Tie up the horse’s right foot with a handkerchief, or a buckled strap,
or something that is not so hard, as a common rope. Hold him close by
the bridle-reins. Then take a small stick in your right hand, and strike
gently upon the horse’s left leg, pulling downwards at the same time
upon the bridle-reins, which you hold in your left hand, speaking to the
horse, and telling him to lie down. Every time you strike his left leg,
bear a little against him, and pull upon the bridle, saying to him, “Lie
down, sir!” The horse, after several repetitions of the strokes, tries
to lift up his left leg; but, as the other is tied up, this motion
naturally throws him upon his knees. Now push him gently, till he lies
upon his side. After he has remained several minutes in this position,
untie his left leg, and say, “Stand up!” After he gets up, pat him in
the forehead and all over, and lead him about a little. By repeating
these lessons a few times, the horse will lie down at the word of
command, by your pulling a little upon the bridle-reins, and leaning
against him. When I practice this upon a wild horse that I have just
been breaking, it is surprising to see how quick he will learn to lie
down. He will do it in less than one half the time which one that has
been broken in the common way will be, in doing the same, and very often
in one fourth.