Riding a horse that spooks easily can be a challenge. Horses are naturally prey animals, so sudden and unpredictable reactions to what they believe are threats are part of their nature. However, there are ways you can manage a spooky horse so you can stay in control and enjoy a calmer ride.
Look at their diet, exercise and health
If your horse cannot release energy gradually through exercise, they may spook as a way of burning off lots of energy all at once. Therefore, you can try adjusting their diet and exercise to stop them letting off steam in this way.
A horse that starts behaving out of character could be a horse in pain. If you suddenly find your confident horse is easily unsettled, get in touch with your vet in case there’s an underlying issue.
Note what your horse’s triggers are
Keep track of the scenarios which are spooking your horse. Once you’ve worked out what their triggers are, you can start working toward desensitising them slowly and gradually.
Always approach desensitisation with patience and consistency. If you’re unsure of the best approach to take, a qualified trainer can help you come up with a plan tailored to your horse’s individual needs.
Don’t create tension
It can be easy to brace yourself when you and your horse are faced with a trigger. A tense and anxious rider often leads to a tense and anxious horse, so influence your horse positively by staying calm and confident.
Seek professional help
If you feel you can’t control your horse’s behaviour, get in touch with your vet. There could be an underlying health issue at play. A vet will help you get to the root cause and suggest the best course of action to get your spooky horse happy and calm again.