Trail riding... gun shots?

Question

Ok i have my horse boarded at a place where there is a 2 hour trail. I really want to take my horse on it, but my instructor told me that i shouldnt because there are many hunters back there in the woods shooting rabbits. She is afraid my horse would freak out.

Does anyone have advice on what i should do if he does scare on the trail?
What is the best thing to do if he suddenly freaks?
Thanks

Answer 1

Apparently your instructor had good reason to caution you, maybe for two reasons..one, it doesn't make sense to ride where you KNOW that people are shooting, (if for your own sake, let alone your horse) and two....she is aware of your skill level and what the consequences could be. I wouldn't consider her an unqualified instructor, I would consider her to be a responsible and thoughtful one that thinks ahead and is concerned for your safety.

You can learn to be a very good rider, but part of learning to ride is knowing limitations, yours and your horse's and those around you.

Answer 2

If you are going to be afraid of that noise spooking your horse what about the whine of a turbo on a diesel truck as it goes by does that mean you are not going to ride near roads.what about fireworks at new years or the fourth of July are you not going to ride then either,I have trained horses for eight years for cowboy mounted shooting and have never had a single horse freak out at the sound of a pistol or rifle being shot,also if it is the hunters you are worried about they will most likely be using shotguns a weapon that usually requires somewhat close shooting quarters,it would not worry we at all to trail ride during hunting season and have done so many times we do wear hunters orange,during deer season as we are usually hunting from horse back and it is required by law.

Answer 3

i would ask your instructor to help you work with your horse to get him used to the noise. I us my horses for hunting, so I see things differently on this topic. I also know that there is always some type of hunting season open, so you can't just avoid the trail during rabbit season. I'm sure there are people out there just shooting for fun when they aren't hunting. I do agree that your instructor knows both yours and your horses skills, but there is no reason why she can't help you both improve them.

Answer 4

First get him used to loud noises so he isnt as scared when he goes on one. Also go on the trail with someone elses horse first to see what it is like and see how he would react. If you do go make sure you are in the middle so your horse can't run off anywhere. Or just go on a shorter trail to see how he reacts x

Answer 5

I would take your instructors advice on this one, and wait for hunting season to be over. You don't know if your horse will spook or if he does how badly he will spook till it happens, it could happen in a split second and you would have no warning or time to react. He may just spook a little and get antsy or he may bolt leaving you lying in the dust...again you would not know till it happened and if you have been riding long you know when a horse bolts it goes with or without you.

Answer 6

I totally know the fear! I used to have to ride on streets! (right by a construction site) The best thing I did was take a tape recorder and record gun shots, traffic, dropped things, etc. I played it in his stall when he was eating and gave him a treat every time he didnt spook. He ended up becoming immune to the noises. Be careful though, you arent in his way if he needs to flee. And don't get mad if he does run away the first few times in his stall. Once on the trail, dont let your guard down but keep your seat relaxed. Speaking to him will give him something else to focus on. :)

Answer 7

1) Learn the one rein stop for emergencies

2) Buy a cap gun and just start shooting it at a distance from your horse and as he relaxes, move closer till you can shoot beside him.

3) Ride when it isn't rabbit hunting season.

4) Always drench yourself and your horse in hunters orange when you ride during hunting season. I personally won't ride at that time due to idiots that give hunters a bad name. So safety for you and your horse first.

But I would definately get a cap gun and just start desensitizing him, that would actually be beneficial.

Answer 8

when i was younger i fell off when someone was hunting. it was really bad, it took me years to get back into riding. maybe try it on a calmer horse once just to see how bad the trail actually is. if you think your horse can handle it, then try taking her on it. bring a partner and a cell phone. if you do not think that she can handle it, then wait until hunting season is over.

ps-one reign stops are always a good thing to know

Answer 9

Well...always wear a bright colour so you dont get shot(red orange yellow)and go with a partner
try getting 2x4's and sneak up on him/ her a couple of times and hit them together...like a gunshot and make her immune to the noise....randomly....even while brushing/tacking all of a sudden throw a bucket and make a noise....so she doesn't get as surprized........if you want you could invest in a cap gun to do the same

if she does jump and get tense.....sit back/deep in the saddle...hold her between your legs and talk to her woaaaa....its oookkkkkkkkkkk......goooood boy/girl.......if she bolts... try letting her run for a short ways...then asking her to stop.......they like to run away from the noise.....but make her stop w/i a few seconds of lettting her go

then stop her and tell her she is ok etc......stay balenced and relaxed b/c she will sence any fear

Answer 10

I agree with the other answers, but I would add...get a better instructor. Nobody who is teaching you should teach you to be afraid of anything, they should be positive and help you cope. This person is never going to make you a good rider however technically competent she is.