Looky or spooky?

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saddlesore

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I ask as my 3yo will be getting started this summer and whilst I wouldn't describe him as spooky- he is 'looky'!! To me this is just down to inexperience and the more he sees of the world the less he will feel the need to have a giraffe neck and goggle eyes! Conversely, my last horse was the spookiest I have ever met and could happily spend a whole hack scaring himself :eek:

What is your definition of spooky vs looky? :)
 
I consider my horse to be looky but not spooky. She's not a plod in that she takes everything in, dogs in gardens, people gardening, driveways, horses in fields, bikes etc etc and shows interest (sometimes at the expense of focus) but it generally goes no further (she will ride past or forward as asked). If we see something different - bins or a cut hedge she clocks it but that's it. This doesn't mean she never spooks but it's rare (she's 5 so I consider myself v lucky she is as she is) and I try to ride her through her lookiness positively - leg on and a reassuring pat if it's something new (to avoid it becoming anything more than it is). She's very self contained and I consider my job to be to build on that in a positive and safe way by getting her out and about and seeing new things -slowly but surely.
 
My boy can be both looky AND spooky lol! Looky is just that - he turns his head to look at whatever. Spooky is when he steps sideways or backwards or, on occasion, fast forward!
 
To me a spooky horse will shy, spin, leap, jump at things its not unsure about or noises.

To me a looky horse is exactly that. The googly eyes and giraffe neck, but doesn't show any signs of trying to get away or 'spooking' at it. I have one. Odd times she will stop (not plant) and snort, but after she has processed it will walk on. And sometimes she can walk sideways around something, ie a grate on the floor or a huge puddle.

Never realised how hard it was to put this into write this without using the words spooky and spooking lol
 
My horse has been spooky for years and years.

Then I started him on Magic, and have not looked back. Its really made a difference.
 
My mare is the nosiest thing I've ever ridden. Everything has to be looked at, every noise or change. Schooling can be a case of me trying to remind her to pay attention to me - and I do a lot of lateral work, changes of rein and movements to keep her brain engaged - she just likes to know what's going on.
 
My youngster is a right nosy sort too, but had a near meltdown yesterday at some sheep in the field. Grew 2 hands and snorting like a dragon! They really are very silly
 
My youngster is a definite "Looker". He has to investigate everything!! Anything new, and he has a nose. He will have that "what the hell is that?" look on his face. If he see's something he is unsure of, he will blow and look, but with a little encouragement, he will walk past it (even if its sideways!)
Once he has seen or experienced something a few ties, he never really looks at it any more.
 
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