by Juliet M. Getty Ph.D. | Apr 29, 2015 | Travel and competition season is upon us, and “show nerves” are common, even in horses. Agitated, nervous horses that are normally well behaved may benefit from a calming supplement. These products can contain vitamins, or minerals, or herbs, or amino acids. So, which to choose and how best to use them? Before making a decision, … [Read more...]
Avoid An On-Trail Spook
Your horse sees objects far away much better than those nearby. As a prey animal, he's programmed to scan the horizon, searching for predators. His brain is also trained to react to quick movements, such blowing branches and strangely moving unidentified objects-even items that you know to be harmless. Until proven otherwise, your horse assumes that an unidentifiable object may … [Read more...]
Fear Of Tight Trail Obstacle
Question: When I have to negotiate around a trail obstacle into tight places with trees and low limbs, my mare gets very nervous. She barges through, and it’s hard to hold back and maneuver through. She’s normally not a spooky horse and is a good trail horse. How can I get her to relax and not get hurt in the process? Answer: This is a great question and one that you need … [Read more...]
Leg-Sensitive Horse
Leg-sensitive Horse Issues from the Saddle Question: Dear Julie, I have been given a 12 year old gelding that I am very much attached to and enjoy riding. The problem is that he has had some past abuse issues and under saddle he is a nervous wreck. On a trail ride, he will mainly jig the whole ride, like he wants to run. However, he is not a 'hot' horse by nature. It … [Read more...]
Overcoming Fear: Fear Of Being Thrown
Question: Ms. Goodnight, I recently read your article regarding fear of horses. I have a unique problem: Recently I was involved in tryouts for a Horse Patrol position in my sector. I work on the U.S. Mexican border. We have excellent instructors. I was in the round pen and I was thrown off and I broke a few ribs. I didn’t know I had broken anything at the time. I got … [Read more...]
Issues From The Saddle: Spooky Horse
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: Hi Julie! I usually ride some type of warmblooded horse (not exactly sure of the exact type) during riding classes. He's often very nervous about a certain corner of the riding circle. He was once spooked by a bird, and since that he's been trying to avoid that corner/short side. The horse trainer told me to avoid … [Read more...]
Issues From The Saddle: Nervous Horse On Trail
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: Dear Julie, I have an 8-year-old gelding that is very easy to work with on the ground and in the arena. He tends to become uptight, and nervous when he goes on the trail, even when he has ridden on the same trails and pastures for 3 years. He holds his breath and seems to be very wary of things that he has always seen. … [Read more...]
Issues From The Saddle: Fear Of Riding And Inappropriate Horses
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: Hi Julie, I first saw you in 2005 at the Louisville Equine Affaire. You were awesome, and you were so right about fear management, your seminars are packed yet nobody ever talks about the issue of fear!! Here's my situation - I am somewhat of a nervous, timid rider. Every time, and I can't tell you how sincerely I mean … [Read more...]
