Things You'll Need:
- Corral or round-pen 3 soft cotton rope Treats Halter
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Step 1
Use a horse that is used to be handled and trusts people. You must have this in place before you can attempt to train a horse to spread down. Having a wild or aggressive horse made to lie down against his will is asking for trouble and should only be left to the top professionals.
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Step 2
Tie a soft rope around the horse's leg down near the fetlock, then draw the leg up and secure it with another soft rope around the horse's neck, making a hobble on the horse.
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Step 3
Pull the horse's head around towards the leg that is hobbled, sharply. This forces the horse off balance, as his normal reaction is to spread his legs. Be prepared for him to fight the hobble, because he will.
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Step 4
Watch for the horse to turn his head and begin to lose his balance. Have a second person apply pressure to his neck, forcing him further down and off balance. Eventually, his front end will be forced down to the ground and his knees will buckle.
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Step 5
Keep pulling his head sharply to the side to keep him down, as he needs his head to balance him getting back up. When his knees buckle, pull him sideways and down, pushing hard against his side to encourage him to let his hind end fall as well.
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Step 6
Praise him when he is down and reward him, so that he knows he has done what you wanted and is no longer scared. Watch for him to lick his lips and chew his jaws, these are signs of relaxation and should be noted. When he is relaxed, take off the hobble and allow him to get up, then praise him again.
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Step 7
Repeat the lesson until the horse is no longer frightened, and soon he will begin to "spread down" on his own, as soon as he feels his head being sharply turned to the side where you have hobbled him. Be sure and reward his new trick with treats such as carrots, apples or other edibles.
