The Spooky Horse

How to overcome nervousness and ride through uneasy situations

By Michele Harn, MS

It is well understood that horses are prey animals. They choose flight over fight in most situations. When that instinct kicks in while being ridden or driven, the results can range from scary to dangerous. Even the most calm horse may have an unexpected flight response. Understanding your horse’s nature and preparing at home can lead to a more predictable response when the flight mechanism kicks in.

Exposure, exposure, exposure is the mantra repeated in barns around the world. Giving your horse controlled experiences in their home environment will prepare him to better handle the unexpected when away from home. Patience, calm, and confidence on your part will go a long way toward helping your horse overcome fear. There are any number of desensitizing strategies that can be used at home. It’s usually helpful to have a knowledgeable horseman assist in case the horse gets unhinged. A quick internet search can provide many desensitizing activities. Remember to take it slow to not overwhelm the horse. Once a horse is confident in-hand at slower speeds, you can progress to riding these exercises at the walk and maybe eventually the trot. Let the horse tell you when he is ready to move forward.

Speaking of forward, it is your friend. A horse that stays on your leg and moves forward between lightly held reins is less apt to rear or buck.The horse who is on the aids is listening to you and you are thus the leader. When the horse looks to you for confident, calm leadership they are less prone to giving in to the flight response.

Horses are naturally curious creatures and that can work to your advantage. When not pushed beyond his comfort level, a spookytype horse will be overcome by his curiosity and eventually want to investigate that which he was initially spooky towards. It is critical to never punish a horse for having a flight response. This could potentially lead to even more fear and possibly a worse spook the next time. Remember, you are the leader and the horse looks to you for the proper response.

Fox Pointe Farm’s Jessica Dalton, confirms the rider’s “only job is to make the horse feel secure.” She accomplishes this through hand-leg connection, keeping the horse connected to the rider as he is guided through the spook. She notes it’s important to “relax them into the hand/leg and then you can make the track ever wider towards the scary area.” During this she encourages the horse to look to her for what is next. She encourages riders to take time during this process and to “show no emotion. Period!” as the horse is guided through a spook.

Some horses are more flighty than others. It’s important to know if your horse has “spook” as a learned response to unfamiliar things. It could take much longer to undo this type of thinking in your horse. Horses require plenty of exercise too. Make sure your horse has sufficient time out of the stall, or is stalled minimally, to keep his mind healthy. Some horses may have an organic cause for their behavior. A thorough exam by your vet to include assessment of diet, environment, and health may reveal areas for improvement.

A spooky horse can be taught to trust and follow you when in situations where he would otherwise choose flight. Frequent, calm, confident training will help your horse look to you the next time he is confronted by something scary.