You may have heard of a “bomb proof” or desensitized horse. What does this mean though? Horses that are considered “bomb proof” are known to not fear anything. Desensitizing your horse plays a very important role as to how your horse will react in an event. If you are out on the trail and hear a gunshot, you don’t want your horse to spook at that noise. In this case, you need to desensitize your horse, so it won’t be scared later.
Horses are prey animals, and it is in their nature to flee from something before thinking about it. This is why people desensitize their horse, so it knows that the object or noise is not going to hurt them.
How to desensitize your horse
There are different methods and approaches people use to desensitize their horse, but today I will talk about how I desensitized my horse. I try to not force things on my horse, as I know certain things may scare her.
You can gather a few objects that may scare your horse, but you want to use them correctly. The first object you can start with is a whip or carrot stick. A carrot stick is a tool and should not be used as a weapon with your horse. To get your horse used to the whip or carrot stick, gently rub it on your horse. Start with rubbing it on the legs, then move up the body and rub it on the neck and back. Once your horse is comfortable with this, you can tie a grocery bag on the end.
Grocery bags are known to frighten horses. After getting your horse comfortable with a carrot stick, tie a grocery bag on the end. Gently rub the stick and bag all over your horse. You can also swing the stick up and down near your horse, so you get that sound effect of the grocery bag. This will help your horse be desensitized to the sound and the object.
Another desensitizing object I have used is an umbrella. As with the carrot stick, you want this object to not frighten your horse. Leave the umbrella closed, and gently rub it all over your horse as you did with the carrot stick. You can also have the umbrella open, just for your horse to see what it is and be curious about it. When practicing opening the umbrella, start at a distance. Pop it open. Then move a few steps closer and pop it open again. Keep moving closer to your horse as you open the umbrella. Your horse may flinch in this process, but that is okay, it’s all a part of it.
After repeatedly opening the umbrella near your horse, your horse will eventually stand still without flinching. Another tool I have used for desensitizing is a plastic tarp. Plastic tarps come in handy for not only the sound, but the object itself. I first start with the tarp lying on the ground. I take my horse up to it, as close as she will let me take her. I let her be curious, sniff it, and walk around it. If your horse is hesitant, let them be near it at a distance, then slowly get closer and closer.
Once your horse is comfortable walking by the tarp, trying walking over the tarp. When leading your horse, you can go over the tarp first, to show your horse that it’s okay to walk on it. Carefully lead your horse over the tarp. If your horse is resisting, just be patient. You can also use treats as a reward.
Be Consistent
The most important thing when working with a horse is staying consistent. I’m not saying you need desensitize your horse every day, but making it a habit of doing it often will help. Over time if you continue to do things every day with your horse such as going on a trail ride or applying fly spray, these are simple things that are helping with desensitization.
When having a desensitizing session, just make sure to be in a safe position on the ground and not in a place where your horse can run over you. You also need to consider the amount of time you are desensitizing your horse. I try to not go over 20 minutes when having a desensitizing session. You want to make sure you have your horse's attention, or you won't be gaining anything. Also, always try to end the session on a good note. You don’t want your horses’ last memory of that session to be negative.
Reward Good Behavior
Throughout the entire desensitization process, it is important that you reward good behavior. This does not mean you have to give a treat to your horse every 30 seconds, but each time your horse reacts in a good way towards the object you are desensitizing with, use a small treat as a reward.
Conclusion
Desensitizing your horse to certain objects and sounds can help you be safer on the ground and in the saddle. There are many other things you can desensitize your horse to such as gunshots, car alarms, sirens, and more. If you feel you need help when desensitizing your horse, you can ask help from a trainer.
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