Hello! I am gathering my PS points, but this is a legitimate concern of mine.This April, with my horseriding bestie we got a gelding, 17 yo Westfalien, pretty tall. One would think he's mature enough to be calm.. Well, guess again 🤣 I've been riding for over 10 years and used to complete in show jumping - I wouldn't say I'm easily scared. However, I've had to get off my 17 yo twice already 🥲 He gets easily scared/excited, especially in walks (INSIDE the club, to places we've ALREADY been lol). He knows both dressage and show jumping, and that makes him very flexible, which is super scary when jumping around in the field. My usual response to a stressed horse is to relax my body, talk to them calmly, loosen the reins etc. No effect with him. If I try to hold him a bit, he gets even more fired up. He does not fear something specific, it could be anything - from an actually creepy sound to his own shadow, or a flower 🥲 Any advice please? Thank you 🦄 * The previous owner told us he's a bit feisty/reactive, so if he's about to spook in the arena and you become more strict (voice/leg) he usually listens, but during the walks he's much more uncontrollable. Bright side: when he jumps and kicks, he does it pretty softly, so it's relatively easy to hold on.

Horse Question

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KalliopiS

Rising Star

Thank you a lot for your responses!! A full check was on the way so I'll have a clear image for the magnesium levels soon, and as for the spooks, I will try these tips asap😊

1 like

05/28/24-13:14

K H

Equestrian PRO

BrielleD had my exact thoughts with Magnesium. I also suggest just hand walking, brushing, stretching, anything near spooky areas. Different angles on the same location look different to horses, even if nothing changed asides from your horses view. Getting used to seeing every angle of a spooky location can really desensitize a horse- doing it in hand from the ground can often be safer depending how bad the spooks are.

4 likes

05/28/24-05:42

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