Kneeling/ Ground tie?

[PaulaqhMax]

How do you teach a horse to ground tie and kneel?

What age do you start training them to do this?

How long does it take?

Thanks

Paula

[Yann]

Don't know about kneeling but ground tying is quite easy to teach. Once a horse yields to pressure easily you can put them in a spot,give them a bit of a cue (eg say 'stand' and give a little downward pull on the rope) and step away. If they move just put them quietly back and ask again, and reward when you get it. Gradually ask for more and for longer. That's how I did it, although my horse likes standing still anyway:)

A clicker can be really useful for this sort of thing.

[Crystal Fire]

Yes, I also have the rope long enough so I can stand on it if they move. I put the rope down on the ground with a bit of energy, so they know that's the signal, and if they drift I stand on the rope, and I think they reckon they're tied up after all. Just little spells and develop into longer periods of time as it starts working.

[julia gulia]

when teaching to ground tie, I have found it important to watch for when the horse begins to lower his head and ask him to bring it up! when they lower their head when you are teaching them to ground tie(as in to simulate eating) they seem to think they can give themselves permission to walk off.(If you watch them in the field and they are being held at bay by another higher ranking horse, in order to get a release they will lower their head and simply move away from the pressure, thus a release. Horses are sooooo smart!!!! Be patient and do not be harsh with them, make it a very positive experience.If they move simply re position them behind an invisable line(they know exactly where that line is )
Remember to praise and reward them at every opportunity. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Have fun!

[PaulaqhMax]

Thanks for your replies I have tried the standing on the end of the rope and he is getting it slowly. ;) He is really good at standing still whilst I am grooming him so hopefully he will get it.

I will let you know how I get on. :p

[Crystal Fire]

Just be careful that you know where your rope is... don't get tangled if something spooks him :)

[PaulaqhMax]

Thanks Crystal Fire but he is so calm I don't think a bomb would startle him but I will be careful.:o

[*carrie*]

Not quite sure what ground tying is but a horse I used to look after started kneeling. It wasn't intentional, but he had to have daily massages to help supple him up and I used to use a carrot to get him to stretch his head out to each side. Then I used a carrot to get him to stretch down low taking the carrot either side of his legs and then inbetween his legs at this point he kneeled down.
Be careful not to over stretch though. It took the horse a good few weeks to master.

[PaulaqhMax]

Thanks carrie I will try that one.