Training Tip: Ask Clinton: Can’t Reach Head for Haltering

Q: I just bought a Thoroughbred gelding that is over 16 hands. Every time I go in the stall to put his halter on he lifts his head really high so that I can’t halter him. How do I get him to drop his head for me? – Catelynn S.

A: Horses get smart and realize that if they raise their heads up really high, you can’t reach them. You can teach your horse to lower his head all the way to the ground whenever you gently press between his ears. Once he has lowered his head, then it’ll be easy for you to put the halter on and eventually the bridle.

Stand on the left side of your horse facing his head. Hold the cheekpiece of the halter with your left hand. You may have to stand on a mounting block so that you can reach the top of his head. Then put your right hand between his ears and gently touch his poll with your thumb and index finger; your fingers should be on either side of his forelock just behind the hard lump between his ears. Gradually increase the pressure by pressing with your fingers, then pushing harder and finally digging your fingers in until he responds by lowering his head. The instant he drops his head even slightly, immediately release the pressure and rub his poll.

Initially, your horse may dislike the pressure and will react by throwing his head up. If he does, keep your hand on his poll as you maintain the pressure until he finds the answer by dropping his head. The key to this exercise is to reward the slightest try. If he drops his head even slightly then reward him by releasing the pressure and rubbing his poll with the palm of your hand. Through repetition, your horse will gradually lower his head until it eventually touches the ground. Practice these steps to bridle your horse until eventually he no longer tries to escape you by raising his head.