Scared of dragging ropes

[SpotsandBays]

I’m sure I spotted a thread about this same query a few weeks ago however I can’t find it on my search!

So I F’d up a couple of years ago when I took my youngster for a hand graze with the lunge line. I wasn’t paying attention, he spooked at something and got away from me. He then ran around the field going “it’s chasing me!!”. Poor lad - since then he’s had a fear of things dragging behind him. (Kicking myself).
I didn’t really realise it was a thing until last year where I did a little bit of backing. (Couple of sessions lunging, long lining and then under saddle before turning away just as an introduction to grown up horse life).

What is the best way to nip this fear in the bud? I’ll be doing more groundwork/long lining etc with him this year so would like to address this issue beforehand!

 

[HashRouge]

I don't really understand what you mean by him having a fear of things dragging behind him? Do you mean if you try to long rein, for instance, he's scared of the lines, or do you literally just mean if you drop the lunge line he's scared of it dragging along the ground (which seems fair enough to me!)?

 

[SpotsandBays]

I don't really understand what you mean by him having a fear of things dragging behind him? Do you mean if you try to long rein, for instance, he's scared of the lines, or do you literally just mean if you drop the lunge line he's scared of it dragging along the ground (which seems fair enough to me!)?

He’s not scared of the ropes himself! I can Chuck them over him and he will play with them - but he’s clearly unhappy about them “following him” if for example a rope was dropped

 

[DizzyDoughnut]

Mine was suspicious of long ropes when I first got him. I started just with it coiled up and gradually let more and more trail on the ground while I was leading him, also dragged a long rope behind me while I was doing anything in the field till he just didn't care that there was always a rope dragging behind us.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Mine was suspicious of long ropes when I first got him. I started just with it coiled up and gradually let more and more trail on the ground while I was leading him, also dragged a long rope behind me while I was doing anything in the field till he just didn't care that there was always a rope dragging behind us.

Ahh glad that worked for you! I did think that was probably the best way to go about it

 

[laura_nash]

I started just with it coiled up and gradually let more and more trail on the ground while I was leading him.

I do this with any horse I'm going to lunge or long line, if possible. Also taking a few steps (led) with a rope dragging behind and then stopping, then a few more and stopping, so they learn if they stop it stops chasing them. Making sure to do it with the dragging rope on both sides.

 

[SpotsandBays]

I do this with any horse I'm going to lunge or long line, if possible. Also taking a few steps (led) with a rope dragging behind and then stopping, then a few more and stopping, so they learn if they stop it stops chasing them. Making sure to do it with the dragging rope on both sides.

Oh that’s a good idea! Thanks!