How to Teach a Horse to Play Dead
Teaching horses tricks can be very challenging, especially tricks that involve getting the horse to lie down. Horses are flight animals, and their instincts are to avoid putting themselves in positions where they are vulnerable to attack. Overcoming this instinct is a huge part of training a horse to "play dead."
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Instructions
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Begin by teaching your horse to lie down on command. Playing dead is a glorified version of this relatively simple trick.
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Using the halter and lead rope, pull your horse's nose toward you as you stand next to his shoulder. Sharply but gently bring his nose as far back as he can bend his neck.
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Once his head is turned toward his shoulder, reach down and carefully pick up the hoof that is on the same side as you are. While keeping his head back, bring the hoof all the way up to his belly. This is uncomfortable for him, so his is apt to resist; give plenty of treats and praise when he responds as you wish, and never maintain the pressure for too long.
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Turn the horse's head sharply away from you once you have his hoof up. A rope that comes over his shoulder so you can pull his head sharply back on the opposite side is helpful. This unbalances the horse and causes him to rock his weight backward on his haunches; the harder you pull him while keeping his leg up, the more unbalanced he becomes.
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Continually praise your horse and be sure to allow him to rest for a few minutes between times when you ask him to do something. Give him treats when he reaches backwards with his head, and when he first buckles his knees and rests on the ground--even for a moment. Eventually, you will be able to pull his head back far enough to encourage him to roll over on his side.
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Repeat the training until the horse lies down without fuss when you cue him. Delay the reward for longer periods of time, asking him to lie down on his side quietly for a minute, then longer to receive his treat.
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Finish the training by repeating the lessons until the horse goes down faster and lies still for longer periods of time. Once you have completed his training, he should drop on command and lie as long as you ask him to, effectively "playing dead."
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Tips & Warnings
How far you can go with the details of teaching your horse to play dead depends a great deal on the personality of your horse.
It is very important that the horse associate the trick with calmness and pleasantness.
Take as much time as needed to teach this lesson as stress-free as possible. It is important that your horse not fear this trick, but look forward to the treats and attention that he receives when he obeys your commands.
Be very careful when you pull the horse off balance, as it is possible that he may fall on you.
References
- Photo Credit Horse Kneeling image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
