December 2009

Horse Training for Calming a Startled Horse

Walk pattern helps settle tension, such as seen on brisk winter mornings.

By Margaret Freeman

When your horse loses his cool, you shouldn’t lose yours as well. You need to have your reactions planned well in advance of a meltdown because you won’t have any time to think of just the right thing to do if your horse jumps sideways on a trail ride or pitches a fit in the middle of the warm-up ring at a show.

Sudden explosions are more likely to occur in crisp winter weather, especially since

Most horses enjoy a ride in the brisk weather. Some get over-exhuberant.

horses can’t get turned out or ridden as regularly as they are in warmer months. …