I have a Quarter Horse that suddenly is spooking at everything. He is being used as a lesson horse, and is treated very well. He never spooked at anything before the shows. My past shows went well, but last week I took him to a horse show and we didn't do well. Even my trainer couldn't understand this behavior! I later found out that he was spooking at a banner. He has never acted like this before, being a lesson horse. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-02-21 10:38:01 · 9 answers · asked by CoolNCharismatic21 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The reason your horse is spooking could be a number of things. It could be a medical reason, or it could just be psychological. Sometimes horses make things out to be something big in their heads, when really it's only a butterfly or the wind. If your horse has had a bad scare lately, it could just be nervous that something might happen again. A few weeks ago, I was out riding with a girl younger than me, and I was looking after her for my riding instructor. Her horse spooked as soon as the girl asked her to canter, and the girl fell off. The girl's horse was very scared, and I got off of my horse to catch the horse and help her get back on. My horse seemed unaffected by the whole situation. She just kind of stood in the middle of the ring watching. But, the next time I rode her, she was very jumpy and spookish. It may have been because of that incident. I don't think anyone completely comprehends the way that horses think. Also, if you have had a change of weather, that may have completely thrown your horse out of its routine, and it's behavior may have temporarily changed. This is a very common thing. I do not believe that your horse will keep that behavior up. If it does, you should definitely talk to your vet. I hope this helps! HAPPY TRAILS!
2007-02-21 11:21:54 · answer #1 · answered by Madison M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a couple of possible explanations to this. If he's started spooking everywhere (not just at shows), it might suggest a medical reason. If he's in pain, he might spook as a way to avoid working. But if his fear comes at specific locations (for instance, only when he's away from his stable), I would say it's either nervousness at being away from home or learned bad behavior.
If he only spooks at shows, it may simply be because he was never exposed to the types of objects these unfamiliar environments bring with them. For instance, if he'd never seen a banner before, how can you expect him to know it's not a horse eating monster? Horses are prey animals with basic fight or flight reactions, and it's usually flight. Whenever I prepare to bring green horses to shows, I practice at home with lots of "scary" objects. I put tarps and banners and flowerboxes around the jumps until the horse learns it's alright to go forward even if something looks a little odd. If fear's the root of this problem, you can definitely try making the ring at home look scarier and ride him through his issues. Don't make a big deal of his spooks, just continue to go forward. If you don't fuss, he'll learn there's nothing to be afraid of.
There's a possibility, though, that fear isn't the root of the issue. If your horse is fine around strange or scary looking objects at home and abroad most of the time, he could be acting up out of stubbornness or laziness. How many classes did he show in that day? If he felt overworked or confused or just exhausted, the spooking could have been his way of telling you that it was just too much. He mentally couldn't handle that stress. Or, he could handle it, but he didn't want to. If he's a young or inexperienced horse, you need to respect his limits and take care not to push him too far. If he's an older, more seasoned horse (which it sounds like he is, if he's used in a lesson program), then there's no excuse for deliberate bad behavior. He needs to continue working no matter what his issues are. Ride through his spooks, push him forward. Make it clear who's in charge. If you can't handle him when he acts up, see if a trainer can get on for a moment to work him through his issues. A little tune up may be all he needs. But don't discipline him if you're in doubt about whether or not it's genuine fear or just a moment of pig-headedness.
2007-02-21 21:13:13 · answer #2 · answered by ap1188 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So it is not even spring yet, it's cold and nasty out for most of the country, your horse sounds like he's normal! Even an old school horse can have off days! And most horses spook at stuff like banners...so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Press on, as the days get warmer I bet he'll calm down and be back to himself in no time.
2007-02-21 21:33:35 · answer #3 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This could be a seasonal thing, my horses act like they are nuts when the weather changes. Another thought is that he is bored, I have a very intelligent horse and when she is bored she finds things to spook at, even if there is nothing there. Otherwise I would say that he may need a basic refreshing of basic ground work, throw tarps over him, tie a plastic bag to the end of your arena whip, anything you can think of to get him to be bomb proof again.
2007-02-21 20:47:02 · answer #4 · answered by berningme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try hanging fake banners in the stall. When its feeding time, the horse will gradually realize the banners are not the enemy. Lots of mounted shooters put balloons in the horses stall to get them used to them so they wont spook when the horse approaches the balloon during competittion...
2007-02-21 19:53:57 · answer #5 · answered by stetson172002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In general, when there is any sudden change in behavior, look for a medical reason first. The horse could have sudden vision problems, hearing or any other issue where he suddenly is incapable of dealing with his surroundings. Call your veterinarian, and make sure to rule out any medical problems. Also, if there is nothing medically wrong, your vet may have suggestions with the behavioral issues.
2007-02-21 18:46:50 · answer #6 · answered by robin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All you need to do is put one of those eye guards that go on the side of his eye so he can stay focused and not get spooked. If you can't put one on, then you have to train him to think banners are good.
2007-02-21 18:45:27 · answer #7 · answered by magykalfirefox 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
its possible that while in her stall (or on the pasture) something (or someone) really scared her and now she is being causious of everything.
i think she should get over it once she knows there really isnt much to worry about.
good luck!
2007-02-21 18:45:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋