3 Steps to Desensitize Your Horse

Use this three-step process to help your horse remain calm when introducing him to new objects.

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There are many ways to go about desensitizing your horse. The most common method is by exposing him to anything and everything that you can find. You can have him walk over a big blue tarp, take him on a new trail ride, or simply bring the object you're exposing him to right up to his nose. While these methods will most likely desensitize him in some way, the most important thing to focus on is his experience when being exposed.

When you first walk your horse up to a big, scary tarp, he might be totally OK with it. However, he could also work himself up by snorting, jumping, and trying to get away from it. If he has a negative reaction, he's most likely going to remember that experience the next time he sees a tarp.

Therefore, it's crucial that your horse has a positive experience when you introduce him to something new.

Pressure and Release

I like to use a pressure-release method when I'm desensitizing my horses. The basis of this method focuses on making your horse feel like he's in a safe place and can trust that you'll take care of him. To do this, you're going to use positive reinforcement.