Teaching Jackie to Lower Her Head with Positive Reinforcement
Positive-reinforcement training allows us to break a skill into small, thoughtful steps while helping the horse feel safe, confident, and successful.
In this video, I am working with Jackie on lowering her head while moving on the lunge line. Jackie was once a very reactive, high-headed mare, so I love seeing her slow down, listen, and use her “thinking brain” rather than responding from fear or tension.
We are practicing head lowering during both upward and downward transitions at the walk, trot, and canter. Her walk is becoming quite consistent, the trot is improving, and the canter is still a work in progress!
Lowering her head can help Jackie soften through her body, relax, lift her back, and allow her hindquarters to move more freely. I keep the pace slow so that neither of us feels rushed and we can pause whenever needed. Creating relaxation is more important than pushing for a quick result.
Building the Head-Lowering Cue Step by Step
We began working on this cue several months ago while standing quietly in different places, including the arena, paddock, and cross-ties.
Once Jackie understood that lowering her head brought a positive result, we began practicing while walking on a lead rope and then while working at liberty. From there, we gradually introduced the exercise on the lunge line.
The beginning was not always easy. Based on Jackie’s reactions, equipment held above or near her ears may have been frightening or associated with punishment in her past. We took our time and allowed her to build a new, positive association with the work.
Now, she is beginning to pause, think, and search for the answer instead of immediately reacting.
Rewarding the Effort
The canter remains the most challenging part. Jackie must learn how to organize and balance her body while maintaining a softer, lower position. That is her part of the process.
My job is to set her up for success, encourage her to keep trying, and reward each honest effort.
Positive-reinforcement training is about progress rather than perfection. Take your time, divide the lesson into manageable steps, and return to an easier step whenever your horse becomes confused or worried.
Praise often… and remember to have fun with the process!
Happy clicker training!