Head Lowering Head lowering is one of the basic behaviors you will want to teach your horse.  Some of the benefits include: it is a calming state, it stretches the topline, it connects to the rein for undersaddle work. Pressure/release of pressure. Photo 1 (more step by step photos to come) Teaching this with a leadrope is the way to keep things connected for riding work.  To begin, stand on your horse's left side facing her shoulder.  Hold the lead in your right hand about half way up.   Now slide your left hand away from your right and towards your horses face.  When you first start doing this your horse's reaction will be to raise her head.  Apply an upward pressure staying with your horse and follow them up maintaining the same pressure.  The second you feel her drop her head in the tiniest downward movement release your hold on the rope and ct.  Be sure   your horse does not move forward.  They can stand still or move backward but NOT forward ! Your final result should be that as your hand slides down the rope, your horse will lower her head.   You should work this until the horse will put her nose in the dirt waiting for you to ct and release her.   HL from a distant hand signal-  (to come) HL from a physical touch - (to come)