Spooking!

[White socks]

What do you do when your horse spooks at something ridiculous in the hedgeline ie crisp packet. Do u tell him off for being silly or praise for going past? I often wonder if they are scared or taking the pee?

 

[katie_southwest]

Ignore her iv had her for 4 years and she's either in a good as gold mood, or the complete opposite ! I can tell in about 2 minutes if she's going to be stupid the whole way so just leave her to it and kick on past anything she's being silly about, can't stop her doing it but I also trust her completely that she wouldn't do anything ridiculous so I never worry too much

 

[katie_southwest]

Also just to say that if they are genuinely unsure ...eg tractors or motorbikes in my case... She gets lots of praise for going past even if it's not particularly pretty

 

[Dancing Queen]

i cured my old horse from spooking at the horrible monsters called crisp packets and carrier bags by placing loads in his stable (on the walls) - after about 15 mons of total freakage he soon realised actually they were ok, and when he touched one without throwing a diva fit - he had a huge fuss and a carrot.

 

[sleepykitten]

I ignore it mostly. Or fall off

 

[Chestnut mare]

Depends what they are spooking at. Yesterday we came up to a field if cows and they were standing at the gate she did a star jump and went past snorting and shaking! She was generally scared so got a pat. If it's constant spooking at leaves, puddles, etc then she gets a smack with the whip .