How Do I Get My Horse to Drop Its Head During Ground Work at the Trot?

Getting your horse to drop its head during ground work can help you set up a cue for your horse to slow down. Some horses have a nervous temper and will steadily increase their speed during a trot. If you are uncomfortable with the speed, or simply need to maintain a steady trotting pace, having a head-drop cue can help keep your horse from picking up too much speed.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope halter
  • Training lead
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the horse into a rope halter and attach a training lead to the halter. Hold the lead firmly in your hands and stand in front of the horse.

    • 2

      Pull the lead down very slowly with a gentle pressure. Make sure that the lead is dragging down from the horses head, and not to either side or toward you. Watch very carefully for any indication that your horse is angling his head downward.

    • 3

      Release the pressure on the lead and praise the horse as soon as you see the horse begin to move his head downward in response. Repeat this process, releasing the lead every time your horse makes the slightest inclination that he is moving his head down. Eventually, the horse will move his head further and further down as he learns that this is the response that will release the pressure on the halter.