How to Train a Scared Horse

Before you can properly train any horse you need to first get its attention and overcome any fear issues. Horses are prey animals by nature, and until they get their fear under control they simply cannot learn new things. Horse owners need to use particular caution when working around a scared horse, since the prey instinct can cause it to react in unpredictable ways. Patience and consistency are key when helping a frightened horse overcome its fear and learn to trust.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Burlap sack
  • Plastic bag
  • Longe whip
  • Saddle pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn as much as you can about the horse's past. This will not always be possible, of course, but if you can learn the horse's history you will be better able to understand any fear issues it may have. If the horse has been abused, for instance, it probably has some deep-seated trust issues that may take some time to work out.

    • 2

      Place the halter on the horse and attach a soft cotton lead rope. Reassure the horse after the halter and lead rope have been attached. Scratching the horse's neck and withers is an excellent way to encourage it to relax.

    • 3

      Rub the horse with the end of the longe whip. You will need to use caution when doing this with a horse that has been abused with a whip. If you know the horse has a history of whip abuse it is best to use another object, like a saddle pad, instead.

    • 4

      Keep a plastic grocery bag in your pocket and slowly take it out and show it to the horse. Many horses are surprisingly frightened by plastic bags, and blowing bags can be real hazards on the trail. This makes a plastic bag a good -- and free -- training tool for the frightened horse.

    • 5

      Rub the horse with the plastic bag, starting with its neck, withers and back. Remove the bag as soon as the horse shows signs of relaxation. These signs include sighing and licking the lips. Continue to rub the horse with the plastic bag, moving the bag slowly over its entire body.

    • 6

      Casually throw a burlap sack over the horse's back, neck and hindquarters. Old-time horse trainers often referred to this process as "sacking out," and it is a very effective way to deal with fear in young horses. Continue working with the horse until you can throw the bag over it from all sides without eliciting a fearful reaction.

    • 7

      Allow the fearful horse to explore frightening objects on its own. If there is a particular item, like a tarp, that frightens it, place that item in the corral and allow the horse to explore it at its own pace. Many naturally fearful horses also are very curious, and given time, they will explore those frightening objects on their own. Be sure to remain nearby while your horse explores the unfamiliar object so you can step in if the horse panics.