Help with a spooky horse

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harrietp123

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When hacking out my horse she does not spook at tractors, buses, heavy vehicles, or anything like that. But spooks if a leaf moves or if the road changes color. Does anyone have any advice on how to overcome this?
 
Just act like nothing has happened don't make a big deal out of it. If you see something which you know will spook her do shoulder in past it.

Also have something to grab onto like long mane/ neckstrap/ balance strap.

My lad is the exact same and at 13 don't think I'll ever get him out of it. :p
 
Also have your problem, though my pony is literally scared of everything. Cars, trucks, puddles, grass different colours, rocks, sheep, mounting blocks, forks, buckets etc. I just ignore her now, silly 3/4 Arab pony ...but maybe I do need a strategy like you're looking for.. Would love to see what people suggest.
 
More work and more hacking, carry a light schooling whip to re-enforce your aids.
Keep riding positively with a light contact, and don't let her attention wander.
Practice leg yields more frequently when out hacking.
Did the vet check the eyes recently, unlikely but one never knows, no molasses or high sugar feeds, magnesium oxide?
 
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Agree with MrsD123.... A good growl helps to I find.... My horse has now taken to spooking at the tarmac that is a different colour where they have patched up the road.... Goon.
 
MrsD123 said:
More work and more hacking, carry a light schooling whip to re-enforce your aids.
Keep riding positively with a light contact, and don't let her attention wander.
Practice leg yields more frequently when out hacking.
Did the vet check the eyes recently, unlikely but one never knows, no molasses or high sugar feeds, magnesium oxide?
Click to expand...

This^^^:) Keep her looking straight ahead. If she looks one way, give her a quick, sharp nudge with your opposite leg.
 
To make you feel better, I do think that most horses have something they think is scary. My previous horse thought that big leafed plants were the work of the devil but was traffic proof apart from that. As you get to know her more, you will know what she is likely to react to and not, which will help you to stay calm and only respond when necessary. Keep going, you're doing really well!
 
My boy is just the same, would you believe it was a butterfly that spooked him a few days ago, i now try to just ignore the spooks, legs on and ride forward.
 
All of this is adds up to the main reasons i dont like hacking out. My mare spooks at everything Yet in the indoor schoool and the outdoor paddock she is sound. I have had her bolt with me too many times at just about everything out hacking, so i dont really bother any more!
 
Mine too has a fear of big leafed plants which I think is very odd. He hates wild rhubarb and also logs but copes well with road works and balloons. We have loads of wild rhubarb around so he should be used to it by now so exposure does not seem to be helping.

kirstyl said:
To make you feel better, I do think that most horses have something they think is scary. My previous horse thought that big leafed plants were the work of the devil but was traffic proof apart from that. As you get to know her more, you will know what she is likely to react to and not, which will help you to stay calm and only respond when necessary. Keep going, you're doing really well!
Click to expand...
 
SO1 said:
Mine too has a fear of big leafed plants which I think is very odd. He hates wild rhubarb and also logs but copes well with road works and balloons. We have loads of wild rhubarb around so he should be used to it by now so exposure does not seem to be helping.
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SO1 I actually did laugh out loud! Our local village has a scarecrow festival on at the moment. No problem with any scarecrow or bunting flapping over the road. But a man wheeling a noisy wheelbarrow in his garden behind a hedge - the devil is nigh!!!
 
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