3.
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For example, if the horse spooks and moves to the left, quickly shorten
the inside left rein to turn him tightly to the left while loosening the
outside right rein held in the right hand. Look over your left shoulder
as you turn him to the left. Grasp the saddle horn with the right hand.
Keep the horse in as tight a circle or turn as possible until he submits
to you and control is regained. Then go back and address the obstacle
again.
If you have a horse that tends to be spooky, go with a rider with a
gentle horse who can give your horse confidence. Or teach your horse
how to pony on a longe line next to a calmer horse that will give him
confidence while he is training outside the box.
Make a note that the next time you plan to go out on the trail, exercise
the spooky horse by longeing him before riding more than may have
been done prior to past rides. The goal should be not to get him tired
out, but just to make him more humble to accept his new surroundings
while on the trail. If possible make arrangements to out on the trail ride
with another rider mounted on a quiet horse or try ponying your horse
with a calmer partner.
will tend to increase. He is being placed in a new situation or being
asked to do something he has never done before. Often riders who are
surprised at their horse’s spooky reactions will say to me “my horse has
never done this before.” Chances are that is exactly what is causing
the spooky behavior. Because the horse has no experience with the
situation, he becomes overly sensitive and reactive. It is the rider’s
responsibility to anticipate that these situations may happen, and be
prepared to handle them effectively.
Riders must understand that when a horse is taken into a new environment,
his level of sensitivity and tendency to overreact will tend to
increase. He is being placed in a new situation or being asked to do
something he has never done before. Often riders who are surprised at
their horse’s spooky reactions will say to me “my horse has never done
this before.” Chances are that is exactly what is causing the spooky
behavior.Because the horse has no experience with the situation, he
becomes overly sensitive and reactive. It is the rider’s responsibility to
anticipate that these situations may happen, and be prepared to handle
them effectively.
Don’t look down at the spooky areas. Always look over and
beyond obstacles that could have the potential to spook your horse.
Why?Because when you look down and have negative thoughts about
the obstacle, the horse picks up these negative feelings. He knows
what you are thinking. Give him positive thoughts instead. Say to
yourself: “I am going over to the other side of this water crossing.” “I
am going to keep my horse responding to my aids and commands.” Be
confident and build your horse’s sense of security.
If you are hesitant about dealing with issues of spooking, or if you
are inexperienced, trail ride in a western saddle. The security of a western
saddle, with its easy-to-grab horn, will give you more confidence
than an English saddle.
Take every negative or nervous thought and turn it around to a
positive statement. It is important that the rider has positive thoughts
for the horse to be positive, too.
When riding away from the barn or trailer, make sure you and
your horse are well exercised and warmed up. The horse should be
walking quietly. Schedule “forward” work when going away from the
barn or trailer. Forward work includes walk to trot, trot to lengthening
trot, trot to canter, and yielding at the trot both to the left and right. The
more often you change gaits, and speed within gaits (transitions), the
more it will improve the horse’s concentration on you rather than being
worried about the outside surroundings.
When coming back to the barn, trailer, or turning around on the
trail to return “home,” do “slow down” work to keep his focus on you
rather than mindlessly rushing back, and possibly discovering something
to spook at. Slow down work includes slow trot to walk, walk
to stop, yielding at the walk both right and left, stopping, turn on the
haunches and forehand, mounting and dismounting.
Don’t get frustrated if a horse continues to spook over an object or
situation. Some horses simply take longer to get over these issues than
others. The longer it takes and the more patient you are, the more you
are building a foundation for advancing his training outdoors.
The key to solving the issue of a spooking horse is not allowing the
horse to take charge of his rider. If he does, the horse is being allowed
to go out on the trail prematurely. Both horse and rider need to go back
to work in a big field or arena until they gain more confidence and skill
together.
Until then, follow your dreams…
Team up with
a rider with a
gentle horse
who can give
your horse
confidence.
Repeat the same trail, but hike it before
going out with your horse. Analyze spots
where you may need to stop to allow him
enough time to accept areas he might be
unsure about. By doing this, you will be
prepared to help your horse accept spooky
obstacles while staying in control of the
situation.
Riders must understand that when a horse
is taken into a new environment, his level
of sensitivity and tendency to overreact
Your Next Step…
Here are some tips for the rider when
dealing with a spooky horse.
1.
2.
4.
5.
6.
Lynn’s Training Tip…
Remember… a horse knows
what you are thinking.
You have to be a positive rider
to bring out the best in
your horse!
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