Any tips on how to...........

[aidybex]

make a horse more confident with things approaching him from behind?

My boy is a bit jumpy when things come from behind, i.e cars, bikes etc Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with this or had any experiences themselves. He's currently off for a few weeks until the clocks go forward and I can hack him out lots in the week after work. He's been a bit on his toes, with lack of work and bad back so letting him have a break then get him going again properly.

Has been suggested to tie him to central reservation of A1 to help make him more comfortable

I thought this could be last resort!! Poor boy can't help being a little naive and backwards LOL

 

[MrsMozart]

Aw, poor lad lol. The A1 is probably a bit extreme

.

Desensitization. He has to learn that things coming from behind aren't going to hurt. Lots of practice - friends on bikes, etc.

 

[Puzzles]

Ditto the above. Make sure he's comfortable having his hindquarters, legs and hooves handled first, and then gradually introduce him to environments that push his comfort zone. With time & positive experiences, he will begin to gain confidence: be careful to move back into his comfort zone regularly and never to put too much pressure on him & cause him to panic, otherwise you'll be back to square one again! Let him think and be patient.

 

[aidybex]

Thanks. I was considering some long reining as well as he'd have to be ok with with behind him. He's doesn't kick at anything behind he just tends to rush forward or turn and look at what's coming.

 

[Puzzles]

That would be a good idea - you can start standing slightly to the side so that he can still see you.