by Shelley Peterson

Created on: March 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Before you begin the process of de-spooking a horse you first must get inside his mind. Horses are prey animals and therefore their first instinct is to run and ask questions later. This instinct is the main reason horses are around today for us to enjoy.
They can see and hear things much farther away than we can and because of this it may seem that they are spooking for no apparent reason. But that is not the case.

For example: a few months ago I moved my horses to a new pasture with train tracks going past it just a few feet across the road. Long before I could even hear the train the horses heard it coming. I soon learned when the train was coming by how they would react to it before I could even hear it. My younger horse, Raider, still hates the train and gets antsy when he hears it but no longer bolts while I'm on him. The repeated exposure to the loud whistle and noise of the train is helping to teach him that he doesn't have to be so afraid of it.

In order to help your horse become less nervous or spooky you must first gain his trust and respect.
You need to be calm at all times if possible (I know, easier said than done). If you're nervous your horse will become increasingly nervous and anxious.
If you've come to expect your horse to spook at every little thing he will not fail you. This will create a spiralling effect causing your horse to spook more and causing you to expect him to do so. You have reinforced his fear instead of helping him to relieve it by staying calm. This spiralling effect will get worse and create a very dangerous situation. If you can remain relaxed and calm when your horse spooks you can avoid the spiralling effect. You must get control of yourself before you can get control of your horse. Remember a nervous rider along with a nervous horse creates an unsafe situation.

You must be aware of your horse's body language as well as your own at all times. He will tell you that he is getting nervous by tensing up and carrying his head higher. This is your cue to remain calm. Try not to allow yourself to tense up as this will cue your horse that he is right to be fearful and must be ready to flee at the slightest provocation.
If you kick or punish him when he spooks this will only cause him to lose trust and confidence in you. When your horse spooks try not to pull back or jerk the reins. Instead go with him a few steps while petting him and talking to him in a calm and quiet voice. If more control is required make a one rein stop. When he

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