How to Train a Horse to Be Traffic Safe

Accidents involving horses and cars are not common, but when they do occur they can be catastrophic. Most drivers know that they should slow down when they pass a horse and rider, but not all of them do and even a slow moving car can be an unnerving experience for the unprepared horse. It is vital not only for your safety and that of your horse, but also for that of the motorist that you do not attempt to ride your horse on the road until it is ready.

Things You'll Need

  • A friend with a car
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the way that your horse reacts when it is around a car. If possible, get your friend to drive past the horse's paddock so that you can watch how it behaves. Instinct will make your horse do one of two things: It will either run away from the car, which is the flight reflex, or it will be curious and face up to it, which is the fight reflex.

    • 2

      Lead the horse up to the parked car and let it spend some time getting to know what this strange object is. Allow the horse to look at it and even sniff it if they want. All the time this is happening, stroke the horse to encourage it and help to keep it calm. Repeat this as often as is necessary to make your horse comfortable around a car.

    • 3

      Mount the horse and move it towards the parked car. Once again, allow the animal to feel comfortable around the car. Initially, this should be done with the engine switched off. Once your horse gains confidence, have the engine running.

    • 4

      Get your friend to drive the car slowly down a quiet road and ride your horse behind it. Ride as closely as you safely can behind the car so that the horse becomes accustomed to the sound and movement that a car makes.

    • 5

      Have your friend drive the car past your horse while you are riding it. When your horse is comfortable with this, have them drive the car towards the horse. When the horse completely ignores the car, it is ready to on a real road.