Whether you're on an older horse that's new to life as a young horse just starting out, de-spooking is a process that shouldn't be skipped. The de-spooking process is a systematic approach to teaching a horse to deal with his fear. Our goal is to convert his flight response into an investigative behavior.
Unexpected encounters on the trail can quickly turn into dangerous situations if your horse can only activate his flight response. Horses all have a flight response, and they also demonstrate investigative behavior. They cannot exhibit both at the same time. But they can rapidly switch between the two emotional states, when presented with a novel and frightening element.
If horses didn't maintain their flight response, one could argue that we wouldn't have the incredible equine athletes we have today. The athletic ability to turn on a dime, run long distances, and move with precision and speed can all be seen when a horse activates his flight response. Reining in the flight response, combined with forward motion can turn a dangerous situation into one where your horse becomes curious, investigates a new object, and becomes more confident as he conquers a fear.
Winning the Game
I have a very specific process to train horses how to deal with fear in a healthier way. This process involves 5 steps that will turn the de-spooking journey into a game. A game that your horse can win. When he realizes he can win, each new encounter is an opportunity to become more confident.
This story is from the Summer 2023 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Summer 2023 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Horseback High
Riding vacations can be found around the world, and here are five bucket list rides in the United States
JOIN THE CLUB!
Riding clubs of all forms can be found across the country. What should you look for when choosing—or starting—a club of your own? We asked three club leaders to share their insights
Help Is (Sometimes) Only a Phone Call Away!
Do you depend on over-the-phone advice from your veterinarian? Here's what you need to know about telehealth to help you understand what you can, and can't, expect
REPLACING FEAR WITH CURIOSITY
Horses have both flight and investigative behaviors but not at the same time. Learn how to help your horse switch to curiosity when his flight instincts kick in, and how to put the brakes on when he's already gone
Ranch Riding Mares
Evaluate and place these performance mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.
An Empty Stall
The loss of a horse leads to a new landscape of managing emotions and moving forward
Strengthen Your Mental Game
Prepare your mind for peak performances with your horse by implementing these tips from reining trainer Shane Brown
Burning Off the Fresh
Whether your horse has gone unridden due to a health problem, the weather, or your schedule, a thoughtful process can keep everyone safe during his return to work
Return to Exercise Slowly
If you’ve been turned out to pasture for a while, as the result of injury or just a busy life, return to exercise in a safe and steady way
Ground Tying for Ranch Trail
There are many reasons to teach your horse how to safely ground tie
