Just wanted to elaborate a little...I am not really a fan of John Lyon's, but he does have a few good ideas. They all (trainers) have "something" to offer, it's just weeding out what to or not to use.

Of what I have seen, it seems to be beneficial, and I agree because of what I know about a horse's natural instinct. We are the predator as you all know, so for a prey animal like the horse to be layed down by us, is a big step out into TRUST for them. I have never done this, but sure would like to learn if someone wants to share how.

I consider it a big deal if I can go out into the pasture while one of my boys is laying down, and he lets me come right up to him and love on him while he is resting. This is as close as I have come with this experience.

The reason I lay down a horse is to help them with their confidence. When a horse is down, all flight is taken away and he has the opportunity to trust. Not every horse needs this, but on the ones that does, it helps tremendously. The key to all this is the "willing compliance" and not the "forced compliance" This is the key to any of the "natural" training philsophies.

We all have our "favorite" horsemen that we follow and I strongly agree that each one, even Monty Roberts, can teach us something. (Robert's taught me to let someone else ride the horse first)

Ray Hunt got into this when Tom Dorrance recommended that he lay his horse down before every show. Ray was having problems and Tom was recommended to him. Really good story......

Cameron taught me the basics of laying a horse down, but everyone adds their little quirks.

I do recommend having someone experienced helping you the first time or two.

I work a lot with BLM horses and have a good reputation in this area. I use this technique on a few of them, but only later in the training process. Again....."willing compliance" not "forced compliance" is what you are after.

Peaeye & alleyrider,
I already have 110% trust from my mustang, I know he would lay down for me if I only knew how to ask. There has been nothing within his capabilities that he hasn't been willing to do for me. I don't know anyone I wold trust to show or help me, so can you attempt to give step by step instructions on how to ask?

See if you can find a video of Dennis Reis laying one down. I like the way he does it. It is about give and release of pressure. If you cannot find anything on Dennis, I will try explain the amatuer way that i do it. Right now, I am not wearing any contacts and typing is rather difficult, so my responses will be short until I can stand to get my lenses on. I wore them for too long over the weekend and got a nice little cornial abrasion so as soon as I can get them back on I will see if I can help.

Thanks alleyrider. Hope your eyes feel better soon!
I'll see if the local library has it or can get it. I'm quite familiar with using pressure and release, as well as advance/retreat...I use both techniques combined, depending on what we're working on.