horse messing about

[Penny Less]

Not mine for once thank god. friend needs advice as to whether she should speak soothingly to her spooky horse when she is messing around on a ride or just totally ignore it.
Some at the yard are of the opinion she should growl at her then tell him she is a good girl others say nowt and carry on as otherwise its like a child seeking attention if you respond at all. Any ideas.

 

[YasandCrystal]

There are differences of opinion regarding spooking - I read that recent studies showed that horses where their riders simply ignored the spooking settled and passed the 'scary area' in a more settled manner and sooner than those that were berated or ridden up to the scary thing/area.

 

[Damnation]

Depends on the horse.
Current mare needs a bit of an "Oi don't be so stupid its not scary" and a stern "walk on".
Last mare needed reassurance otherwise you were reversing down the road..

 

[LiveryList]

I agree totally down to the horse. If my young mare spooks at something utterly ridiculous that she's seen a hundred times she gets growled at and and then praised for walking past. If she is genuinely spooking at something because it is unfamiliar or scary she gets reassured and patted and then praised when she passes