Ridecamp: [RC] Horses+Cows+Bicycles

My mare also has problems with cows but not to the
extent yours does.  I agree with the other posts in
that it sounds like you have a real trust issue going
on with your horse.  I would work with her on smaller
spooky items (for her) before working on the larger
issues of cows and big trucks.
My mare is stabled and we often ride along back roads.
 There's one farm that she hesitates at 95% of the
time.  Even going past this pasture with cows in it
causes problems...even if we go on the far side of the
road.  Often depending on traffic (not much along this
particular road) we'll just sit there and I'll work
her gently to get her past them.  Other times she will
go past cows with no problems.  Interestingly she will
go by black Angus more readily than Hereford cattle
with the white faces.  Longhorn cattle with spots (and
particularly cowbells!) cause her concern as well. 
Depending on her spookiness level there are times I
will just get off and lead her.  At my age I don't
bounce as well anymore and safety is a priority
anymore.
Additionally I've found she's more scared of bicycles
then cattle!  Once as we left the stable there was a
pack of 25-50 bicycles racing toward us.  Initially
she was fine but then I felt a strong tenseness in her
muscles and did an emergency (read...quick!) dismount.
 Just in time...grabbed her reins and the extra reins
attached to her halter as she quickly backed straight
back and sideways too.  After they left she was fine. 
Remounted and came upon a smaller pack of them which
required another dismount.  This time I held her
firmly and also placed my hand on her nose in the area
a dropped noseband would be.  This calmed her down and
allowed her to "focus" on the issue (at least I
believe this with my mare anyway).  Next time (same
ride, same day) we came upon a small pack of bicycles
again and she was just fine.  However she is still
scared of them as we went trailriding a couple weeks
ago and she bounced under me in preparation for a
quick start as a bicycle buzzed quickly behind us.  I
think it's the fact that they make NO noise yet can go
so fast.  She's fine with fast moving cars although
bigger trucks still spook her but not very much.
Good luck on working with your new horse.  Just my
thoughts and our tale to tell.
Val + Sania

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