How to Handle Spooking on the Trail

[@SaddleUpAgain]

I'm an older rider and I've found that if your horse has confidence in you and trusts you, your horse is much less likely to spook. So preventing spooking on the trail starts with the way you work with your horse at the barn. If I'm working with a green horse or a horse new to me, I'll take the horse for trail walks to get the horse used to cattle, big birds like egrets and herons, farm machinery, etc. The horse sees me unperturbed by this scary stuff and he's likely to build his own confidence when I'm with him. If the horse does spook, it's easy to work through it if you're dismounted. If you build a solid foundation and relationship, then your horse will look at bears, deer, wild turkeys, etc., with detached indifference. My good relationship horses have handled the wildlife, creek crossings, railroad tunnels and trestle bridges with ease . -- they trust me to not put them in danger. My poor relationship horses have spooked at a distant squirrel in a tree, spooked at a cow seen a hundred times before, and thrown me under the pasture fence.

[@MelaH25]

My daughter and I always ride a green horse with a seasoned horse. When something makes the green horse uncomfortable we stop and let it get a good look. When it starts to relax the seasoned horse comes up and gets between the scary object and the nervous horse. Almost always when the green horse sees that the seasoned horse isn't worried about the scary object we can move on.

[@pjstar2009]

Once long ago, when my horse and i we’re pretty green, two Great Pyrenees rushed a fence, my horse did several 360s and dumped me and ran off a ways. A few months later, and I’ll never forget this, about 5 dogs rushed off a porch and charged us. My horse started freaking again and I thought I’d get dumped for sure. My trainer, Louise Hoffacker yelled to “go get ‘em “ and we, horses and riders, put those dogs back on their porch. We’ve been chasing things ever since. I hope she reads this.

[@heidiholmes1549]

That's what I do too! Especially if it's a silly spook in the arena. I push her forward like nothing is wrong.

[@sojoechard1251]

patti cruz I have my horse going after the dogs too 😆

[@featheredfoothill]

this is the simply concept of moving cattle or sorting...I did a super brief lesson on it, no interest in doing it competitively or otherwise, but just to see what it was about. It was quite fun, but I apply that same principle to everything now with my horse, if they can move it, they are much less scared of it, also, very important to FACE it the entire time....Hard to explain, but it works.

[@lisabaker9036]

Yes, that's what I do too! It works.

[@ccappa2001]

LOL great story!

[@marylong267]

An Alpaca ranch practically popped up overnight on our trail. The first unsuspecting riders to encounter the herd were either thrown or jumped off and had to walk back to meet their horses who had beat them back to the barn. After all, these animals look like giant poodles and there are probably 50 of them plus the guard dog that never stops barking. Now knowing what to expect, the rest of us either hand walked our horses by there or rode on the other side of the road for the first time and always did so in a group. When I take new riders by there for the first time I put them on the other side of the road and our horses in a loosely clustered shield formation between the new horse and alpacas. It has worked very well. Now the ranch is starting to raise Guinea hens and they are running everywhere constantly making that weird sound, and that also has taken some getting use to. Maybe someday I will thank those people for making my horse bombproof.

[@sarahposey7166]

No such thing as bomb proof, just well trained and confident or experienced horses and riders. Some horses that appear to be okay that have been / desensitized are just shut down and disassociated. Those horses can be very dangerous because when they do come out of being shut down I think sometimes they're worse or suddenly blow up and nobody knows why they just snapped or if they haven't been worked with for a long time. There's a big difference with a horse that is truly okay and relaxed and that may take less time depending on how you presented to the horse or it may take longer but there is a big difference between what a horse will tolerate and wether they really are okay with the situation. Horses can become overstimulated depending on the day. If you're unaware that they are edging towards a red zone it can come out of the blue or so it seems.

[@ebonypegasus9864]

Right now I'm taking my horse on walks around where she will be trail ridden so she can see the sites with me on the ground. will do the same with my youngstock horse, and later on, will lead the young one from horseback so she can see things and get familiar with it all. I also have things around the riding arena that they might see, flags, road workers cones and mesh, plastic bags tied to the fence, chairs, bins and barrels, so that these items are common in their comfort zone as well as out on the trail.I liked the tip on moving the horse laterally past the spooky object and will for sure remember this if my horse is a bit nervy of something.

[@TeriFelixREBroker]

Good information Callie. I’ve been working with a trainer to learn to move my horse in all directions but now I understand the true importance of this. I’m really blessed that he neck reins and makes things quite easy for me. (A brand new rider for 4 months at age 57)

[@angelahames5056]

Great video Callie! I live in Minnesota and we ride in a large, regional park with bikes, hikers and lots of wildlife like whitetail deer, & turkeys. To get to the park we travel a short distance (1/4 mile) down a fairly busy road and we have to cross an active train track. There is often a steam engine "at rest" on the track about 60' from the road, the train hisses and rumbles while it sits there for hours at a time. So we have many hazards for our horses. Imagine riding on the road, over the tracks with a stopped train on one side and cars driving over the tracks at the same time at 50 mph. It can get a little hairy, even on a pretty broke horse who has "been there done that" many times. For example, every spring you would think it was the horses first time in that situation because they have not done it all winter. Once we get to the park we always face the bicyclists as they pass, so the horses can see them. I also use the same word "Bike" in a calm, low voice while patting my horse and scratching him on the withers, so he knows its okay. I always praise him for being still or simply ignoring the bike and moving along without changing his gait to build his confidence. We have had several big, side-spooks with bolts when deer have jumped out of the woods or cornfield right in front of us - I ended up on the ground once. Now when we see deer, I say "go get em" and we chase the deer - even if its just a few steps. Then he feels in control. For Pete's sake, there are deer in their field all day and night, so I know the horses see them all the time. So we have made them the "prey" and now my horse hardly flinches when we see a deer, and he waits for me to give him permission to chase them. He is a fairly hot Morgan who worries a lot, and I have to say he has built a lot of confidence in the past few years with lots of praise and feeling in control. We ride out alone and have a great time.

[@beachngym]

I watch your videos often. I wish I lived closer for you to help my horse and I. Thank you for the wonderful videos!!

[@seastormsinger]

We have a horse that used to have a huge problem with bicycles, and we spend a good amount of time in the ring with someone riding a bicycle while we did some ring work. After doing that for a while, the bike encounters out on the trail didn't worry him as much. So, even if you can't fix something on the trail in the moment, if you can recreate it in the ring you can get them ready to be okay with it on the trail.

[@danw6014]

A couple of thoughts. First I think it's pretty important that you can disengage your horse's hindquarters. Second I try to keep my horse looking at things that bother her. I can use that bother my horse to get to her feet. I don't let my horse wheel around to escape. Instead I use things that bother her to help her switch eyes. Although my ultimate goal is to have my horse thinking and not just reacting, to have her calm and relaxed, wait for me, she is a horsemans horse. She will teach me to become a better, more disciplined rider. To me when a horse gets a little worried it's an opportunity to help it be in a better place. Stay calm, stay in the middle of it, don't pull on it and give it direction.

[@7thMack]

You’re my favorite go-to girl for these quick and informative videos. Keep up the good work! It’s especially nice to be able share your videos with less experienced riders who don’t really want to hear over and over again that they’re less experienced and have their stablemates give all sorts of differing opinions and advice, and I don’t blame them!

[@ceciltheminiaturejersey6531]

Thank you so much for using a go-pro and showing us real-life situations. This was a very helpful viseo.

[@paulwhite9826]

Callie and the videos are great and so are many of the seasoned comments from which you can learn. Thank you to each and everyone of you.

[@NancyJohnson-z9b]

My 5yo Haflinger was spooked by barking dogs (pugs) in a yard, behind a fence. I was able to get him to face them, and then controlled the walk away from the dogs (where the companion horse had bolted). However, after we were away from the barking dogs, my horse was sure that something was coming to get him from behind us and pranced and danced almost the entire way back to the trailhead. I tried turning him to let him look, but it was a single-track trail with lots of bushes and trees, and he was convinced something was back there, coming to get him. Moving him to the middle or front of the group was helpful, but I wasn't sure how to handle the situation without endangering the other riders. Loved your video on spooking on the trail.

[@moanayoung5434]

Very informative video, I only wished I had seen this months ago. I've ridden 2 different horses of late that have spooked dramatically causing me to come off. 1 of the horses I no longer ride but the second one I do and from now on I will be putting everything you said into practice. Thank you for sharing.

[@christopherlamb9838]

I think there are two kinds of spooks. In the first the horse gives warning signs: It will shy or stop, move sideways or back away from the perceived threat, but is still to some degree under control. The second kind is that with little or now warning the horse bolts and gallops off hell for leather. Depending on skill and luck, the second can lead to the rider either being able to rein in the horse with the heart pumping adrenaline, or hitting the dust.

[@heatherferrell1954]

Trail spooks are the hardest for me. Once I was riding out alone when a large Wild Turkey landed in front of us suddenly. It made all the sounds Turkeys do as well. Max turned and locked up. The Turkey thankfully flew off quickly when it spotted us. Max jumped straight up in the air! The hard part was after because he did not want to continue down the trail. I ended up getting off and walking him past because he threw such a fit I was afraid he would dump me. We then started to work with a trainer as well to learn a better way of handling this. After a lesson or conditioning session, I will expose my horse to "scary" things. For example clippers. I pulled them in with sound off and let him check it out. As soon as he relaxes and doesn't care I praise. Then I will turn them on away from him and praise the behavior I want. then move closer and allow the opportunity to check them out again. And of course praise again. Most often he checks it out and ignores it because he is tired.

[@KG-lr7sw]

There was one time when I was riding and I saw a tarp all spread out over something and flapping a little, and I knew my horse would spook. After a huge jump sideways, we just kept walking like nothing happened. Sometimes all you can do is to be prepared to hang on.

[@featheredfoothill]

Yup! Luck. Having a good seat matters. Many times it's a split second, there is zero time to 'prepare"...it just happens.

[@seneynah]

I ride Arabs.. comes out of left field all day long. Just hold on. But the Arabs don't lose their ever loving minds normally it's just a quick spook and off they go like it never happened. As long as you stay calm it's nothing. If you get nervous and let it rattle you boy it can really go sideways..

[@deborahmaish2509]

Great ideas and thoughts on handling spooking. I recently rode a friends horse who is 13yr old Kentucky mountain gaited gelding. He spooked about things he would see in the background of the forest rather than the squirrels running across the trails. He would always jump back, stop and stare but then when another horse would pass him he would continue on. What I found interesting about him was that he always wants to be in the lead trotting the whole ride but then was very insecure about things he saw and wanted the assurance of another horse to continue. He was a handful for me I didn’t want to lead the trail ride wondering what he was going to jump at.

[@jonholmes8973]

Very good advice, excellent videos When the horse I'm riding becomes spooked on a hack start by explaining the situation in a calm and relaxed tone to the horse, also placing hand on its shoulder keeping it there until the threat is diminished Jon, England

[@micheleslowey3232]

I think doing lots of desensitization exercises on the ground is a good way to build trust prior to the trail ride.

[@lindadickson6253]

Spooking and bolting, I have come off 3 times in the arena. Yesterday it was a solid jump in the arena that was left out. I was walking, he was a little scared but thought we could get past it then something behind him spooked him. He crow hoped and sent me flying. Thanks for the advise.

[@featheredfoothill]

I will admit my horse isn't spooky, but that can also make you over confident, then you have even less experience dealing with it. At a clinic, they had calves for a cattle sorting tutorial. She was Ok at a distance, and I thought we'd ride up and look at them, they were super docile in a pen, laying down. Closer and closer, and yes she spooked. I will say your advice on distance is KEY. I let her keep looking but the distance totally defused the situation. That same clinic, ironically, one of the calves got out, running amuck in a giant arena with a bunch of fairly beginner riders and obstacles everywhere. One of the clinicians had been shouting for help OUTside the arena, and had tied the calf, but he was still running, so a woman on horse ran out and helped, helped him to come INside (please, people, if you're at a clinic, don't help unless you work there). So the clinician continued to rope the calf, he'd run out, come back, run out come back. My pony was doing Ok actually, I WAS NOT. I knew if that calf ran into us in a total fight for its life it was going to be awful. She tensed a bit and we were facing a bridge, I thought oh god, here it comes, she's going to sail over it. I just had that feeling, so I disengaged her hindquarters, and just kept doing circles. Then another clinician came up and held the reins while I got off. I know she said do lateral work, but I think letting them move their feet somehow is good, it spends energy and keeps their brain on something else. And they don't have time to think about bolting. The clinician ended up falling off his horse, and 2 other guys on the ground got the calf. That was eye opening as she said, "all situations are different" and there are those moving spooky things...that was pretty extreme as that calf was in total flight or fight mode. Someone could've been seriously injured that day. We also focused on distance. It wasn't easy though!!

[@colleenpoole3031]

Big thanks for tips for the non responsive really helped happy horse and rider😁

[@beachngym]

I am a somewhat green rider with a greenish horse i adopted. We went riding with 2 other horses all new to trail riding. Someone started a weedwacker and one of the horses started to get scared and backup, did s 360 and my horse just stood there like nothing happened. Until the other horse kicked him. I then got off my horse and we walked together back to the barn safely.

[@scruffythehowler]

Hey there! I've been riding a very mellow horse who I own for about 4 years now. In that time he generally spooks at least once on a trail ride. He's never bolted it's usually just a hard sideways jump. A couple of weeks ago he spooked at Lord knows what while we were cantering on a trail and somehow I managed to break two of my fingers in my left hand. I did not fall off but somehow my hand hit the saddle horn very hard during the spook! I am 60 years old and I haven't ridden him since that happened and now I'm feeling fearful, and this is driving me nuts because he's a great horse! I know I'm going to be very tense when I ride him again, and I need to know how to get past this. Today I just saddled him up and was on him for maybe 10 minutes just riding around the property and I could tell I was very nervous because now I'm waiting for a spook.

[@susancinek5803]

The horse has the flight instinct. The horse is a prey animal and is always wanting to stay upright so it can escape. I like how Callie went over the moving the parts of the horses body. That will be a practice point that gives me and my horse the connection and training needed to immediately address issues. Thank you Callie.

[@Adrianaschnee]

Thanks Sarah! This is one thing we build brick by brick. My late Paranoia (yes that was her name!) threw me off because of an old man with a donkey, who suddenly came out of the bushes. But who wouldn´t be scared, lol? Now my other two girls I´m working on it, your video was very helpful!

[@unacceptable354]

Warming up & schooling your horse before heading out on the trail can get the fresh out of your horse. I had an accident on my horse on the trail and he is now nervous trail riding. I try to be confident for him. I also do a lot of leg yielding on the trail to get my horse to focus on me. Helps my confidence too !! Safe riding everyone!!

[@kathleenwells4691]

I use the distance technic and others I'm riding with we share be the lead horse so they all get a mental break. The ones concerned with rocks doesn't lead by the rocks. The ones concerned with livestock don't lead past them. Team work!! Safer, enjoyable and happy trails!

[@Elena15441]

Was walking one day with my baby in the baby carriage. Saw 2 horse riders, who were moving toward us on the other side of the road. Then they stopped and one rider asked me to stop too and wait till they will pass by, 'cause one of the horse was scared of the baby carriage. I thought that's silly, but did as they said. Now when I began to learn about horses, I understand how spooky they could be and what a challenge it is for a rider to keep the control over it and calm it down.

[@Frank-ue6eg]

You should probably have told the elitist horseback riders to go fuck themselves.

[@avagraceivy4715]

Frank yeah because a lady waiting a second so that the horse doesn’t freak out and potentially harm themselves and the rider is totally ridiculous🤔🤡

[@Horsein]

@@Frank-ue6eg you must be one of those spandex riders that are total asshole.

[@joannbarthold3032]

I think frank has a point. There were a lot of options in that circumstance to take, one is the rider could dismount and walk the horse by the scary object to teach it the carriage is safe to be near rather than making demands on a person innocently out for a stroll lol

[@Elena15441]

@@Frank-ue6eg Yes, I could ignore them and probably be ran over by a scared horsie. No, thank you.

[@nancysayers6883]

My haflinger mare had never seen a cow before but could sense them a mile away. The first time she spun me around,I came off the saddle and she took off. Fortunately she came back and I walked her past the cows in a very high alert mode. The next time we passed a cow field, she stopped, looked. She was a bit tense , but was able to move on. The third time about a year later, we went down the center of the road where there were cow fields on both sides. She was able follow behind a confident horse, I was more relaxed, kept both legs on her , short reins and talked to her the whole time. She did great!

[@hananascz]

We have a big problem with vans, trucks and tractors :D. Yeah, these are large, spooky and always have to ride right past us when we're heading into forest in spring and summer. Not only horse I ride the most is scared of that, also most of horses from my stable are I've noticed. Anyway, I've never dealt with it much, just wait until they pass by and keep my horse "calm" because usually there's another rider before me and behind me, but last time I unknowingly made my horse face the truck (I was alone) and it really was better, he just threw his head once or twice and made few steps back. Now I at least know how to do it properly :D.

[@joannestull4492]

Ingenious. Great for us who are learners.

[@denebolamau6288]

On one of my first trail rides with my mare, who was my first horse and who I was training, I was riding on a dirt road with 2 other people & the horse & mule from my mate’s herd. A dust devil appeared between the lead horse and the 2nd rider on a seasoned mule. the mule & rider got on the verge but I didn’t really have time to get out of the way, so I ‘instinctively’...that is without really thinking about it..put my girl into a tight counter-clockwise turn. We felt the wind buffet us and when the turn was complete, it was gone. I guess I was lucky that she didn’t really spook but I did the same thing on another ride when a raven unexpectedly flew up in front of us and it generally seems to work. I m no great horserider or trainer BTW but I am pleased with the few success I have had and if useful to others am very glad.

[@chrisduc1]

In my opinion it is all about showing your horse every kind of trail very regular …. Plus the trust your horse has to have in you. We have to nice ones born in 2007 . We bought them as a foal with 7 month . Both are jumping horses but both horses are a 100% in every trail. We started working with them slowly in the age of 3 ….. we are super happy 😆

[@dr.shahidkarim8420]

I love horse riding. Recently, I was riding my horse at a time when it was dark. The horse suddenly bolted and started running. My guess is that it either got spooked because my other partner was preparing meal for his horse in the barn nearby and my horse could hear the sounds of utensils. Another reason I think was a near by dog who got loose and ran along with the rope with which it was tied to a wooden rod. I don't know but it just bolted from slow walk gait and I ultimately fell down from it

[@nh9011]

I am a beginner, I started riding 3 and a half months ago. I first took the horse for the walks on a lead, like a dog. I didnt even know then that horses are scared of cows until on our first walk my horse suddenly stood and freezed looking at the cows on the field we were passing. Using logic I decided to show him some calm leadership. So I said very calmly but firmly "It's ok. It's ok." and continued walking calmly but confidently. I think that attitude is appealing to any scared animal. He overcame his fear and started walking again, only he has done really funny thing - he changed the side, from walking on my right side (closest to the cows), he changed to walking on my left side , kind of using my body to shield himself from the cows... I think even the cows were laughing watching it! :D. On the same walk when we went into the moist shady area my horse got attacked by a huge cloud of mosquitos, it was that time of the year when they are out but I never saw such an amount of mosquitos, the horse colour changed to the colour of mosquito that's how badly he got attacked. And he panicked and refused to continue walking and started turning back towards the stables. Again I spoke to him in a calm and firm voice and I quickly spread citronnella oil all over the horse (which I luckly had with me). Most of mosquitos were gone. At that moment I bet I saw that look of gratitude and trust in my horse body language. After that walk his attitude towards me changed drasticaly, from acting towards me in a style "Do I actually know you?" when horse holds it's head high and doesnt want being petted and kind of looks through you like you are an empty space, he started liking me, he started carring his head much lower (even lower than mine) and allowed me to pet him as much as I want and makes this cute greating sound when he sees me coming. I really enjoy kissing him on the muzzle, the smell of their skin is just so addictive, so I taught him that kisses are a good thing because they come with lot's of carrots and apples. He loves kisses now! On our next walks I also introduced some running together, side by side. I also set with him in the fields while he was grazing. And then my teacher said I am ready to ride by myself. So I started riding him. On our rides we meet wild animals - deer, foxes, moose, pheasants. I wont go into the details of each such encounter but because of our previous experiences instead of panickng he waits for my decision because he sees that I am not getting scared and he trusts me with the decision making. All I can say: spending as much time with your horse as possible (preferably in all sorts of situations), always staying calm, being patient and kind with the horse is really paying off.

[@janethawkins8657]

You said the magic phrase: "calm leadership". Unless the horse is totally bug-eyed panicked, calm leadership will win the day. You're taking on the role of the herd boss, showing them where it's safe. Congratulations on figuring out this principle and thanks for sharing!

[@lauradoeringer6022]

Another great video, Callie. Sooner or later, something is going to spook my horse. These ideas give me tools for dealing with those situations.

[@marylynnblack9258]

Something I have done for years with my Arabs when I get them, is to lead them along the places I will be riding them first . Then they are a lot less spooky when I ride them. They feel more secure in a new place when I am on the ground to "protect" them before I rid them there. I am learning to read my horse better and when they seem afraid of something ,I stop them and let them relax a bit before we start forward. If I take it slowly with them they will eventually go up and touch the scary object.

[@jenniferdavis5076]

On a trail this weekend, a tree came down in the woods. My horse generally spooks VERY EASILY, but this time I was quite surprised he didn’t take off! I backed him away from the tree slowly and kept repeating “it’s okay it’s okay”...I think I was more or less telling myself it was okay, but I think I distracted my horse for the time-being...all he did was back away and perk his ears up! Thank God!

[@WestButWayWorse]

This wasn't on trail but I rode a spooky horse. This place was near a hunting ground and this horse was scared if it, and when I knew one was about to go off I just gently talked to the horse staying calm. I was the first person she trusted and when she felt I was calm she was too.

[@nancysalinas7136]

Good stuff. Thank you

[@pamelasago9628]

Great advice! Leadership includes conversation, not dictatorship. You must earn your horse's trust and listen to what they have to say.

[@keithtaylor6069]

Well, I wanted her to walk under a bridge as we have done before, after the third try I was laying in the water watching her run home, wow it happened quick. This is the second time she has bolted but first time I fell off. Only have had her 4 months, and she had a history of this, Come to find out her pole was out her back her shoulder her barole and hip all out. Got that fixed and has been fine. But she still spooks and have worked on this techniques and she is getting better.

[@lucyarchlion3171]

I don’t have a horse but I might be getting one relatively soon and I want to know what to do in different situations before getting one

[@michelleharris1291]

My horse is mostly "bomb proof", but riding out with friends, there were birds in a bush. Blaze was fine.... until we were headed back to the barn. A bird flew out and half the planet disappeared (deep side twist and jump). I was not expecting it and landed on my feet..... but did walk him back to the mounting block and rode back to the spooky spot, praising him for remaining calm. I do believe the catalyst was in that Blaze had stopped listening to my aids and eager to get back to the barn, he became focused on, well, not me. And I did not bring him back to me quickly enough. (Usually a couple half halts will do it, or a circle).

[@cmfisher68]

Definitely agree with this...when he is intent and not listening to me I wait for the ear flick back and I know he is waiting for me to tell him what to do..occasionally I will get off and lead him past it. But mostly I help him work it out it for himself.

[@marianconde4507]

In my area Deer are a consistent spook hazard. They abruptly shoot out across the trails, surprising horses & riders alike. If the trail is wide enough & it can be done safely, I’ll try a quick circle or two, as by then the deer is usually gone & out of sight. I always think carefully about which horses I take on the trail, as not all horses adapt well for this purpose.

[@staffordhyman5688]

Just had a spook that ended up dumping me off. I was the last horse on the trail and the smallest horse as well. Some Donkeys decide to charge after me from behind and it happened so fast I guess he bolted and I came off over his left shoulder. I felt his energy rise but didn't really know how to handle it to help comfort him in this situation. Neither did I know how to set in the saddle to stay on.

[@KG-lr7sw]

Some spooks can’t be avoided. A couple weeks ago I was riding with a friend and we crossed a rarely used gravel road. We had gotten past it and it was now behind us. But then a motorcycle (I think, might have been a car) Roared by on the road behind us. Our horses shot forward then wheeled around. Thankfully, no one was hurt and it was an understandable reaction from the horses. We let them stare for a few minutes and calm down then kept going.

[@gemmadavies4997]

We have a major problem with big tractors on narrow roads that wont stop ... even in hand my horse (4 year old) panics (I done lots of ground work and he really makes an effort). If the tractor stops he'll go past just about. I got the chance to work with an articulated lorry that was parked and got him compfortable with that but tractors coming at him on the road is going to be hard to work on.

[@lavendergal2508]

Wow I was riding with some friends from the barn through some trails within the woods on our farm. There is a 2 Lane Country Rd. that runs the perimeter of this particular area that you cannot see from the trail. A semi for some reason was driving on this road and he let out his air breaks that make that sound like BUMPBUMP BUMP so LOUD! My horse was literally terrified and almost jumped out of his skin. If we were out in the wide open he would’ve run with all of his might straight back to the barn but we were in pretty dense woods. I was scared because the other horses in front and behind me were at risk also. This truck just came out of nowhere and none of us saw it coming. Scary times

[@brianroth5754]

I ride out in Arizona on the trails where there are many mountain bikers. The horses are always initially freaked out by the bikers, most of them are extremely rude and don't give way to horseback riders. What I do to build the horses confidence is I ride right behind the leaving bicyclist. The bike is going away from them and the horses confidence is rising because as it goes toward the bike, the bike moves away. For dogs that come bursting out of properties towards us, it initially is scary because its such a bolt spook but I feel I'm betraying my horse if I let the horse turn away from the oncoming dog. I keep the horses head pointed at the dog and every time a dog has come up close, the horses size and body energy makes the dog back down and run back to the house. I then I have the horse go towards the fleeting dog to build their confidence. Over time this confidence building makes a huge difference when hitting the trail. Always ask yourself "how well can I present myself to my horse"

[@gemmaross2252]

I found this helpful, thank you. As a new rider I'm still getting used to my horse. He can be quite spooky though, although some of the things make me jump to be fair. I was trotting when a pheasant flew out and he spun one way and I flew round and landed in a corn field. Luckily my boy will usually just stand and wait when I fall off which is a great help. The problem I have is that he's 16.2hh so l can't get back on again unless there's a useful object around to mount from. Another time a dog turned up whilst I was riding in the arena, it went away and i moved my boy forward and he spun and I flew off again, this time he ran, which he doesn't usually do. The spooks can vary between little spooks which I can sit too or big spook where he turns one way and I fly round the other way. I find letting him have a good look at the source of the spook helps. Sometimes letting a more confident horse go first helps. I think his food often makes him more spooky at times too. I try to give him lots of reassurance and praise. If he won't go forward I try to zig zag him.

[@bellasue02]

I just feed my spooky horse hay pellets and a vitamin supplement soaked. Grain will give more excess energy. This was a suggestion from a Clinton Anderson ambassador. Also a couple of scoops of Calm and Cool works well to take edge off

[@redcedar8292]

How do you handle the sudden flurry of activity through a wooden fence, where the horse cannot see through the other side? That's my situation. She's not a spooky horse, usually, just when there's unexpected, unseen movement. Thanks!

[@fonjadidi]

Goodness me she's got some real muscle or her arms you go girl!!

[@kimtartamella9939]

I have been having problems with rattle snakes. Not directly but in the bushes and as you walk by they start rattling and my horse will try and bolt. There have been a lot of snakes this year.

[@dorothytengler9992]

I was riding Maggi to the creek on the board property. We were with 2 other experienced trail horses that Maggi likes. She hasn't been in water for a few years, but she was pretty good, even after a branch fell from the trees. She walked around in the creek. But when we were in the little field by the creek, a stallion who boards at the barn began to scream. He was in his pasture out of sight. Maggi called back. The other 2 horses didn't respond. Maggi began to escalate to the point where I thought she might rear, which she has never done. She was calling and very upset and agitated and wouldn't settle down. I don't quite understand what was going on with her.

[@Nimeariel]

She might have been in season. It's a stallion vs a mare....... maybe he was calling her to ask her to go on a "date"..... and she was agitated she couldn't go to him. Or, he was trying to exert his presence and she was trying to get away. My guess is the first.....

[@renagustafsson7769]

Hi, I have had situations on the trail and in the "spooky corners" in the arenas where my horse gets amped when he hears, but can't see yet, certain horses coming in off the trail. Mostly ones he isn't familiar with or maybe a certain energy or vibe. One time in particular, a band of galloping riders across the water freaked him out, understandably when he was 8. He is now 10. They circled back on the trail, and came through a clearing where my group had stopped, while I was dealing with my bucking boy. At the point he stopped, I dismounted, as I was getting out of my skill ability zone and did not want other riders, or anyone on the public trail getting hurt. Since then, I have tried to learn how to help my horse handle scary moments and turn to me for protection and wise decision making. I do not hesitate dismounting, if I sense it's too dangerous. My question: How can I help my horse get more comfortable with horses coming in off the trail, or meeting horses on the trail. Is it simply exposure to the stimulus? Thanks.

[@re-ridersuzanne]

Good video.

[@corinneyoung8166]

Thank you !

[@rongants6082]

My wife spends a lot of time riding in the southern part of Grand Teton National Park. Bears are common there. Recently she encountered three bears on one ride. She indicates that she has used the strategies you cover during close encounters. If she has enough separation when she sees them, she immediately turns and rides off. The horse, a 17 hand Tennessee Walker, is accustomed to bears at this point. One thing that seems to spook horses that you didn't mention: smells. Smell of bear, or elk.

[@featheredfoothill]

You can desensitize them to that too. Just get some hides. I ride competitive mountain trail. that's one of their tricks to see how calm your horses is, hides everywhere. GREAT. I had no idea how a horse would react, but found out very quickly. Now, I've trained her to all stinky things that if she "touches" it with her nose or even approaches to sniff, she gets a treat while I'm riding. It's a charm I use on a lot of things and she used to totally lose her marbles with all things stinky. It's taken a few years though, so patience and practice, nothing happens overnight. I cannot imagine seeing a bear alive though! We aren't that adventurous. =) Kudos to your wife.

[@siddiquema6006]

Why horse is Jumping backwards when I started to ride Iam beginner awaiting For your valuable response

[@ccappa2001]

one of the things that scares my schooling horse and the others is snow/ice falling from the indoor arena roof! One day while Dixie got used to the snow on the roof being there, i kept telling her that the roof will not fall, and we're safe. (thankfully, nothing fell. another time on another horse ice fell, and she cantered a little, but when I got on Dixie we trotted and I felt better.) Dixie thinks jumping will save her, and jacqui thinks running is the best thing. LOL

[@natashakajewsku8303]

My horse has learnt to just play on rides, meaning every single ride he will pick things to shy at. They are extreme shy movement's He will rear up high, spin around and buck and bolt, the western saddle back of seat has bruised my back from the height of his bucks he will do about 6 . He can drop and jump out to the side from one side of foot path to over the road and land on other foot path. He's 14.3 HH and I swear part jack rabbit. He's never gotten me off, but won't stop either, and does the same regardless of who rides him.. He has learnt to give no hints to his rider either. Just explodes. This is a highly trained horse 9 years old. Been around fire works and don't bat an eye etc shows, trails, barrel, camp drafting etc. Trail riders, cattle work , roads side's, I'm not a bad rider. My farrier said he knew this horse before I got him, say's he's got a reputation around , and said your the twentieth person he's gotten away with stuff now he's at his smartest yet worst with you. He's playing on thing's just because, and now he could kill someone. These things he plays at, even other riders are like OMG.

[@belindastergaard5012]

I have a mare on 17 - she is the SWEETEST and most cool horse if we ride out, with one or more horses. But if i ride by myself, she spooks of the smallest thing, but if i go off, and walk besite her, theres nothing much - What can i do there?

[@lucyosborne7464]

My mare is 5. I’ve checked out her physical issues, there’s seems nothing. She just doesn’t want to work and finds anything new around as an excuse to nap, spin, rear. She can work well if I really keep her moving forward, but if something attracts her attention, she reverts to her fearful behaviour. If I use a stick she sometimes goes forward, but can really buck, and spin, and also it doesn’t means she won’t do it again, 2 minutes later. I don’t think she’s scared really, just finding a way out of work. Basically I think she’s lazy and feels she can control me. Its quite frightening being thrown off an regular intervals. Are some horse perhaps just too hyper to be trained? ps: she has lovely quiet yard, regular routine, loads of forage and daily exercise.

[@Elena15441]

I'm just a beginner. Every time in the beginning of a riding lesson I asked by the teacher to walk with the horse around the arena a couple of circles and observe its behavior. If it calm I'm ready to proceed to riding. If I notice it worried and getting a bit spooked I walk with it more till it calms down. Last time it was scared of openings/windows in the arena - maybe it heard a thunder far away and was spooked by it. After walking a couple of times past those windows it calmed down and was ready to be ridden. On a trail: Will you recommend for beginners to dismount the horse and walk with it past the scary object? Might be easier than trying to control it when you're riding.

[@SaddleUpAgain]

I'm not a beginner, but I'm an older rider and dismounting is one of my options. If something is really bothering my horse on a trail ride, I might dismount and lead my horse past the scary object. I can also let him investigate the object to decide that if I'm not scared he shouldn't be scared. After the scary object is resolved I can get back on and go on my way on a calmer horse.

[@Nimeariel]

@@SaddleUpAgain I agree with you, but I would say just be careful how often you dismount or under what circumstances. Horses see us riders as a source of "pressure" and once we get off, sometimes that can signal to them that they're done and the pressure is released and they are being rewarded (such as at the end of a really good ride, you get off immediately and reward them and end the ride to let them know that what the just did was the right answer). I would suggest ONLY get off if it is going to be extremely dangerous to stay on. BUT, wait as long as possible for a moment of calm before jumping off- even if it's just a millisecond of calm. If horses learn that you will get off their back when they're spooking, they MIGHT be more likely to spook even more just to get you off of their back. And then in addition, once you are off their back, DON'T let your guard down or let the horse fend for itself- work the horse on the ground to let it know you're still in charge, just in a different position. And as soon as it's safe, mount up again as quickly as possible.

[@christopherlamb9838]

@Elena sub you have to consider if remounting your horse away from the barn un-aided after a spooky situation is not asking for more trouble. Depending on the size of your horse it may not be a realistic option. Plus dismounting may reinforce "yes that is scary, so scary that I am getting off...". I think you will have more control of your horse in the saddle than on foot. Of course, if the smelly brown stuff hits the fan, you may be safer on foot..... Just my two-pennies worth.

[@randyfuller7294]

It was always the paper in the wind or brush (vegetation) that always got me on the ground or all shuck-up!!

[@richardjones4259]

THANKS! Grreat video

[@michelekanefsky7511]

Is there a situation where you would ever retreat or retreat & re-approach? What would be the downside of retreating?

[@Nimeariel]

Some trainers might say that retreating is a sign of "releasing pressure" and "rewarding" the horse for being spooked at that particular thing, causing it to never really "get over" the object. Horses have to find release and comfort in things that do bring pressure- such as a human lunging them, a spooky object, facing away from their best friends in the field at the other end of the arena, etc. Only then can they learn to internalize the peace that facing the object brings. If the horse goes away from the object (unless it's bolting and jumping and being unsafe- in which case you should try to get it under control and bring it back), it is basically saying that it doesn't trust you and isn't going to respect you and what you do is "bother" the horse until it turns around to face the object again. Only once the horse relaxes LOOKING at the object can you then turn away and try again. Some trainers say "make the right thing easy and the wrong thing hard", and in this case, staring at the object and moving past it is the right thing so you should leave the horse alone as long as it's staring at it, and the wrong thing is moving away from the object and you should make it hard by bothering it til it turns back.

[@lilypeck2012]

My OTTB gelding is fearful of lawn tractors. He also gets very amped up if another horse is being corrected. Any suggestions?

[@Mike-bm1xv]

Maybe your horse is afraid of the noise. If you can, put some rocks into a cement mixer and leave it on near the horse.

[@mikelstewart9053]

How do I get my horse to cross a 50 foot long narrow two lane bridge across a river having 30 /40 mile per hour car/ truck traffic in both directions with no sidewalk space?

[@Elena15441]

1. Find another road. 2. Use a horse trailer. :) 3. Get the horse used to this bridge - cross it with no/little traffic present (early mornings) first. Then after the horse is comfortable with crossing it, gradually get it used to more traffic. Plus is good to put the sign 'Slow down, horse crossing' on both sides of the bridge, so drivers will be ready to slow down. :)

[@mikelstewart9053]

Thanks! All good answers.

[@SaddleUpAgain]

I would get off my horse and walk the horse across. You're safer and so is your horse.

[@gaildoan1809]

Saddle Up Again I agree, such situations are best conditioned from the ground. It builds confidence in both human & horse more easily 🙂

[@Nimeariel]

@@Elena15441 Unfortunately even putting a sign "horse crossing" still won't slow drivers down. I have seen where horses are put in some very bad situations because even in spite of a sign being present, drivers still don't care and instead honk their horn or continue at speed or even speed up! I really recommend not to cross the bridge unless it's absolutely necessary and even then, make sure you're wearing bright clothing and your horse is adapted to and used to cars going past. Cars may try to pass you as you travel across the bridge (and you're supposed to ride on the SAME side of traffic in most places- some say you're supposed to walk opposite the traffic) so it is best to make sure your horse can handle things coming up behind it. If you hear a car coming up too fast, you can wave your inside hand up and down with a flat palm to signal "SLOW DOWN" and if possible, turn your head to look at them, and if possible (and if safe to do so), stop your horse and face them.

[@featheredfoothill]

I have one more - it's another moving scary thing story. We went to the Western States Horse Expo. First time at a horse show of that caliber. Work to do! I spent half my days there, probably 95% of my time hand-walking and 5% riding. Let them acclimate on their own time, it's worth it. Anyway, she was pretty good except for people walking behind fake potted trees and the evil little cart with yellow wheels and two Gotland ponies driving it! She had never seen a cart before. Imagine that, a horse afraid of horses. She has seen many other things with wheels but not that. So I made a point to have her follow that stupid cart every single day we were there. And minis driving too. I gave her a reward if she followed, before long, she knew she could 'push' the cart away via her own magical power. By the last 2 days she was pretty relaxed (4 total) and we performed really well, was so proud of her and myself for driving mountain passes and then dealing with a spook-monster alone). Learning to sort cattle, seriously, it was the best lesson we've had, it truly teaches you quick lateral work and keeping the eye on the prize and "moving" something unpredictable. IF they learn this concept, it can apply to many things. My other story requires disengaging the hindquarters, I took some dressage lessons while there, and the woman, who'd been around horses her whole life, a fairly well known trainer in her 60s, gave that as her key advice. She had seen some devastating injuries from spooked horses and unprepared riders. In shows you simply are in an unknown place and anything can happen. People aren't very thoughtful either, running their scooters up their rears to say hello, they can be pretty brainless so you have to prepare.

[@janmckinnon7338]

I am getting back to riding after losing my confidence being bucked off of my horse. I recently bought a new horse - a nice calm Quarterhorse gelding. I went out riding with others and he was perfect so I started riding out by ourselves and he was still very good. We recently rode in the neighborhood and came across Alpacas in a pasture. My nice calm Quarterhorse lost his mind. He turned and bolted and I thought I was going to come off. I attempted to stop him and he reared a bit. That incidence scared me and has really set me back now knowing what he could potentially do. I am continuing to ride him and have good experiences to get my confidence back. Any other advice to get past this?

[@DjayaKindaSus]

Is it okay to, just get off and help you're horse from the ground until you feel confident enough to help him while you're on? Because im still kind of scared to go alone but poeple aren't always able to be there when you want to go on a trail ride. And i would like to know if that's also a way to help them past something scary

[@cowjojitiktok9944]

I was also told my horse was attacked by a pitbull when he was younger and that pervious owner said he hates dogs and he was trample they and will spook everytime, I have 2 dogs of my own small and large. Hes not fond of them but doesn't try to hurt them and when we trial and dogs come cheating at the fence he doesnt even care. He just puts his head down and looks at them. I think that's snaking hes like pushing them away? Am I correct ?

[@anngranit4794]

On my 3rd riding lesson my horse heard a noisy truck ...and started to run so fast ...i have no idea how i didnt fall ...!!

[@elizabethhavert7883]

I was on a trail ride, on a narrow trail, when a cyclist stopped about 20 feet from us to let us pass.....my horse jumped and flew around a pond bolted. I had to get control by bending, and he kept dancing...I ended up getting off and walking him past the bike...he was nervous but fine....he is very spooky and seems worse when I am on his back. It’s very frustrating.

[@sarahkhan4154]

You recorded this in a beautiful place. Which state are you in?

[@finleyscotland]

Pennsylvania, Chester County

[@lucasa1849]

I think preparing and desensitizing your horse in a controlled enviroment before you even think about going trail rididng is the thing to do.

[@faisalswehli6199]

Yesterday my horse was scard

[@cowjojitiktok9944]

My horse is terrified of motorcycles or like scooters usually he keeps it together I actually give him his head an let him graze as they past, it seems to occupy his time for that moment. Once I heard a scooter come up on us and I know he was going go spooky but hes never bolted on me before and I can tell u I was not ready. He takes off I roll off his but but my dumb ass held onto his rein, so it ended up pulling my upper body foward and caused my legs to literally go behind me I ended up landing on my face, legs above my head. Thankfully my friend was with me he ran to her horse and started eating so i got up, looked at the guys like wtf cuz he kept driving but he was turning around to look and he knows damn good and well hes the reason for my horse doing that. I walk over to him tell him hes a good boy and I know he didnt mean to do it. Walked it off and got right back on and finished our ride. I have never had him spook like that before and honestly wasnt expecting it because of how he acts around everything else. Firetruck no problem, guys flaying past in big trucks no problem, semis who cares.. tiny scooter watch out here comes judge lmao

[@featheredfoothill]

there is something about little things that move. Mine isn't afraid of our giant excavator, but yes, little wheels on a cart. It's good food for thought though. I mean you could in theory work on this at home...borrow a scooter.

[@youbetyourwrasse]

I don't agree with the "letting them look at it" philosophy. In my experience, it only reinforces the idea that there is something WORTH looking at. I keep them working around it, changes of rein, leg yields, anything that keeps their mind occupied, until the next things they know they are one foot away from it, and it is nothing. And since the release is the reward, ignoring the object is the best options in the horse's mind. And we just walk on.

[@eliara-thevoice8430]

Umbrellas are super spooky to most horses.

[@chrismeeks3564]

So I was ride my horse she a green horse and we where going past a car and spooked and bucked

[@karlpeterson3902]

Jag har verkligen bekymmer med spookie ness. Rare Stones stora blad skyltar etc. Jag gör som du säger men de tar aldrig slut .Han vill dessutom alltid gå behind The other horses på ridturen. Aldrig först max några steg sen vill han söka skydd behind The other horse .🙏😖

[@staffordhyman5688]

Have a problem understanding a good seat

[@eliara-thevoice8430]

Sometimes I ride spooks on my back or the ground. LOL. It happens.

[@samhemmeryckx6553]

My horse is scared of everything that moves and what doesn't

[@DARKhorses73]

Moral of story - bravery 🤣

[@gaynorfisher9154]

The horse i rode got spooked at bar wire

[@luckyclaw06]

I live in the city, and unfortunately cannot own any horses, but my question is: If you lead them on walks with just the lead rope, and expose them to the scary things without you on their back, will their "spook-level" go down when you're on their back going for a trail ride?

[@everydayblue7798]

One of the spooks that got me was we were calmly walking and there were no signs... something invisible suddenly spooked her and she ran forward (but in a jumping motion). She stopped on her own and was still wild eyed. There was nothing visible to any of us and I wondered what I would do to stop her if she didn't stop on her own (because I'm a beginner and was holding on).

[@bethwik8531]

EveryDayBlue I’m a beginner too, but I THINK 🤔 that if you feel safe and confident enough to control her, then after she’s passed the scary object, try getting in an open space and circling until she slows down. Just something I’ve seen before. 🤷‍♀️ Don’t take my word for it though. 😂

[@bethwik8531]

Wait not passed, I don’t think she’s likely to run past it. I think what I meant is once you’re a safe distance away from the scary object. I have no idea what I’m saying anymore. 😂

[@paulwhite9826]

Stepped on something you didn't see? Previously had encountered a snake and was now imagining one? Hard to know...

[@featheredfoothill]

You will never know so don't torture yourself try to figure it out. Read up on their vision, it's entirely different than ours. That should help. They can see many things we don't, even at a distance, so it's probably not as dramatic as stepping on a snake. It could be light reflecting off water, etc, 200 feet away. It's typically something very simple they just don't know how to interpret. Then again, it can be something really big that we humans don't see too (so I tend to listen to their judgement and go slow, something they are RIGHT). But I think the point is that they see everything, so it can be sensory overload since they can't comprehend things like we do in terms of what is true danger.

[@BruceArtwick]

You only spoke about situations which one can anticipate, but you didn't say anything about how to handle a horse that has already suddenly freaked out below your saddle...

[@lucasa1849]

That's cause they don't. There's always a reason and there are always little to big signs of tension a horse shows before exploding.

[@PsychicIsaacs]

Actually, no. I have a Waler Mustang cross and she's green broken. She's mostly really good natured, but she sometimes spooks real sudden, with NO WARNING! She'll jump three feet to the side in mid-trot because she saw something she didn't like. We went for a trail ride yesterday at dusk and she saw my son ahead of us, on foot, on the trail when she was at a trot, and did this. There was NO warning, I got dumped and now I'm nursing a twisted ankle.

[@tinacampbell8867]

I hate those menacing rocks! 😫😆

[@zebradun7407]

Thrown out on the side of the road Pizza Boxes. My Mare thinks they eat horses.

[@re-ridersuzanne]

Used to get new horses used to the 150 miles of beautiful trails at the Rockefeller Estate. My teacher asked me to, not alone. A branch could fall on me after a storm, a deer could jump out, etc. Calming was it. Had to cross a road to get there. My friend's horse was afraid of penned "killer sheep"!! We just stood there gave him a few treats and talked. She only rides indoors. I take him out alone. The funniest thing was while it started snowing ad a jogger came out of nowhere, over a hill on the Estate. Both horses jumped up and sideways. We just laughed. I find singing to them helps. I talk to all animals, if I feel fear. She had a really bad fall and is terrified about out of the indoor arena. I don't. Had my share of falls. If one gets scared, I dismount, after a rear or buck and sing and walk and talk, then find a place to mount and go past it, closer and closer. Patience is the key for me. You do have to deal with a rear or buck immediately though.

[@cowjojitiktok9944]

Oh and this one time me and my friend where our trailing an two people on dirt bikes came riding ull right to us. They stopped and turned off the motor her horse started to spook and it caused mine to? It was weird because it was after they turned off the bikes