Training a horse to lie down can be a valuable skill, both for physical conditioning and mental engagement. This method, developed by Pat Hooks, offers a step-by-step approach to teaching this behavior, particularly useful for older or more experienced horses. It emphasizes patience and understanding the horse’s natural instincts.
Understanding the Training Process
In the past, horses were often started under saddle at three or four years old. However, trainers frequently worked with horses seven years or older, who were bigger, stronger, and more intelligent. This required adaptive training methods. Teaching a horse to lie down can be an effective way to work around their established personalities and strengths. The author shares a personal anecdote about training Zan Parr Bar, a stallion who was older than usual when started, highlighting the success of this technique even with mature horses.
Essential Tack and Preparation
Before beginning, gather the necessary equipment:
- A soft towel or rag, or a breeding hobble.
- A halter and a soft lead rope.
- A long lariat or mecate line.
- An old saddle or a surcingle with a blanket underneath.
It is crucial to move the horse to a pen with deep sand or soft ground. This ensures a safer and more comfortable environment for the horse during the training process.
Step-by-Step Training Method
The training process involves several distinct steps, building upon each other to guide the horse into the desired behavior.
Step One: Initial Leg Hobble and Line Setup
- Secure the Hobble: Tie the hobble (or soft towel/rag) to the long lariat or mecate line and place it around the horse’s left front leg.
- Position the Line: Run the long line under the horse’s belly. Thread it through the stirrup on the opposite side, then over the saddle fender, and finally up and over the saddle seat. This setup prevents rope burns on the horse and creates a mechanical pulley system, reducing strain on the trainer’s back.
Step Two: Introducing Leg Lifting and Backing
- Leg Elevation: Begin by gently pulling the horse’s left front leg up using the rope. The initial goal is to get the horse accustomed to lifting its leg on cue.
- Encouraging Backing: Once the horse is comfortable lifting its leg, use the lead rope to ask the horse to back up lightly. As the horse backs, its front end will naturally lower, mimicking a bow.
- Release and Repeat: Release the pressure and allow the horse to return to its standing position. Repeat this process several times until the horse readily lifts its leg and partially lowers its front end when asked to back.
Step Three: Encouraging the Downward Position
- Knee to Ground: Continue the training until the horse consistently drops its left knee or front leg to the ground. At this stage, the horse may instinctively lower its head, either between its front legs or onto the extended leg.
- Assisted Fall: Once the horse can hold its front end down, the trainer will need to use their body to gently push the horse over. The horse will essentially fall onto its side, but at this point, it doesn’t yet understand how to “lie down” intentionally.
Step Four: Refining the Downward Cue and Reinforcement
- Repetition with Pressure: Once you can reliably get your horse to lie down using the long line and lead (approximately 25-30 repetitions), begin to decrease the pressure of your cues. Remove the saddle, rope, and hobble.
- Hand and Verbal Cues: Start by asking the horse to pick up its leg with a hand cue to the leg. Then, gently back them up with the lead rope as before. Crucially, offer significant praise, encouragement, and use verbal cues throughout this process. This phase of learning should involve another 15-20 repetitions of lying down.
Step Five: Subtle Cues and Positive Reinforcement
- Minimal Pressure: Aim for even less pressure from the trainer. Choose a specific cue spot on the horse (e.g., the withers, as shown in the photo) and use your verbal cues. By this stage, the horse should exhibit less struggle when getting back up.
- Positive Association: Make lying down a positive experience for the horse. The goal is for the horse to associate lying down with comfort and positive reinforcement, rather than force.
Advanced Training and Tips
The horse pictured, Cutter, eventually learned to lie down on a verbal command, even from a distance. This demonstrated the effectiveness of consistent and positive training.
Key Tips for Success:
- Patience is Paramount: Horses naturally get up front-end first. Teaching them to lie down involves asking them to do the opposite of their natural instinct. Be patient, and as the horse learns to lie down with subtle cues rather than force, they will begin to do so more naturally.
- Ideal Conditions: Soft, cool ground and a tired horse can encourage lying down, especially during the initial training sessions.
- “Hunting Snakes”: Be aware that horses may instinctively paw the ground before lying down, a behavior sometimes called “hunting snakes.”
- Safety First: Always be mindful of the horse’s feet, as they may scramble or kick, particularly in the early stages. Ensure you are not in a position where the horse could roll onto you.
- Avoid Force: Do not be overly demanding or forceful. When the horse is down, ensure it’s a comfortable experience. Becoming a “vicious predator” in the horse’s eyes will hinder progress.
This method is one of many effective ways to train a horse to lie down. Consistent application, positive reinforcement, and an understanding of the horse’s behavior are key to achieving success.
This article was originally published in the September 2011 issue of Northwest Horse Source.
