How to Train a Spooky Horse

Riding or working around a spooky horse is unnerving. It's hard to relax and enjoy the ride when you fear your steed may leap out from underneath you at any moment. Because horses are prey animals, they are prone to listen and look for danger at every turn. The key to training a spooky horse is desensitizing her to the sights and sounds that scare her.

Things You'll Need

  • Object that horse fears
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the places that tend to spook your horse or the objects that she most fears.

    • 2

      Begin to ride or lead your horse toward the object, place or noise that she fears. Keep your body calm and relaxed because your horse will feel your body tense or relax and will follow your example.

    • 3

      Your horse naturally will begin to tense her muscles, blow out her nose or shy away from the area she is afraid of. Pat her and use your voice to sooth her. Maintain firm, but gentle pressure on the reins or lead rope. Sit deep in the saddle and maintain leg pressure if you are riding.

    • 4

      Ask your horse to halt just before you sense she might want to turn around and retreat.

    • 5

      Keep her at a halt and continue to pat and talk to her. Her focus will naturally be directed at the object of her fear.

    • 6

      After she has looked and listened, turn your horse and begin to ride or walk her away from the object she is afraid of. Continue to pat her.

    • 7

      Turn your horse in a wide circle and return to a halt in front of the point of fear. Offer encouragement throughout.

    • 8

      Repeat this process daily until your horse can approach and pass the object or place she is afraid of without shying away or speeding up.