How to Soothe a Horse

Horses are large and powerful animals. Most horses have mild temperaments and are a pleasure to be around. Horses, just like any other animal, can become easily upset from different conditions. Loud noises, excited children or barking dogs can easily upset one of these large friends. There are several ways that a person can effectively calm and soothe a nervous horse. Some of them are so simple a child could do it.

Things You'll Need

  • Brushes
  • Blankets
  • Radio
  • Lavender oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the horse from the stressful situation. Barking dogs or unruly children should be moved away from the animal until it can be calmed down. If loud noises such as sirens, traffic or a celebration are the cause for stressing the horse, try to get the horse into a stable or barn that has doors. This will reduce the noise, and the stress of the horse.

    • 2

      Brush the horse with a soft body brush. Slowly approach the horse using a soft and soothing voice. With the body brush in one hand, grasp the horse's halter with your free hand. Start at the top of the neck and brush toward the shoulders using long gentle strokes. Speaking calmly to the horse while you brush it will help soothe the horse.

    • 3

      Run your hands over the horse's body, down the neck and up the legs. A stressed horse will enjoy a massage as much a human would. Pay attention to the shoulders and legs, as this is where a horse can be the most tense. Wiggle your arm and hand as you run it over the horse's body. This will create a soothing vibrating effect.

    • 4

      Sing to the horse. Horse trainer Andy Curry says that if you use a calm and pleasant voice to speak to the horse in a singsong manner, the horse will focus on your voice and begin to relax. Any song will work on the horse as long as it's done in a soothing manner. You may even enjoy reciting poetry to the horse.

    • 5

      Apply baby oil and five or six drops of lavender oil to a rag. Wipe the rag around the nostrils of the horse. Lavender has a natural sedative effect and can help soothe a spooked horse.