Desensitizing a frightened horse- help needed please...

charlie76

charlie76

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Not sure if anyone remembers but a few months ago when riding my horse someone threw a firework over the arena and it went off with a huge bang. Ever since then whenever she hears a noise or sees something unusual she is worried by it which in turn worries me and it turns into a nightmare circle!
If some one else rides her she is more or less fine but we have become a little nervous as a pair, I am stuck as to how to get us over this as I am loosing confidence in her as she is in me, every little noise and I jump which scares her- poor thing.
How can we get over this, I don't feel I can take her out to a show or lesson to sort it out.
Thanks!
 
The horse sounds fine to me if he rides well with other people. It sounds like it is you who needs to get to grips with unexpected noises as you are transferring your anxieties to the horse. How about if you were to ride a bombproofed old schoolmaster for a while to help you gain more confidence and not be so frightened?
 
I am fine if I ride other horses but it was such a terrible experience, we have never been the same since. Thinking I might just think about selling her.
 
ok will probably be shot down for this one. Maybe try riding her with your ipod plugged into and turn the volume up, so that is all you can hear through your headphones. At least if there are any noises going on in the background you won't hear them and will actually start to de-sensitize yourself and confidence will come back with the horse as well. Just a suggestion.
 
even if you get in there to walk around the school just to one song, then aim for 2/3/4 etc until you are not realising how many songs you are listening. Best to put on music you really love and can get lost in as that will take away even more of the stress. Then you can start to turn the ipod down till you don't have to listen to it any more. But by then you will be either sick of your favourite tune or addicted to your ipod!
wink.gif
 
I wouldn't normally agree with riding with head phones but I can totally see the point if it proves to you there is nothing to be concerned about.

If she's okay with other people and you're okay with other horses then the issue is clearly one of trust/leadership/dependablity - probably on both your sides.

What happens when you're on the ground? Do you react the same way? Do you have an instructor? What does he/she say about it? I agree is sounds like an issue with the dynamic rather than the horse being super spooky and it would be a shame to sell the horse if there isn't a huge problem and you still like everything else about her. However, if you doubt her anyway and this has just put the nail in the coffin then you need to think seriously - maybe you would be better off apart.

I'd get someone to work with you for a bit who specialises in this sort of thing and who can either convince you the horse really is trustworthy (or as much as any horse can be) and/or actually solve her confidence issues. Oddly, working on HER issues might help you as well because you will be able to see when and how she reacts, helping you deal with the situation as it ACTUALLY is, not some vicious circle you've built up in your mind.
 
Maybe I'll get shot down for this one instead!.. but perhaps a couple of shots of brandy before you ride the next one or two times? Obvoiusly not enough to be reeling, but enough to make you a bit more carefree?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Maybe I'll get shot down for this one instead!.. but perhaps a couple of shots of brandy before you ride the next one or two times? Obvoiusly not enough to be reeling, but enough to make you a bit more carefree?

[/ QUOTE ]

grin.gif
 
I just KNOW I'm gonna get blown out of the water for this one.

Hey-ho, have you seen those horse rhythm beads, that go round your horse's neck? They're not just for decoration, the rhythmic sound they make help to de-sensitise and settle nervous horses. They also give the rider a rhythm to ride to, and help to distract from 'outside' noises.
 
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