Spooky Horse: How To Ride A Spooking Horse Calmly

How do you handle it when you're riding a spooky horse? Does it completely unsettle you? Or your horse?

It doesn't have to. When you know how to calm yourself and your spooky horse.

Read on to find out how I handled a spooky situation recently...

Be Aware of How Your Spooky Horse Feels

As I rode my client's horse the other afternoon, I was very aware that the wind had picked up. And the horse was very aware, too!

The strong gusts of wind were blowing the autumn leaves from the trees. And we could hear the staccato "tick... tick ........ tick" as they randomly hit the windows around the arena.

I knew there was a strong potential for the horse to spook in this situation.

And, just to keep it interesting ... an occasional branch tapped on the window, too.

I knew "F" was worried. He'd been a bit tense when I was tacking him up. Unusual for him ... he turned his head away when I presented the bridle.

Spooky Horse - Change Your Plan

I don't enjoy riding a spooking horse anymore than you do. (Click to download my free cheatsheet with 5 quick tips to feel calmer when riding)

So, I said "Okay, buddy. Let's go in the arena and you can move around as you need to."

It's easier to manage a spooky horse from the ground than it is to ride a spook. So, we started with simple ground work. Easy things that the horse knows well and can do even when he's feeling stressed.

As I walked around, the horse stayed with me. But, his subtle signs of tension - the tented upper eye lid, flipping ears and high head were all clearly communicating how he was feeling... not safe.

With him at liberty, we did a little free lunging at walk and trot in both directions. A little bit of simple pole work.

That way, he had the freedom to move away from anything that spooked him. And having that freedom helped decrease his stress.

After a few minutes of this simple groundwork, he hadn't spooked, he was less tense and he accepted his bridle willingly and easily.

Don't Be In A Hurry with a Spooky Horse

Next, we went to the mounting block. I kept checking in with him to see when he was ready for me to get in the saddle.

No hurry. It was important that he was relaxed as I got on his back. The less tense he feels, the less chance that the horse will spook.

Once aboard, we walked only in the area of the arena where he felt safest - his comfort zone. Keeping him on a circle gave me more control if I did have to ride a spook. But, he was fairly relaxed in this area.

And gradually, we ventured out a bit further until I felt him get tense. Then back to safety so he could relax. Then ventured out again.

And then it happened!

The spook!

It felt like his back had dropped right to the floor. And his head went up to the rafters.

Use Quick Techniques To Calm Yourself and Your Spooky Horse

Fortunately, "F" didn't go anywhere when he spooked.

As I regained my posture (and composure) ... and exhaled deeply ... my spooky horse stood frozen in place.

I extended my peripheral vision (hakalau).

I inhaled deeply feeling his heart pounding beneath me.

I spoke quietly and calmly to him, telling him he was fine. We were okay. As I stroked his neck gently.

And he believed me. 

Go Back To The Comfort Zone (for yourself and your spooky horse)

Right after the spook, we went back to his safe place.

And he soon resumed his quiet, relaxed walk. Long, level neck. Swinging back. Breathing.

Some days getting a nice, relaxed walk in your horse's (or your) comfort zone is enough. And it's still a good ride.

Want more tips and techniques for keeping you and your horse calm in spooky situations? Click here to get my Masterclass: How To Handle A Spooky Horse