How to Train a SPOOKY Horse (Easy Method)

How to Train a Spooky Horse | If you're working with a spooky or unpredictable horse, it's important that you know how to train them correctly. In this video, I teach you everything you need to know about training a spooky horse!
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Hi there! 👋 I'm Carmella. I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember, and I make videos about all things horse training, horseback riding, and living an equestrian lifestyle. New videos are uploaded EVERY WEEK so subscribe now for more horse videos.
I've written over 100 horse articles @ equinehelper.com/!
Follow me on Instagram: / equinehelper
Business Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@dr.anlikaeltan936]

Have been riding for 27 yrs now. I'm 32, and started riding when I was 5 yrs old. Right now, I'm dealing with a spooky horse. Thanks for this video!

[@stormmary1]

I have been riding for 60 years! I started when I was 9 years old, and am now 69 🙂

[@farinazhamedanchi5858]

That’s fascinating. I am positive that u are a very happy person.

[@stormmary1]

@@farinazhamedanchi5858 yes, thank you, wishing you all the best

[@catequestrian4788]

that’s impressive! 😆

[@bader2377]

All respect to you!

[@stormmary1]

@@catequestrian4788 thank you!

[@arizonarein]

I’ve ridden horses since I was quite young; around 3 years old.....I’m dating myself....I’m 59 now. I really enjoy your commitment to safe riding. You’re a very good teacher 😊

[@KatrinaDancer]

Me 2! I'm also in AZ

[@maraesmail5556]

I've started training my horses to be ridden about a year ago so I'm learning with them. Your videos really help. Thank you!! 💙

[@CarmellaAbel]

It's my pleasure!

[@scarletwolf7749]

I've just started working on desensitizing my boy so this video was really helpful!

[@CarmellaAbel]

Thank you Scarlet! Best of luck!

[@cathiwim]

I started at 13, but didn’t get my first horse til 52. I still don’t ride a whole lot, cuz health issues i wasn’t expecting. But im training both,my horses to drive

[@alexandriaheaton2208]

I've only been riding for the past 5 or 6 years but ive been in love with horses and everything to do with horses for the past 25 years. Learning everything I can about them. I just wanted to say your videos are so informative and I just love how you cover everything and Tucker is a wonderful horse!!

[@AniruddhaR]

I've been riding for 1 and a half years. You have helped me so much ❤.

[@trinesandns4947]

I've been riding on and off for 40 yrs. Thanks for this video! I wish I had this knowledge many years ago when I started riding again after an accident where I broke my back. I still struggle with my confidence when hacking out. I will definitely try your methods. Also, I wish i had learned the one rein stop 40 yrs ago.

[@MDshell.]

I want to start riding but my mom is thinking about it. I love watching your videos because they feel like you are teaching me.

[@diggingmary129]

I hope your mom eventually says yes!! There is nothing better than riding!! Keep bugging her, and educate yourself on different things about the horse world and talk to her about it! Trust me I'm a mom and when me kids won't shut up about something they want I usually give in,lol. Good luck 🤞 ❤️

[@1sacoyle]

I have owned horses for about 50 yrs. Beware walking umbrellas! During a recent rainy day I walked out to the barn holding an umbrella. My horse was standing at the gate waiting for me until he spotted the Umbrella and totally came undone seeing the monster approach. He had never seen me with an umbrella coming from this direction before, but we have had sessions with umbrellas on the ground as part of his desensitizing in the past. You just never know what will set them off.

[@americanequine4272]

Im training 2 spooky horses for a friend rn and this is a real help

[@joannk5259]

you are a talented and beautiful young lady and teacher, thank you!

[@donnahentschel5726]

I've owned horses for twenty+ years and haven't been able to spend barn time with them or ride much at all the past 10 years. Now I have time (retired) and your videos are great refreshers for me. Keep it up!

[@klarakozakova7510]

Loving your videos! Thank you. I did actually get off my horse and walk him all the way to our destination. There were a few "obstacles" that he needed to overcome. Now, we can ride that way with no problem. He is still aware, and tenses up a bit, but it's getting better! Thanks for reaffirming my instinct! I won't hesitate in the future if I need to get off.

[@ahbarrelracing338]

I’ve been riding for a year and now I’m training a spooky green broke quarter horse geldings and ur videos help alot

[@thegroompod]

Started lessons at 5, and now I'm 60. I love your videos, they are helping me with my new horse. Thanks!

[@dakotajones7655]

I’ve been riding for 3 years now but I’m still a beginner. I’ve been doing lessons and helping at the barn but don’t know exactly how to have my own horse. We have saved up money to get one and we are moving to Texas ❤️ I’ve read a heck ton of your articles on Pinterest and watched a bunch of your videos. Your very informative and helpful! Thanks 💕

[@CarmellaAbel]

Thanks for your support! And I wish you the best at finding a horse ❤️

[@dakotajones7655]

@@CarmellaAbel ❤️✨

[@chelseagarchar4338]

I have ridden off and on since I was 10 years old. Recently got back into riding horses this year since my beautiful 42 year old Arab girl passed 10 years ago. I’m 31.

[@donnayaxley6725]

Hi there, I have just found you video's and is just what I needed. I'm 57 and been riding on a casual basis for 20yrs but never realy had ridng lessons. I worry about being too hard on there mouths. I guess it's something I 'll have to learn to get past. I have decided to ride bareback to get a better seat for a bit.

[@kristinh5391]

A few months... love your videos!!

[@ConnorsHike]

Love your videos and how much work you can see you have put into working with tucker.

[@Lucy.Lynn.]

hello! I started riding horses about 2 years ago. I'm training a horse named Liberty Bell and she's pretty spooky, so i hope this video helps! love your vids!

[@captaincruise_eq.8652]

Since I was three! Started out as equine therapy, but blossomed as a beautiful love and awe for horses! I ride English now, and aim to start jumping!

[@furfurever9538]

I have not rode very much but have been riding for a month!!

[@CarmellaAbel]

You have to start somewhere! Congrats on this new journey!

[@deborahhancock7549]

I started riding a long time ago but it was always with other peoples horses, but now I have my own 2 I am riding all the time, but they are very nervous so tour videos help thank you.

[@animalover9000]

This was such an informative video. I learned so much. I take lessons and have for most of my life but you don’t ride horses with real problems in lessons

[@kronezk2672]

I have be riding since I was 5 and now I am 11 about to tern 12 I loved horse Spence I was a baby

[@kimberlyaffourtit9835]

Beautiful farm and thank you!

[@brandystanner8915]

By releasing the pressure when they freak out, aren't you rewarding that behavior? BRAND new horse owner. Asking out of genuine thirst for knowledge. I am 45 and I have had my horse for 4 months.

[@high_schoolgirl2080]

I've been riding for about 3 years and still learning

[@rawnasimpson4697]

14 years but you videos are nice to watch 😁

[@yasmincole6977]

This is really interesting and has affirmed my thoughts about riding around the dressage arena before a dressage test - with such little room it's hard to keep my boy's feet moving, so I think it'll hep him more if I just go in and ride the test where I can help him through spookiness

[@cindywines2126]

I am 68 and have been riding fir 6 months. I rescued Buddy who is 27. He was at a kill pen and is safe with me now.

[@mrskimdagamer824]

I dont know of you've got experience with this, but could you maybe make a video on how to ride lazy horses and also how to ride stubborn horses (especially outside?). I'm currently riding a horse that just out of nowhere turns around outside in the trot, even though there's a fence, hill, bush or whatever. He's also lazy in the pen, but I'm a beginner so its very hard for me to give him leg cues all the time while still trying to sit right, steer etc 😅

[@catherq9461]

Kimberly F hello i Can try to help you :) When your Are riding outside and your horse turn around, like say your trotting and Then your horse turne around and you can’t get it back Then stop pulling im the rein and Then put your horse to a canter. That Will teach your horse that every time it tries to go its Owen Way is hard work but while the riders Way is the easiest😁 And if your Are riding a lazy horse Then i would try to find something the horse like. Sometimes it thanks jumping or hacking is fun and Then it would be almost faster. So try to find that one thing the horse like or Else i would take it step by step. Okay start with like in the walk, and Then you make the horse go faster walk and after some step of that you Can reward it so it learn that going fast is fun because you get treat or rub ect Hope it Can help☺️

[@CarmellaAbel]

Hi Kimberly! This is a great video and a great question! It's funny how the lazy horses can be the most stubborn! When it comes to dealing with these types of horses it's important to remember that they are trying to avoid working more than they have to. If the horse has learned that it can just turn around and do less work rather than going in the direction you want him to go in, then he will keep doing this. The way you'll correct this is by making the wrong behavior equal more work. When your horse turns around and go the other way, make them work. Trot them until they get tired, then have them stop and go the other direction. The horse needs to learn that bad behavior equals more work and the correct behavior equals less work. This is something you can correct at the trot too, since the trot requires the most work from the horse. Hope this helps! We have an article on our site about working with lazy horses. You can check it out here: equinehelper.com/making-your-horse-faster/

[@mrskimdagamer824]

@@catherq9461 thank you for the tips! I am going to try this next week :D

[@mrskimdagamer824]

@@CarmellaAbel thank you! I've read the article and I'm going to try some groundwork next week :) problem is that we don't have a round pen and the horse likes to run off the circle like crazy, we've got some work to do.. 😂

[@xxanimalloverxx8611]

I’ve been riding for 1 year!! love you!!

[@CarmellaAbel]

Thank you! Keep at it! Riding horses is one of the best decisions I ever made!

[@nickicolin4525]

Your videos are sooo helpful! I've learned A LOT from watching your videos!

[@mrsmay70]

One year (2 as a teen) and just purchased my first horse

[@farisal-mohammed3965]

Thank you for the video , I’m a big fan ☺️, however, I have been doing exactly what you’re showing in the video for the past 3 years i owned my horse, however, still whenever my horse faces a new thing i have to do the same process and some times have to get off him, on the other hand, I saw some horses, with the same training and age (8) reached to a point where they fear nothing and trust the rider. And that what I’m looking to achieve.

[@katiebug1783]

Hello Equine Helper this video is very very helpful and I have have been riding for two years!!

[@CarmellaAbel]

Thank you! I wish you the best of luck as you continue to learn!

[@devonmckenna7588]

22 years. I unfortunately had one "spooky" horse (bought and trained him from 2 years old), who was immune to all of this kind of desensitizing. We tried ribbons, bag, Penny cans, but even after months and positive reinforcement he never got used to them. Turned out he had a genetic skin condition the vet hadn't caught so instead of spooking he was just trying to tell us something was wrong.

[@kristagjelde4873]

did he have to get put down? :(

[@HanaandBluey]

I have been riding for about 2 1/2 years ! I love it especially with my horse Bluey 💙. Also I would just like to say you videos are so helpful especially this one since I am desensitizing my horse ! (Bluey)

[@LorryMLewis]

I’ve been riding my Vinny A 14 year old Arabian gelding for five months! I watch your videos and they’re very helpful. One thing that speak Spani are puddles and water. I went riding today and I was able to stay on him as we were trotting near a puddle. So I’m trying to figure out how to desensitize him to puddles of water on the ground, And eventually go in the water in lakes!

[@nyokabradford6639]

I have been riding for 22 years :) and my mare now is very spooky

[@mariepigen08]

I've only ridden for 5 years. But I've been obsessed with horses for around 13 years. Also, I've almost only worked with pushy or bucky horses, so I think it is a good amount of time..😅

[@zohooralsaleh3001]

2 weeks ago still training!

[@jamilamezni5976]

I have been riding since before I could walk the horse was my mom's horse he was very gentle, the last time I rode was when a friend from my church let my sister and I ride her horse which was when we were in 8th or 9th grade, so I haven't ridden in a couple of years.

[@kaviokaverit4390]

I've ridden for 9 years now

[@saneeceharnden8240]

I started riding from 3-5 years old, then I stopped, then 9-11 years old (I leased a horse) and then last year in December I moved on a farm with acreage and we got a horse for me and for my dad, I have 3 different “trainers” but I really only train with one of them

[@destinywolf1lol613]

I've been riding since I was 5 but didn't start proper lessons untill I was 7 I went to about 3 different places and then quit since I was too scared to trot I started riding again when I was 11 or 12 but wasn't really getting anywhere untill 2022 I'm now cantering and doing small jumps . Btw random thing but I live in New Zealand

[@rushellealexandra5243]

Got a half blind pony I need to get ready by fair at end of July and biggest thing is him spooking. And I want to be able to ride him and show him without him trying to bolt

[@sherrypipta3810]

I've been riding for about a year!

[@KatrinaDancer]

Since I was 3

[@rawnasimpson4697]

I just recently got a blind horse and im having trouble lunging him and getting him to lay down he does not like it lol

[@RedRedux]

Would you? My mare is going blind from ERU and I don't do either of those things with her anymore. Less time thinking about what you want and more time considering your horse's point of view is required here.

[@cathiwim]

Why would you get a BLIND horse??

[@rawnasimpson4697]

@@cathiwim why not🤷🏼 he is just as good and deserving of love as any other horse

[@MDshell.]

I think they parity.

[@ava8625]

I've been riding for 2 years

[@CarmellaAbel]

Thanks for the comment, Kaitlyn! Keep up the riding!

[@annaryeng6616]

I’ve been riding for about 4 months now, and it honestly feels like I’m just...there...sometimes. The lesson horse just follows the others around the arena, and it feels like I have no control. I’ve watched video after video trying to learn what to do but I feel so... eh. My trainer will tell me different things, but I feel like I’m just not getting it. The horses are used to people who don’t know what they’re doing at all on the trails, so they can just do whatever they want. Or, they do the same thing everyday so they’re just plain bored, perhaps. Most of the time I am exhausted after my lesson! Do you have any tips for me? 🙂

[@alexisrose5744]

i promise you it takes time, it may feel that way but once you learn how to really control the horse to not follow everyone, you can kind of tell when they’re actually engaged through their body and their mouth, but it takes time and practice!

[@cathiwim]

You might want to make a list of the things you want him to learn and break those down into steps. That way it wont seem so overwhelming.

[@cookiebeatsworld]

What I feel like really helped was try to see if you could train with other people. Sometimes i feel like when you see others getting trained, you can also learn from how others do it, especially if they have been training for quite a while. About a year ago, i had a trainer that trained me with other people who were more experienced than me and it helped me a lot and I learned on how to become stronger and how to take control. It definitely takes time to learn and what to do, but what i learned is that riding can be fun, but exercising your legs at another time or day really helps since it takes a lot of muscle to work with a horse.

[@cookiebeatsworld]

Also if you have lack in confidence, sit up tall and act like a queen/king

[@cindywines2126]

Just practice snd enjoy being with your horse. My Buddy is an experienced ranch horse who is so patient with me. He is 27 and so well trained. I like having him. 😊

[@catwomansalstyles7470]

spooking is the toughest thing you will ever deal with if you master it you master all

[@deanmacka4975]

I think tucker trust you a lot young lady . Great stuff

[@TheAsiaspirit]

I wish someone would use a horse that is actually really anxious?

[@hannahvankoughnett9812]

I started riding 6 years ago.

[@nkhdot]

I’ve been riding for about 8 months and have been getting better and the barn owner says a couple more lessons then I can lease a American quarter and Arabian!

[@owenboyle561]

Hey I'm a little late but I have a 4 year old gelding that I am training to ride and he is usually pretty good but today he was spooked at everything including the halter that has been put on him frequently for the past few months what would cause this and how do I fix it any feedback helps thanks!

[@victoriawerner7139]

I have been riding since I was born, 19 years

[@Eeee-xl4xb]

You surely didn’t ride when you were 1 😂 maybe sitting on a horse with someone else but that’s not really riding

[@destinywolf1lol613]

Idk if you know who Vicki Wilson is /the Wilson sisters from new Zealand but I really look up to them especially Vicki and I also look upto you . That was random sorry

[@emilygrace2256]

Been riding since I was about 5 years old, currently 21: I rescued my first mustang, he is very spooky. Whether it’s movement as trees swaying, fast movement towards him. Plastic bags, tarps, other horses, dogs.. Is there a way I can personally message you regarding my mustang? Love how informative this video is.

[@peterpan05]

Did you ever get him settled down?

[@krissiesimmons8124]

I'm training an older horse and he's never been ridden or handled before I don't have a lot of info on his background he does seem to really not like flags so I tied a group of little flags to a pole in the area I tried walking him up to them and he's stubborn so he stopped about half way the first time he was near it he bolted is there an easier way to get him to go over them he finally went over them twice without bolting do you have any advice tips would be easier would be great thanks my names krissie and I've been riding my whole life but I have not done anything since I was 15 and im 46 now

[@emmamcdonagh5205]

I've been riding since I was 7 so 11 years!

[@tahliasmith1989]

I've been riding Since my first time I was four on my mums horse at home on the lounge line

[@diggingmary129]

I have known about the emergency one rein stop but I have never used it. I had a horse bolt on me a few days ago, it happened so fast then he was running so fast, I thought about using it but as fast as we were going I thought he could flip or roll, so I just rode it out about two miles till he got a little tired. Is there point like this that it would to be to dangerous to use?

[@lisacraddock8104]

A few weeks🐴

[@louisawood2821]

I'm trying to de spook my sons Shetland pony as he's majorly spooky and I was worried about taking away the stresser- pressure release when they were spooking as that might reinforce the behaviour - oh I jumped and thrn the monster was taken away so that worked, therefore I will jump again h next time the monster comes back to make it go away ?? Why does releasing the pressure when they are scared not create that association?

[@HarleyT-my6wf]

I habe not rode a horse ever but some how they got into my heart and not am wanna learn how to ride a horse and rn am 14 but am smaller then normal so when I get a little taller and older am go to my necie house and she gonna teach me to ride a horse so yeah but I watching these vids bc I want to learn so when I get on a horse I can just yeah :D

[@wakingohiomama9110]

Got my 1st pony at 7 but unfortunately at 21 had to sell them all due to my parents divorce. I have ridden off and on over the years and now at 50, Im starting my new adventure back to the animals i love so so much by getting my Bachelors in Therapeutic Horsemanship.

[@MBbarrelracingofficialll]

Hopefully this helps Me Im trying to teach my horse to not spook at every one in a parade or candy throwing and l loud noises

[@hanadehart7126]

Brand spanking new to horses got 2 last a month

[@CarmellaAbel]

Congrats! If you have any questions, just let me know!

[@markbrooklynn9909]

4 days ago I broke my fear

[@cathyweiss1814]

What if our horse is calm and then they bolt again?

[@jd3990]

I'm 17yrs old. I've been riding for 36yrs.

[@moonhorse4274]

How do you trot

[@moonhorse4274]

I'm sorry but what does spooky horse mean does it Mean it's scared or is it like haunted and dangerous

[@rubentorres4527]

2 months in very green. Lol going on my fifth lesson this week

[@evanlowe3005]

15 years and im 14 lol i havent started im building a horse barn and im getting a horse in spring

[@moonhorse4274]

And how do you make the horse run which run means gallop

[@NYCgirlys]

I started at 11 I'm 14 this year

[@Audrey_fuentes10]

Since I was five or six, but I didn't own any horses until I was twelve, and now I am thirteen.

[@tahliasmith1989]

My horse is bomb proof except with a wip for some reason she thinks it's going to get her she's done it since I first had her so today I'm going to desensitise her

[@carolena4526]

6

[@joanrauseo2332]

33 years. Learn something everyday

[@keithshelby6914]

I'm not on yet My new horse is a bit scared and reCtive

[@madisonwilkinson2334]

I’ve been riding for 6 years

[@Dream_catcher_eqeustrians1840]

11 years. I started when I was 2.

[@liv_love_equine2610]

I have been riding my whole life so 13 years

[@cathyweiss1814]

I have been riding for six years

[@barbarajoubert4084]

I am 16 but I started wen I was 3 jeers ould wel that is wat ty tell me

[@larryvogt3962]

18 years

[@teresaluff7354]

I have been riding for 6 months. And not that well as of yet. I have no confidence!

[@AniandCisco]

Well let me think 🤔 the first time I sat on a horse was when I was 4 and I went on trails ever since then I started lessons at 10 and I’m 11 so ya

[@mak337ai1]

I am riding since a 1 or 2 years

[@paramitamahapatra8194]

i am right now 9 years i want to ride a horse

[@catequestrian4788]

I’ve been riding for seven years