DE-SPOOKING YOUR HORSE
Every horse could benefit with a de-spooking session, but if your horse is especially spooky or untrusting, then this is an excellent way to get a closer connection with him. It will also boost his confidence and teach him a way to handle stressful situations.
Before you start it is important that you and your horse have a basic respect for each other. To achieve this make sure you have read and mastered the “leading a difficult horse” section.
POINTS
You should be wearing:
A- your boots with good grip and ankle protection.
B- gloves. I do not unless I think the horse is very reactive. I have had over 40 years experience with horses and can read them well and have learnt through many blisters how to avoid rope burns.
C- hat. Again, I do not unless I have a very reactive horse and then I definitely would.
It is a good idea to have your horse in a control headcollar of some sort to give you a little extra support. I use the “be nice” headcollar if I think the horse will react strongly, but generally I have done the sections already mentioned so have good control and trust to start with.
You will need a long leadrope.
Work in an enclosed area so if your horse does get scared and pulls away from you, he is in a restricted area.
A- I have no fear and I am disinterested. This is shown by his attention being elsewhere. (He is so handsome)
B- I am not sure about this so I am investigating. You should encourage this as this is what you want- your horse to be brave enough to investigate and not just take flight.
C- I am not sure and am keeping my attention on this ready to take flight if needed. His ear is pointing to the object.
It is important that you do not put any more pressure on your horse at this point and be ready to release the pressure. This is because it will quickly turn into your horse running off, which is the last thing you want.
D- I am looking for an escape route. You can see this when you are riding as well. His eyes and ears are pointing at where he is thinking of going. At this point you need to release the pressure or he will definitely take flight. This could be just stepping forward so you are in between him and the scary object, a soothing word, a pat, or, if you are riding, getting off.
E- I am very uncomfortable and will take flight.
This is shown by his raised head, wide eyes and his ears back, he may be snorting as well. His adrenaline level is high now and you will need to release the pressure immediately and probably take a break. This is because you will be at a disadvantage working a horse with adrenaline in his system.
HOW TO DE-SPOOK YOUR HORSE
Start by walking your horse around the arena showing him any scary objects.
Approach the scary object first, encouraging him to investigate, if he makes a move towards the object, treat him (I make a noise and treat, covered in my “introduction to in-hand trick training” section).
Let him take his time and keep working with it until he is disinterested.
Once your horse is happy and confident with his surroundings I will use a long stick with a plastic bag attached.
I will hold it away from him at first so as not to surprise him.
Gradually bring it nearer until he shows he is uncomfortable (expression c), stop for a few seconds then move the object away.
You are teaching him if he is brave and not running away, the pressure will be released.
The pressure is just the presence of the scary object.
If he turns to look at the object this is very good, so lower the object and praise. You are wanting him to react to scary objects by turning towards it rather than just running off.
If he moves away, keep the object the same distance from him, wait until he stops then immediately move the object away.
You are teaching him if he moves away the object stays where it is.
If he stops and looks the pressure is released.
Keep getting closer and closer, eventually touching your horse. Make each extension very small, taking little breaks to praise and relax your horse.
If you push your horse too far and he runs off, have a little break to reduce the adrenaline level. Start again a step back from where you were, at a point that your horse is comfortable.
I have now swapped the stick and bag to the dreaded umbrella. I use all the same principles as above.
A- Move the object slowly until your horse is uncomfortable, stop for a few seconds and then remove the object.
B- Reward your horse if they turn their quarters away from the object and look at it.
C- Never push your horse too far so adrenaline floods his system.
D- If he does get scared then have a break and relax till the adrenaline is reduced. The more scared he was the longer the break must be.
Keep each session short and try to repeat the same exercise the next day, just to cement the progress.
Final Thoughts
Never have expectations, it does not matter if you do not achieve exactly what you set out to. Yours and your horse’s journey is unique to you.
You may only have a little improvement, but if you carry on not pushing your horse too far, and just enjoying the experience, you will soon find that you are forming a fantastic deep connection.
This will mean your progress will get quicker and quicker as time goes on, because the foundations are strong.
I usually find the harder and slower the progress at the beginning means the quicker and deeper the connection in the end.
I am so looking forward to seeing what you achieve with your horse.
I would love it if you can post your pictures or videos on my social media, or to me so I can post them on the blog page.