que: It's not really that I want to use it as a trick. It's just a trust issue. And it's easier for my younger siblings to mount when he's laying. So how do I get him to lay down on que?|||How old is this horse? I never train anything to lay down that is under 5, their joints can't handle the weight of rising up. Laying a horse down for trust issues, is when you have exhausted all other training maneuvers and the horse still refuses . I have done it, seen it done on problem animals that truely needed it, with great results, but it takes a knowledgable person to do it for that reason that knows when to give and take. Otherwise, I train to lie down for me to get on especially on trail mules if I get injured and can't mount.|||Don't. If your younger siblings can't mount, get a stepstool. If they still can't mount, then they are definitely not big enough to be riding such a big horse. Also, it's complete bull that it builds trust... it doesn't and there are MUCH better ways to go about doing it. Forcing your horse to lay down is not going to make him trust you, it will make him fear you. Even when it's done in the "trusting" way it's not a trust-building exercise. It is also a dangerous trick because horses often get up quickly and people get hurt if they're doing stuff near the horse while it gets up quickly. It's also bad for the joints, it puts real stress on them while they're getting back up.|||I agree with the other answers; if this isn't done right, it can be a detrimental thing. One horse I handled had been taught to rear, and it very quickly became a bad thing because he wasn't taught correctly, nor did he really have the brain for it. Use a stepstool or mounting block; it's much easier on their backs, bodies and brain if you find an easier route. I've found that horses, esp. ponies that have been taught to lie down, will sometimes do it to get out of work.|||There is a lot of work that needs to be done before even considering attempting this task with a horse. Just because you could eventually accomplish this with the horse, it doesn't mean he would be compliant for others to the point that mounting while he is down would be safe. It can be extremely dangerous to approach a horse while he is on the ground. Obviously, this is when they are most vulnerable so their reactions can be quick and violent. If your horse has this severe a trust issue, again, there is so many things that need to be done to help the horse, forget the laying down. If the youngsters cannot get on using a mounting block or a leg up, perhaps they should not be riding this horse. Safety should always be the primary consideration. A horse that will go down "on cue" has extremely advanced training, and just your questions and reasons for wanting to do this lead one to believe that you are not yet prepared to do this safely. Please be careful and consider the many other options that could help you with your horse.