How to Ride a Sensitive Horse

Just like their riders, horses have different personalities, and some horses are surprisingly sensitive. They might respond with anxiety to harsh voices and strong commands, or take subtle cues that other horses wouldn't even notice. To ride a sensitive horse, you must be capable of judging a horse's personality and acting accordingly.

Instructions

1. Mount a sensitive horse slowly and quietly, with deliberate movements. If the horse is startled by your movements or feels threatened in any way, he can take off or throw a buck when you are in a vulnerable position. It is also a good idea to secure both of your feet in the stirrups before sitting down in the saddle.

2. Talk to the horse when you first mount up, then consistently throughout the ride. A sensitive horse responds well to a calm voice that doesn't vary in volume or pitch. Pretend that you are talking to an infant child, and keep your voice steady--what you say doesn't matter.

3. Apply pressure with your calves rather than your heels. When you ride a sensitive horse, it is always best to err on the side of caution, then adjust as you get to know the horse better. If you lay into him with your heels, you might wind up in the dirt.

4. Use your reins sparingly. Most sensitive horses respond very quickly to minimal rein pressure, so it isn't necessary to yank on his mouth or make exaggerated movements. A good rule is to use only your pinky finger to apply pressure to the reins; this way, you know you aren't asking for too much.

5. Know your state of mind. If you are nervous about your ride on a sensitive horse, he will be able to tell and his own anxiety will increase along with yours. The best way to handle such an animal is with confidence because it will give him confidence as well. If you're nervous, work with the horse on the ground before mounting up.

6. Provide space to the horse. Sensitive horses need to be treated with "kid gloves", almost as though they are surrounded by a protective bubble. If you know that a horse is particularly sensitive, give him space both on and off his back. Give him a wide berth when you're walking around him, and don't apply pressure unless you know that it's necessary.

7. Look for potential monsters. Some sensitive horses will see threats lying around every corner, so pay attention to your surroundings and avoid potentially scary objects. Birds, for example, often frighten sensitive horses, so make sure you aren't walking toward an area where birds might sporadically fly up from the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a trainer or instructor to help you with a sensitive horse.

• Give yourself some time to adjust to a different type of animal.

• Prepare for sudden spooks in a sensitive horse.