The Ariana Sakaris Laydown Method

Every horse can benefit from at least gently working through the first step of this Laydown Method (relaxing and releasing the head & neck). Remember, it's not about the Laydown itself, rather the value of each step that guides us there. This method is all about taking our time, building the horse's understanding, empowering the horse to think through things, growing their confidence, and fostering their motivation and feeling of safety to try. 

I use aspects of this Laydown Method for every horse I work with, some horses I complete the the entire process with, while others benefit greatly from just part of the process. 

While I have had success with many horses of various breeds, ages, personalities, and issues, not every horse will lay down. Some horses physically are not comfortable laying down, and we have to respect that if it's difficult for them in nature without us, it may be difficult or uncomfortable for them when we try to train it on cue.

Remember if our goal is a more trusting confident horse, we can achieve that in so many other ways as well. That is why I created my program, "Student of the Horse," that includes brain training in the form of thoughtful Groundwork, Confidence Building, and Liberty Work.

The Lay Down is a beautiful thing to achieve with a horse (magical!), but is also the culmination of trust, confidence, and the horse feeling safe enough to relax and be physically and emotionally vulnerable at that level. 

If we are working on the Lay Down, we have to hold in our hearts the intention work on it for the right reasons, be ok with the timeline it takes.

We have several solutions! 

1) Send an email to [email protected]. I may be able to make an additional video that can address your issue.

2) Schedule a virtual lesson where we work together "live." 

3) For continued long-term support as you work through this process, join the Student of the Horse membership. Coaching Calls are held twice a month (included in the membership). You can get your questions answered, video clips reviewed, and touch base with me for support on a more regular basis.