How to Get Your Horse Use to Spooks

I will be telling you about some of the things that I have done to take the spooks away from your horse. Yes as far as some horses are concerned there are spooks.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Horse and halter
• Lead rope
• Paper, cans and other noise makers.

1. Ever ride down a road and a piece of paper or a dog comes out of nowhere and spooks your horse. We always started this training with our babies, but I have also worked with older horses. Put the halter and a lead rope on your horse and go to your corral. You may want a friend to help you. Get several items together before hand, such as news paper, tie some empty cans together with string, Just use your imagination. Start out slow at first, this is a time consuming project, but very rewarding.

2. This is a project that you do from the ground very slowly. I always started out with a saddle blanket. Rubbing it on the horse and moving it around the face, letting the horse get use to something moving around him. I start out slow with the news paper, letting the horse smell it. Slowly moving it around the front part of my horse until he gets use to the paper. Never rush the horse on these steps. this one step may take a few days, depending how much time you have. The important thing is to teach your horse something new each day, and he will over come those spook fears. On this one project, you will want your horse comfortable if a paper should blow up in his face or under his feet that he will not spook. You want to complete one project, before moving to the next one.

3. As you progress, try other things. I like to use the cans and let him get use to the sound of the cans dragging the ground, or tossing them in the air. This is where your friend can help. each step take it slow and when you feel that your horse is comfortable with that step, move to another. But remember to keep repeating all the steps, so he won't forget. When you get tired or your horse is getting cranky, stop for the day.

4. This can be a on going project with you and your horse. We tried to expose our horses to as much as possible over time. we have used car horns, fire trucks horns, guns( but that's another lesson) just anything that you can think of over time. These little projects will help you and your horse to have safe rides in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, if you see that your horse is spooked by something, work on that project, until you get him over it.
• Never rush your training, it will be rewarding in the end.
• Always repeat your training, so your horse won't forget.
• Hold your lead rope lightly and don't get your hands wound up in it.
• I don't suggest tieing your horse up for this.
• Work in the corral.
• If you should tie your horse, use a quick release.