Older horse and traffic proofing

[CazD]

Is it possible to traffic proof an older horse? Mare in question is 16. I've owned her for 5 years. She's never been great in traffic. A couple of cars is ok but when it comes to vans, supermarket delivery vans or anything bigger than that, she panicks. Do i ever have any hope of traffic proofing her? We ride on country lanes to get to bridlepaths etc, but the roads are definitely getting busier, and both me and her, are getting anxious.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I never managed it with mine his 20 now and still doesn't like vehicles, I would say his got slightly better over the years but can't be trusted he will spin and panic at times.

 

[Boughtabay]

I have a gelding who is quick to escalate when stressed. Previously fine in traffic but after an incident where a lorry nearly trapped us by a wall, is understandably triggered by similar vehicles. I’ve vowed never to hack on the road again partly due to his fear partly due to the unpredictable nature of drivers BUT in practice that isn’t strictly true - we have an arena a 5 min walk away so it’s daft not to go there … it may not sound great but I carry a lunge line, clip him on and take up THE WHOLE ROAD with both of us. Of course this road has good visibility so anyone coming in either direction - even at speed, has plenty of time to stop and physically no room to pass us until I turn off to the neighbours. Plan routes where you know you can get off the road for things to pass with enough distance for her to feel safe would be my suggestion it’s very sad for the roads to be so dangerous.