Teaching a horse to lie down
Whether simply for employment, to build trust or to strengthen the team: floor work or circus lessons improve the relationship between humans and animals. The fact that a horse lies down completely at our command is a sign of recognition and trust in the rider. There are different ways in which a horse can be taught to lie down, because lying down is a natural movement and therefore easy for the horse to perform.
There are several ways to teach the horse to lie on command. One possibility is to take advantage of the natural behavior of the animals and to reinforce this with a lot of praise. As soon as the horse rolls around, the command comes, followed by kudos. You can also teach the horse to lie down by complimenting it. This is the most commonly chosen route. The compliment is followed by kneeling and then laying down, often by itself, as the animals find it easier than kneeling.
This is how you can teach your horse to lie down
- First, start by teaching the horse to lift its front legs when touching. The lifting should continue until you no longer touch the leg with the whip.
- If this exercise sits securely, teach the horse to keep the hind legs forward. This also works by touching the device. If the horse continues to move its legs forward when setting down, give it clear praise. Also called the mountain goat, this exercise can be a tedious exercise. At the beginning, be satisfied with small successes.
- Once the horse has understood the mountain goat exercise, it is the turn of the compliment. Working with a helper makes this lesson much easier. The compliment can be practiced using a leg lunge, or you can simply lift the leg up with your hand. If you have no experience with the leg lunge, the latter makes more sense. Touch a leg and hold it open. This is how you balance the horse. By touching the chest and using the bridle or halter, the helper rocks the horse slightly backwards, piece by piece, until it reaches the attitude of compliment. The first time, however, it is enough to shift your weight onto your hind legs.
- After many, regular repetitions and even more praise, the horse has understood what it is about and can give the compliment without lifting its leg.
- If this lesson works safely on both sides, you will come to your knees, followed by lying down. Now stand to the left of your horse and touch the left leg and immediately afterwards, before your horse comes to the compliment, also the right leg. By touching both front legs in quick succession, the animals usually automatically offer to kneel. Reward this behavior right away, but keep calm.
- Now you come to the crucial step: Teaching to lie down! To do this, use the reins or the rope to give a few directional pulls to the side. This will ask the horse to lie down. Make sure that the animal is with its back to you and that you have a lot of space to the front legs of the horse. Otherwise, if it startles and bounces, it could hurt you.
- Always combine putting down with a clear command, such as "lie down" or "sit down" or something similar.
- If the horse lies down, give it clear, but calm praise, even if it is not yet completely flat on the ground, but with its head still raised. The familiar closeness to his caregiver can help the horse, but possibly at the beginning it is also difficult for him to get away from people.
The "Say No" circus lesson is one of the easier tricks you can give your horse.
No matter what circus lessons you practice with your horse - the most important thing is always calm and patience. Take your time and your pet and give lots of praise!
