lay down in the snow

[lisacota]

I start a lot of young horses and occasionally I have one that likes to lay down in the snow, with a rider. My saddlebred filly just casually layed down, with me one her. I did have to bale out because I though she might roll. Why would they do that? pretty rountinly I have young horses paw in the water or steam. I've heard that they might lay down if you indulge this behavior but that has never happened to me. This is the second horse that has layed down in the snow with me. She did paw and play in it before she went down. It wasn't done with a lot of drama. In fact she was very leisurely about it and just layed there a while.

[5Gatd]

I think everyone has had a horse/pony try to lay down on them especially in water, but don't let them! When they start pawing/playing in the snow or water that is a pretty good indication they want to lay down, so stop it at that point....that's where a good cluck and sharp heel in their ribs works well. Good luck :)

[Samigator]

Our 3 y/o TWH gelding laid down in the snow with me on him a few weeks ago during one of my rides. The snow was almost up to his belly, and he just casually laid down, stayed there a second (I didn't bail off because I didn't really think he would try/probably won't be sucessful at rolling in that deep of now), then I clucked to him and he just stood back up and continued on like nothing had happened. I don't know if he did this because he was warm (it's hard work walking through the deep snow!) or what, but it didn't really seem to be a big deal. Just as long as he doesn't try to that routinely while riding through the prairie. lol

Yeah, I'd be interested to hear if somebody has a better reason as to why they lay down in the snow. Tired? Warm? Sore? Just feels good? Trying to get out of work? Not really sure. . .

[lisacota]

I dont know why she did it and it was deep snow and like your experiance it was very leisurly and she did not try to roll. A horse in a pasture doesn't roll in deep snow or in any body of water. They would not want to be that vulnerable. she does paw a bit before she does it. Maybe she is making snow:angel: I have had some sour older horse lay on me and roll purposely to get me off, but this is not the same thing. Are their any natural horsemanship folks out there that have an explaination f:confused1: or this behavior.

[Silly Filly]

Maybe she wanted to show you what it felt like to be knee deep in snow.:laugh:

[D_BaldStockings]

Then I guess my mare was 'not a horse' when she was two: she loved to find the low waterfilled depressions in the pasture, break the thin ice with stomping front hooves, and roll in the icy water, and get up snorting steam and buck off round the pasture with her friends.

Looked to me like she thought it was grand fun! She has become more sedate with age.

[lisacota]

I'm glad to hear they maybe she was just being a silly young horse.

[Samigator]

You might find more answers as to why they do this on COTH. . .???

[GottaDrive]

DON't LET THEM DO IT. Once you know the signs cluck, kick, hit'm do whatever is needed to keep them focused and going forward. If they persist bring a drop lash and make them get up. Don't let them roll around in snow while you stand there looking amused. You are creating a bad behavior that will be more difficult to correct in the future.

[lisacota]

I'm sorry I don"t know what COTH is?

[Samigator]

http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/