De spooking

[Vodkagirly]

Decided to use the dark nights when I can't hack for some de spooking training in the school.
First plan is to work with umbrellas as we have had some less than fun experiences, including a beautiful spin when a jump judge had one. So other than scattering them around the arena and working him in hand and maybe lunge is there anything else you would suggest?

 

[flirtygerty]

I did this earlier this year, stood with my OH's golf brolly, with four very wary, curious horses watching, then offered a treat to see which horse would brave the umbrella, they all did very quickly, progressed to putting brolly up and down slowly, while offering treats, no dramatics just an odd jump. I also put flags in the field, a door curtain across a gateway, the baby was the first to go through that, tarps pinned to the ground, carrier bags tied to the fence and for next year I intend putting a paddling pool in the field for them, I am also looking for a large windmill (think childs) for them, you are only limited by your imagination, but enjoy, it's great fun watching them become immune to things

 

[Vodkagirly]

good ideas, if we conquer umbrellas I intend to move on to balloons and banners. Though he is such a scaredy cat it may take the whole winter.

 

[TrasaM]

Great idea. Don't forget to include scary twinkling Xmas lights our lot found them a real challenge last year.