10 Signs Your Horse Needs More Desensitization

Every horse spooks sometimes. But certain patterns suggest your horse could use more gentle exposure to new things. These ten signs are worth noticing. If a behavior is new or extreme, have your vet or an experienced trainer rule out pain or other causes first.

1. Spooking at the same spots. The same corner, mailbox or puddle gets a reaction every time.
2. Balking at new surfaces. Tarps, bridges, wet ground or shadows make your horse stop.
3. Rushing past scary objects. Hurrying by, rather than walking by, is a sign of tension.
4. Reacting strongly to flapping fabric. Flags, jackets or plastic bags can cause a big response.
5. Difficulty with gates. Your horse fidgets or backs away when you open and close one.
6. Trouble loading or traveling. A trailer is a small, noisy and unfamiliar space.
7. Tension around noise. Clatter, wind, vehicles or distant bangs set your horse on edge.
8. Not settling after a scare. It takes a long time to relax again.
9. Difficulty in tight spaces. Narrow aisles or corners cause worry or rushing.
10. Losing focus when something changes. New places or surroundings make your horse hard to read.

What to do

Start small, stay below your horse's stress level, and reward calm. Our post on horse desensitization training in Georgia explains the approach. Practicing in a controlled indoor setting can help, and mules and donkeys benefit just as much as horses.

Ready to give it a try? Visit our obstacle list or register for an event.