Yes, you absolutely can teach a horse to lay down on command. This is an advanced horse command that shows a high level of trust and responsiveness between horse and handler. Teaching this takes time, patience, and consistent use of positive reinforcement horse training.
The Foundation: Readiness for Advanced Commands
Before starting any horse training drills aimed at teaching a horse to lie down, you must have a solid foundation. This command builds upon basic control and trust. A horse that is not ready may become stressed or resistant.
Essential Prerequisites
Your horse should already master these skills:
- Respect for Personal Space: The horse moves away from light pressure.
- Ground Manners: The horse stands quietly while you work around them.
- Basic Commands: The horse responds well to “stand,” “walk on,” and “back up” on the lead line.
- Acceptance of Touch: The horse is calm when you touch their back, neck, and flanks.
If these basics are not solid, focus on improving your ground work for horses first. This process involves horse behavior modification to ensure the horse is relaxed and willing to comply.
Building Trust and Equine Calm Behavior
The lying down position is vulnerable for a horse. They must feel safe. Your goal is to create an environment where the horse associates your requests with comfort and safety, promoting equine calm behavior.
- Keep sessions short, about 5 to 10 minutes long.
- Always end on a good note, even if it means asking for an easy “stand.”
- Use a soft, steady voice.
Phase One: Introducing the Concept of Lowering
The first step is getting the horse to lower their head and neck, a precursor to a full kneel. We use pressure and release horse training principles here, combined with rewards.
Step 1: Head Lowering Using a Lunge Line
Use a regular lead rope or a lunge line. Start standing beside your horse’s shoulder.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Hold the lead rope. Ask the horse to take one small step toward you. As they step, apply very light downward pressure on the lead rope. Do not yank. Think of it as guiding them to lower their chin toward their chest.
- Immediate Release and Reward: The instant the horse’s head drops even slightly—even just dropping their attention from looking far away—release all pressure immediately. Give a small, tasty treat (like a piece of carrot or commercial horse treat).
- Consistency is Key: Repeat this many times. You are teaching that the pressure means “lower,” and the release plus treat means “good job.”
Step 2: Shaping the Lowering Position
As the horse gets better at lowering their head on cue, you start rewarding only deeper lowering.
- Verbal Cue Introduction: Once the horse consistently drops their head when you apply light pressure, start saying your cue word softly, such as “Down” or “Halt Low,” right as you apply the pressure.
- The Neck Stretch: You want the horse to stretch their neck down toward the ground between their front legs. Reward every attempt to stretch further down.
This groundwork is vital for successful teaching a horse to lie down on command.
Phase Two: The Kneel – The Half-Down Position
The full lie down involves the horse tucking their front legs. This usually starts with a controlled kneel. We are now focusing on teaching submission in horses gently, asking them to yield their weight and balance.
Step 3: Using the Hindquarters to Encourage Weight Shift
Many trainers find it easier to ask the horse to back up slightly, shifting their weight backward, right before asking for the kneel.
- Set Up: Have your horse standing squarely. Ask for a soft stand.
- Cue the Back Up: Give a light signal (maybe a slight closing of the fingers on the lead rope or a gentle tap with a dressage whip near the flank) to ask for one small step backward.
- Combine Pressure: As the horse shifts weight backward, immediately introduce the downward head pressure cue (“Down”).
- Targeting the Knee: You are aiming for one knee to bend. As soon as you see any hint of a knee bending, stop the pressure, release, and reward heavily.
Step 4: Luring the Kneel with Food (Optional but Effective)
If pressure alone is confusing the horse, you can use food as a lure. This is a very clear application of positive reinforcement horse training.
- Hold a treat right under the horse’s chin, close to their chest.
- Slowly arc the treat down, drawing the horse’s nose toward the ground between their front legs.
- As the horse follows the food, their chest will naturally drop. You must guide the treat so that one front leg has to bend to keep following the food.
- The instant one knee touches the ground, release the lure (let them eat the treat) and praise them enthusiastically.
Important Note: Always reward the first knee to bend. Don’t wait for both knees to touch. This step is shaping the behavior.
Step 5: Fading the Lure and Introducing the Verbal Cue
Once the horse kneels reliably when lured with food:
- Start saying your verbal cue (“Down”) just before you bring the food lure down.
- Gradually make the hand motion smaller and smaller until the horse kneels just on the verbal cue and the hand signal.
- Begin rewarding only when they kneel using the verbal cue alone, phasing out the visible food lure.
Table 1: Transitioning from Head Lowering to Kneeling
| Stage | Action by Handler | Expected Horse Response | Reinforcement Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Light downward pressure | Head lowers slightly | Immediate release and treat |
| 2 | Deeper downward pressure, verbal cue | Head stretches toward chest | Reward only for deeper stretch |
| 3 | Light backward pressure + Head cue | Weight shifts, first knee bends | Reward heavily for any knee bend |
| 4 | Verbal Cue + Faded Lure/Signal | Horse performs a controlled kneel | High-value reward |
Phase Three: Achieving the Full Lie Down
Getting the horse to go from a kneel to lying flat on the side takes the most time and patience. This is where mastery of horse training techniques becomes essential.
Step 6: Encouraging the Full Drop
From the kneeling position, the horse needs to tuck its hind legs underneath it and lie down onto its side. This requires the horse to commit to a loss of balance.
- Positioning: Ensure the horse is kneeling squarely, with both front legs bent.
- Pressure for Rotation: Apply very gentle, steady pressure to the side of the horse’s shoulder or chest, asking them to shift their weight slightly sideways. This slight shift encourages them to drop the opposite hip.
- Hind Leg Cue: As they shift, use your original pressure and release method, but now ask for the head to go lower than the knees. You may need to gently press down on the horse’s shoulder toward the ground. This is a form of pressure and release horse training that asks for surrender of position.
- The “Floppy” Reward: The instant the horse’s belly or hip touches the ground, stop all pressure immediately. Give the best reward you have. Make this moment extremely positive.
Step 7: Duration Training and Staying Down
A horse that drops but immediately springs up is not fully trained. You need to teach duration.
- Short Duration First: Ask for the lie down. When the horse is down, wait just one second before releasing the pressure and rewarding.
- Gradually Increase Time: Over many sessions, increase the time they must remain down before getting the reward—one second, then three seconds, then five, and so on.
- The Release Cue: Teach a specific release cue, such as “Up,” or gently patting their side before asking them to stand. They should only get up when you cue them to do so. This solidifies control.
This entire process contributes significantly to teaching submission in horses in a controlled, safe manner.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When teaching advanced maneuvers, problems will arise. Here is how to address them using established horse training techniques.
Issue 1: The Horse Rushes the Command
If the horse drops too fast or flops over without control, they are anticipating the pressure release too eagerly.
- Solution: Go back to Step 1. Reward only for slow, controlled head lowering. If they rush the kneel, stand up immediately and wait 10 seconds before trying again. Make the reward less exciting for a rush job.
Issue 2: The Horse Refuses to Go Past the Kneel
This is the most common roadblock. The horse is comfortable kneeling but fears the loss of balance required to lie down.
- Solution: Focus entirely on Step 6 (encouraging rotation). Do not reward the kneel if the horse doesn’t try to shift weight. Use a soft block or cushion to make the ground feel softer initially if the horse is sensitive. Use very light pressure on the shoulder to encourage the side shift. Be patient; this step can take weeks.
Issue 3: The Horse Resists Pressure by Pulling Away
If the horse pulls back on the lead line when you apply downward pressure, they are resisting control rather than complying.
- Solution: Revisit your ground work for horses. Ensure your initial pressure cues (walk on, back up) are respected. You must be the leader they trust. If they pull away from the downward cue, simply hold steady pressure without jerking. Wait for a slight give, then release and reward the give, not the pull. This reinforces that yielding reduces pressure.
Issue 4: Dealing with Anxiety or Fear
If the horse shows signs of panic (wide eyes, snorting, trying to bolt), stop immediately.
- Solution: This means the pressure is too high or the horse is not ready. Return to equine calm behavior exercises. Work on simple grooming, gentle scratching, or just standing quietly together until the horse relaxes. Never force a lie down if the horse is frightened. This defeats the purpose of trust-building.
Safety Considerations for Teaching the Lie Down
Safety is paramount when asking a horse to adopt a vulnerable posture. Always prioritize safety over speed.
Handler Positioning
- Kneeling/Standing Near the Shoulder: When asking for the final drop, stand near the shoulder or slightly beside the head. This allows you to control the direction of the fall slightly, ensuring they drop toward you or straight ahead, not away from you.
- Avoid the Rear: Never stand directly behind the horse when teaching this command, as you risk being kicked if they try to violently stand up or move their hindquarters.
Environmental Factors
| Factor | Why It Matters | Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Hard, rocky, or slippery ground can cause injury or fear. | Use soft sand, firm footing, or well-maintained arena footing. |
| Space | The horse needs room to maneuver without hitting walls or obstacles. | Ensure at least a 20×20 foot clear area. |
| Distractions | Other horses or loud noises break concentration and cause tension. | Work when the environment is quiet and predictable. |
The Role of Positive Reinforcement in Advanced Commands
While older horse training techniques might rely heavily on “forcing” the issue, modern training emphasizes positive reinforcement horse training. This method speeds up learning because the horse wants to offer the behavior.
When teaching a complex behavior like lying down, consistency in rewarding the small approximations (shaping) is key.
- Primary Reinforcers: These are things the horse needs to survive, like food or water. Use small, desirable treats sparingly during training.
- Secondary Reinforcers: These are learned rewards, like a soft clicker sound or a specific verbal praise (“Good Boy!”). These bridge the time between the correct action and receiving the food reward.
Use the clicker or verbal marker the exact moment the desired action occurs—the moment the head lowers, the moment the knee bends, the moment the belly touches the ground.
Advanced Application: The Down Command During Riding
Once the horse lies down reliably on the ground, some trainers progress to asking for this behavior while mounted. This is a true sign of an advanced horse commands repertoire and deep submission.
Transitioning from Ground to Saddle
This is rarely done quickly. The foundation must be rock solid from the ground.
- Ground Work First: Ensure the horse lies down instantly from the verbal cue (“Down”) while you are standing beside them.
- Introducing Light Contact: While mounted, move at a slow walk. Ask for a deep head lowering (like in Step 1), using your reins only for very slight downward guidance, mostly relying on leg cues and weight shift. Reward heavily if they lower their head substantially.
- Asking for the Kneel: From a standstill, ask for the halt. Use your leg and weight cues to encourage the hindquarters to settle backward, similar to the ground work. Gently use the reins to cue the head down.
- The Full Drop (Caution!): Only attempt this if the horse is perfectly steady and relaxed. Ask for the halt, cue the head down, and use your legs to encourage the hindquarters to shift, asking them to “sit” slightly before they drop. Many trainers only ask for a deep kneel under saddle, as a full lie down can put the rider in an unsafe position if the horse pops back up quickly.
If you successfully teach the lie down while mounted, it becomes a powerful tool for teaching submission in horses, demonstrating complete trust.
Summary of the Process
Teaching a horse to lie down is a marathon, not a sprint. It combines ground work for horses with precise application of pressure and reward.
| Phase | Goal | Key Technique Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Head Lowering | Pressure/Release for head position |
| Phase 2 | Controlled Kneel | Shaping behavior with food lure/pressure |
| Phase 3 | Full Lie Down | Encouraging weight shift and lateral drop |
| Phase 4 | Duration & Cueing | Building time spent in the down position |
Be patient. Celebrate small victories. Consistent, fair application of horse training techniques will lead to a horse that willingly offers this remarkable behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I teach an old horse to lay down?
Yes, you can teach an older horse new tricks. However, if the horse has old injuries or arthritis, forcing a full lie down might cause pain. Focus only on the head lowering and a comfortable kneel. Always check with a veterinarian first if you suspect joint issues.
Is teaching a horse to lay down dangerous?
It can be if done incorrectly. The danger lies in the horse falling over or popping up too fast while you are close. Safety requires using positive reinforcement horse training to ensure the horse chooses to lie down calmly and that you practice safety positioning at all times. Never train near obstacles.
How long does it usually take to teach a horse to lie down?
This varies greatly depending on the horse’s personality, training history, and the consistency of the trainer. Some responsive horses might learn the kneel in a few weeks. Going from the kneel to a full, reliable lie down might take several months of patient, short training sessions.
Should I use a clicker or a verbal marker?
A clicker offers a very precise marker for the exact moment the horse performs the correct action, which is excellent for complex shaping like teaching a horse to lie down on command. If you prefer a verbal marker, ensure it is short, sharp, and used only for this specific command (e.g., “Yes!”).
Why does my horse stand up right after kneeling?
The horse hasn’t learned duration yet. They think the kneel is the end of the task. You must stop rewarding the kneel alone and start rewarding only when the kneel is immediately followed by the side drop or a brief pause before standing. This is crucial for equine calm behavior maintenance in the position.