Experienced riders and horse trainers recognize the importance of desensitizing their horses to various objects. Horses are prey animals. This can cause them to be flightly in scary situations. It's your responsibility to expose them to as much as you can. In time, they'll build confidence and trust in you.

Desensitizing Your Horse

Michelle with Bar SZ Ranch discusses how she prepares the trail and ranch horses for various objects they may encounter. Some of these things include plastic water bottles and jackets. She uses the pressure and release method to work through their fear.

She presents the scary object to the horse. The object is kept there until the horse relaxes, in which its promptly removed. This is done over and over again. Eventually, the horse realizes the object won't hurt them and isn't worth a reaction.

Ultimately, the ranch wants to give their guests a safe and fun experience. A dependable horse that reacts calmly is very important. The more exposure these horses get, the better prepared they'll be!

You can desensitize your horse to tarps, umbrellas, pool noodles, beach balls, and more! You're teaching them how to control their reactions and use the right side of their brain. This type of training is essential.

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