How to Train a Horse That Spooks

A horse that spooks or bolts can be dangerous to ride and dangerous to work around. If your horse tends to let fear get the best of him, it is important to deal with that behavior. Exercising leadership behavior and desensitizing your horse can reduce those fear reactions and make your horse safer and more pleasant to ride and be with.

Things You'll Need

  • Longe whip
  • Rope halter
  • Soft cotton lead rope
  • Plastic bags
  • Tarp
  • Burlap sack
  • Tie ring
Show More

Instructions

  1. Dealing with a Spooky Horse

    • 1

      Place the halter on your horse and attach a soft, cotton lead rope. Lead your horse around a paddock, round pen or other fenced area. As you lead your horse, stop frequently and make sure your horse is paying attention to you. In order to overcome a spooking problem, your horse will need to see you as a trusted leader. Horses are herd animals, and they always look to the herd leader for protection. By becoming that herd leader, you can reduce your horse's instinctive fear reaction and help her gain the confidence she needs.

    • 2

      Take the longe whip in one hand while holding the lead rope in the other. Make the rope long enough so that your horse can move away a few steps, but not so long that he is likely to pull the rope out of your hand if he becomes frightened. Slowly move the longe whip toward the horse. Allow the end of the whip to touch your horse, but be sure to move it away when your horse stands his ground.

    • 3

      Tie a plastic bag to the end of the longe whip, and then repeat the process outlined above. The plastic bag will mimic the quick and frightening movements your horse is likely to see--and react to--out on the trail. Move the plastic bag toward your horse and reward her when she does not move away. Continue the process until you are able to throw the whip, with the bag attached, over your horse's back and rub it all over her body. You do not have to do it all at once--breaking it up into many short training sessions is more effective than trying to do it all in one marathon session.

    • 4

      Place a tarp on the ground and allow your horse to approach it. Lead your horse up to the tarp and allow him to sniff it. Give your horse plenty of time to get used to this strange new object, and then lead him up to it. Walk on the tarp yourself and encourage your horse to follow you. Again, it will take a bit of time to get your horse over his fear, but consistent training will go a long way.