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Re: [RC] Spooking Horses - Horse ElinoreL.Tonsor

Title: Re: [RC]   Spooking Horses
Did  you ever consider riding it in reverse??  Also, carry a crop, let him know you have it with you, and when you feel the body tense, slap your knee, tap his neck, slap the saddle - anything to remind him that the crop is with you.  Works for me every time.

ET

From: Suvut@xxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:09:04 EDT
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC]   Spooking Horses


Here's something I just figured out with my spooky horse!  I have a six-mile trail that I ride regularly at a local park.  He's used to this trail, (it has LOTS of joggers and also a golf course) and we usually do a steady trot (with a little cantering and walking) all the way around (takes us about 45 minutes).  The trail is a big loop that starts and ends at the same place.  Sometimes we go around one way, next time the other way.
He nearly ALWAYS picks up the pace about 1 mile from the finish (both ways) and also nearly always starts looking for stuff to spook at about 1/4 of a mile before we finish.
Last weekend, (in frustration) I started doing walk/trot transitions with him as soon as he started looking for spooks.  It really seemed to surprise him and get his mind back on ME as if he was wondering what I was going to ask for next.  This was a VERY pleasant way to end the ride -- unlike previous rides when I was nearly spooked off!
Susan (in Louisville)