Have you been surprised by your horse's unexpected spook? You may have been told that your horse is just trying to be dominant or avoid working. That's simply not true.
"Do you find that you can be working with your horse for a while, then ask the same thing of him as you've already done nicely, and all of a sudden he's not paying attention anymore? And if you try to get his attention he 'panics' or spooks suddenly from the least little thing?" ~ question from a reader
Horse riders are often caught off-guard by the unexpected spook, buck or bolt that seems to come out of nowhere.
Some people think it's just the horse's way of evading doing something he doesn't want to do or that he's trying to be dominant over them.
While it may be true that your horse may sometimes try to avoid doing what you're asking of him. That's generally caused by confusion, pain or a lack of proper training.
It's not true that his unexpected spook (or any other "bad" behaviour) is a way to get the better of you.
So, what's with that unexpected spook?
Remember that there is always a reason for your horse's behaviour. So, even that unexplained spook has a reason that makes complete sense to your horse.
Here are 3 possible reasons for that unexplained spook.
1. Horses Spook Because They Notice Things You Don't
Your Horse Is Aware of Things That You Don't Notice. Horses' senses work differently to ours.
That means that your horse can see, hear, smell and even feel things that you're not aware of.
When you think "there's nothing there" and you're surprised by your horse's unexpected spook ...
Remember that it is possible (even probable) that he did see, hear or smell something that indicated a potential danger to him.
And as a prey animal, he needs to put a safe distance between himself and the perceived threat. And then stop and look from a safe distance. That's what he's trying to do when he spooks.
2. Horses Spook Because They Learn From Repetition.
It only takes as few as 3 repetitions for your horse to notice a pattern.
So, it's really easy to inadvertently teach your horse to feel nervous at a certain spot in the arena or on the trail. Or when asked to perform a particular transition or movement.
And that pattern can be created just as easily for you as it can be for your horse.
So, if your horse unexpectedly spooks when you ride by a certain area or object; or when you ask for a transition or movement...
Then you anticipate him repeating that behaviour again. Because of that, you become tense. Which, of course, affects how your horse feels, too. A vicious cycle is created.
3. Your Horse Give You Signs Before The Unexpected Spook
A relaxed horse does not suddenly explode or unexpectedly spook. If he is startled, he more likely to have a smaller behaviour.
Like stopping and raising his head. Or scooting a wee bit forwards or sideways.
Bigger spooks happen because tension has been building. But nothing has been done to help defuse that tension.
Your horse gives subtle signs of tension that might have gone unnoticed while you were grooming him. Tacking him up. Or gradually built up during your ride.
The more the tension builds and is unnoticed. The more likely you are to get an unexpected spook.
When you're tuned into how your horse is feeling.
When you notice the earliest signs that he's feeling a bit tense.
Then you can take steps to defuse his tension. Help him feel safe and relaxed.
The result... no more unexpected spooks.
Help Your Horse Feel Calm and Confident
Download my free (and printable) infographic explaining 6 subtle signs that your horse feels tense. The sooner you recognize that your horse feels nervous, the more quickly you can help him to feel calmer.
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