Comparing methods

[Minouri]

I was looking at youtube at how people trained their horses to lay down.

Fascinating to see it done well....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7Tq-i69_WE&feature=related
And then see it done like this....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOpT1U7I_P0&feature=related

[ErinC]

I cant watch youtube at work
=(

[CarolU]

I have talked to a number of people who have trained it this way: After a hot, sweaty ride, you turn the horse loose to roll. When they they do, you lay down with them and give them a cookie. After 5-6 times they will lay down when you do for a cookie. Sounds the easiest to me...and I've started it with Rosie.

I think the first one is kind of an extension of how Shelley taught Vence to bow. It works very well.

Something everyone should remember with this, it is pretty hard on the horse's knees. Teach it in deep sand or shavings and BE CAREFUL the horse doesn't lay on you.

[moonrize]

I really love the scenery in the second video. The nice house, the good fencing, nice easy spot to lay a horse down. And who wouldn't want to tie a horse's foot to the saddle and make them lay down, c'mon that's so easy :mad2: Ignorant jerks just shouldn't have horses.

[motorgypsy]

Sounds like a good plan. But all of you PLEASE be careful to teach the horse to lie down only on CUE!!! Because we were at a show once and Lula had been saddled for quite a while and decided she needed a roll. So she lay down - with her rider on her. Needless to say it was a bit scary. We were right with her and yelled and swatted and she got right up - but it could have caused a broken leg. We have also been warned that when you're riding in the water if your horse starts pawing at the water be sure to give a very strong MOVE OUT cue because it means they are going to lie down in the water. Not a bad idea to remove your feet from the stirrups before going in swimming on your horse.

[pasorider]

I taught a mare to bow once, in a sandy arena, the only problem I had was when the shoer came and lifted her foot, she would try to bow, it took awhile for her to understand to only bow when I cued her.

[Finogirl]

The second people look like they needs to be trained themselves !!

Did you happen to see this one too - had me really laughing !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6fbf2TqI8E&NR=1

[Brigitte]

A friend of mine taught her horse to do that too, pretty nice to see

[JennLM]

That's cute.

I saw this next one and have always loved the look of the Knabstruper. This is a blind stallion doing upper level Equitation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9SBX3L-bZg

[Cindy]

That was really nice to watch, Jenn. Thanks for posting. And what a cool horse.

[JennLM]

It reminded me of the spirit inside of Snowy that we see so many stories about and see pics of.

[Minouri]

Jenn,

I think there is a special bond you find when you work with a blind horse. They rely on you more. When they trust you, it's hard not to feel honored.

That video made me wish I had such a flat ring. I hope I'm able to fix mine while Snowy is still young enough to enjoy it. He used to love to canter when he could see. He loves to canter on the lunge line. The problem is he trips at high speeds if the surface isn't perfectly flat.

Nancy cracks up everytime Snowy asks to run. She's amazed that a blind horse wants the speed.

I always feel great when she has to hold him back because I know that means he's feeling good :)

Maybe I'll look for a nearby indoor to visit this winter. Even a few visits would be worth it. I'd love to see him canter around without the fear of tripping over a rock or root.