your horse down the barn aisle or around a small corral when it responds to you head-down command in the stall. Ask your horse to lower its head several times, then ask a friend to create a few distractions, such as waving a piece of paper or making a loud noise. Soon your horse will respond to your head-down command on cue regardless of the situation.