Help for a Nervous Pattern Horse

Build confidence in your horse at the start of your pattern with advice from professional Jeff Mellott.

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Q I’ve been showing for a few years and compete in several classes in the novice division at local Quarter Horse shows with my gelding. When we show in rail classes he’s fine, but I’ve noticed that when we’re doing pattern events—like horsemanship—he gets extremely nervous standing at the cone and it continues through the pattern. I’d like to complete a pattern without him tensing up as we approach the cone. What can I do at home and at horse shows to help him become more comfortable alone in the arena?

ALYSSA WRIGHT, Iowa

A Your horse is naturally a herd animal, so it’s not surprising that he’d rather be with other horses than in the middle of the arena by himself. But when you compete in pattern events like the horsemanship, trail, Western riding, or reining, you and your horse must be comfortable riding a pattern alone in the arena. As a judge and exhibitor, I’ve seen and dealt with horses that suffer from separation anxiety. However, I’ve also seen a lot of riders unintentionally create these problems with their horse as they walk to the start cone.

Here I’ll discuss a few reasons why your horse might be nervous when you approach the start of your pattern and explain what you can do to help him when you’re at home or at a horse show.

Work on Yourself

While your horse could be genuinely anxious when he leaves the lineup to go to the middle of the pen by himself, it’s important to look at what you’re doing when you leave the lineup. When you approach the start cone, it’s easy to become nervous—especially if you’re a rookie in pattern events—and your horse recognizes your nerves.