Horses that spook Ideas to calm them down

[big brown horse]

I've never done cutting, or any competitive riding for that matter. Used to race my shetland against horses from goal post to goal post on the foot ball field as a kid, but that doesn't count! He never lost a race with those big horses either, fast little bugger!

I usually ride bare back these days, just faster to jump on his back that way. But the next time I ride in a saddle I'm going to see if I naturally pull back or push forward on that horn!

 

[2468herdsrgr8]

Keeping calm, being confident and breathing relaxed yourself will help your horse see you as his leader. I would suggest making him work a bit in the area he is spooky at and do not let him turn his butt to the area he is spooking at. Keeping him facing or turning at all times and get him to realize that spooking means work. Horses are generally lazy and if he has to work in order to spook he will soon relax and forget about it. Many horse spook or run off easily when presented with loose horses in a pasture within their eyesight. Teaching yourself to be calm in other environments will help you when the situation arrives. Don't panic, always think.

And remember.....

NEVER EVER EVER PULL ON THE SADDLE HORN! ....ALWAYS PUSH.

If you pull yourself up to the horn or grip it in a clutching way you are putting your weight forward over the shoulders and neck. If you were going over fences that may be fine, but if he goes sideways you are going head first down. Pushing on the horn will push your seat deep in the saddle and keep you in that saddle better than pulling. Push down in the heals will keep you from gripping also.

OMG !!! I am going to try that !!! thanks so much !!! I am so glad I asked that question !

 

[lupinfarm]

Staying calm is the number one rule. I had a haflingerXbelgian gelding up until last year and he spooked sometimes but when he did spook it was a pretty big spook. Staying calm and confident was all that helped.