Stopping spooks

[dizzyf]

Ive posted a similar question before...

How can u train/stop horse from spooking?

It seems to be getting a naughty habit for my boy. He's not scared of things, cos he only does it when being ridden, not lead. I think it's avoidance tacticts from work??

Instructor says just to put spooky things around the school etc to get him usd to things, but when we do it, do you tell him off for spooking? Obviously praise him when he rides past without a fuss.

Amy ideas, it's really getting silly now.

 

[noblesteed]

Have you looked at his feed and management? Only because, my naughty boy used to spook at EVERYTHING at my old yard - cats, people, jump wings, birds etc. He was a nightmare to school and scary to hack alone, and I couldn't even ride him if it was windy. I was at the end of tether with him because I tried ignoring the spooks as my instructor told me. I tried different calmers with slight effect. I eventually took advice from an expert in Iberians as mine is an Iberian cross, who said they can have a sugar intolerance which can cause silly behaviour, and advised me to change feeds.
Since moving him to a new smaller yard 6 months ago, swapping haylage for hay, changing feed and increasing turnout, he has become spook-free to the point where I would say he is actually fairly brave, and I have been able to take him to lots of new places without fear of death or injury!
I can only conclude that a combination of a quiet yard and low-calorie feeding has made him much calmer. However I am now awaiting the effects of spring grass....

Oh and just to add, I now know that the spooking WAS naughty, and not genuine fear, so if he threatens a naughty spook I just hold my whip up so he can see it to remind him it's there, and he settles down! Also growling at him works. He's just a cheeky boy!