Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

this is quite a common problem actually.  some horses are a lot more reactive than others about it.   how is he with brushing?  if he is okay being brushed, try this.  dont tie him, but work in an open area with the lead rope draped over your arm, not wrapped around it.  take a   brush in one hand, spray bottle in the other.   brush him all over, and hopefully he will be fairly relaxed.  after a few minutes of brushing,  mix in a short, gentle spray from your spray bottle.(use plain water in your bottle)  just kind of work the spray in with the motion of the brush.  take your time, go slowly, but dont act like you are creeping up on him!  just be very casual, but deliberate, with your movements.  if he doesnt freak out, but just kind of moves away from you, go with him, continue brushing, but stop spraying until he stops moving.  let him settle down, then begin lightly spraying as you brush.   advance and retreat as necessary, and be consistent.  let me know how it goes.    cowboy ed