How to Train Your Horse to Lay Down

Training your horse to lay down can be used for a couple of different things. Some people may want to train their horse to lay down as a trick they can perform, some may want to show who is in charge out of the two, and some train their horse to lay down to make work around the stables easier. There are a couple different ways to train your horse to lie down; one requires a lot of time where the other requires strength and force.

Things You'll Need

  • Water hose
  • Horse treats
  • Lead rope
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Instructions

  1. Praise Method

    • 1

      Completely hose down your horse with water. Horses like to lie down and roll in the dirt when they are wet or sweaty.

    • 2

      Sit in a safe place near your horse and wait for it to lie down and roll on the ground.

    • 3

      Come up with a catch phrase to use for lying down such as "lay down" or just "down."

    • 4

      Praise your horse immediately and give it a treat as soon as it goes to the ground using your catch phrase. This helps the horse recognize that it is doing something right.

    Strength Method

    • 5

      Come up with a catch phrase to use for lying down such as "lay down" or just "down."

    • 6

      Stand near your horse's left leg and lift it up. Hold onto the leg with your right arm and pull its lead rope away from you with your left hand. This method of training is more of a way to tell the horse who is in charge. Repeat your catch phrase while doing this.

    • 7

      Hold the leg carefully and steadily as the horse goes down on its right front knee. Keep pulling the lead rope away from you.

    • 8

      Praise the horse and give it a treat.