Preparation
Horses are social animals and typically respond well to rule-based behavior. Before working with a nervous horse, it is important to take the time to prepare for the situation. It is essential to have a plan to help calm the horse. Preparation can involve having the right environment, the right equipment, and the right technique. All of these factors can play a big role in helping a horse feel secure.
Let’s dive into each of these topics:
Make sure your horse is properly groomed
Grooming is an important part of preparing your horse for a calm and relaxed ride. Not only will it ensure your horse looks their best, but it can also help to get them into the right emotional state for you to work with.
When grooming your horse, be sure to spend time brushing the mane and tail, as well as their coats and other areas that are easy for them to reach. Additionally, make sure to clean the hooves thoroughly, check for any dirt or stones on the feet before riding and apply hoof oil if necessary. This helps show your horse that you’re taking care of them and can greatly reduce any nervousness they may have about going out on a ride.
Check for any external stimuli that may be causing the horse to become nervous
When you first assess a nervous horse, the first thing you should do is look for any external stimuli that may be causing the horse to become nervous. It’s important to take note of things like changes in their environment, sights or sounds such as dogs barking and horses playing in the nearby paddocks, as these can all play a role in making a horse more anxious.
When possible move them to an area away from any of these potential triggers. Furthermore, try to identify if one particular person is more likely to cause them distress than another, and if so increase your distance from them. Knowing what specifically triggers their anxiety can help give you an idea of how best proceed with comforting them.
Make sure the horse is well-fed and hydrated
Before starting any activity with a horse, it is important to make sure they have access to plenty of food and water. Horses require large amounts of energy for normal functioning, exercise, and travel. Well-fed horses have an easier time handling stress and are generally less anxious.
To ensure the horse remains in optimal condition, you must provide them with the right blend of essential nutrients in their diet. Hay is the best option for this as it provides plenty of calories while being highly digestible and palatable. High-quality hay also contains minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium and many others that are beneficial for the animal’s health and wellbeing. For added nutrition, you can supplement their diet with grains or high-protein feeds such as alfalfa or oats when preparing the horse for a demanding task.
On top of this, make sure your horse has access to clean water at all times—it is essential for thermoregulation during exercise or when exposed to heat. If you’re planning a long journey on horseback or planning on leaving them alone for an extended period of time you should increase their water intake by providing several gallons at a minimum. This will prevent dehydration in case your horse cannot reach the nearest water source in time due to unforeseen circumstances.
Environment
One of the most important factors in helping a nervous horse is to create an environment that is as calming and stress-free as possible. This means making sure the horse is in a safe and comfortable space that is free of excessive noise and other distractions. Natural light is also important, as horses are sensitive to sudden changes in lighting.
Taking the time to make sure these factors are in place can help encourage the horse to be at ease.
Create a safe and secure environment for your horse
The key to calming a nervous horse is to create a safe and secure environment in which it can feel comfortable. Even horses that are usually relaxed will become more anxious when exposed to an unfamiliar environment or situation.
You’ll want to provide as much space as possible for your horse where it can move freely, with no disturbances from animals or loud noises nearby. Have plenty of hay and water available, so that the horse doesn’t need to worry about its needs – it will be able to relax and concentrate on building trust with you instead of worrying about its immediate needs.
Ensure that there is no possibility for the horse to injure itself by making sure all fences are secure, wooden posts have been immersed in tretra-bark (coating) or been painted so they won’t splinter when accidentally bumped, gates are securely latched, etc. Additionally, check regularly for broken boards or sharp objects (like stones) that may cause harm.
In addition, keep the area clean and free from foreign objects such as buckets, mats or pieces of metal that may cause fear in your horse if he moves into them unexpectedly. Last but not least; make sure the area is well lit at night – the presence of noise-reducing features such as dim lights over each stall or dark blankets on windows will help quieten any sounds which may startle your horse.
Provide plenty of space for the horse to move around
When a horse feels confined, its anxiety level is likely to rise. To help reduce your horse’s stress and nervousness, create an environment where it can move freely and comfortably. This means providing your horse with plenty of space to roam and play in, as well as allowing access to a run or paddock. When horses are able to move around at their own leisure and pace, it encourages physical activity which helps them manage their stress levels by releasing hormones associated with relaxation such as oxytocin or endorphins.
Allow the horse access to its feed regularly throughout the day so that it can self-regulate its energy levels; this structure eliminates excessive hunger which can make horses more anxious.
Motorized toys such as whirling balls provide equine enrichment ideas; these type of items activate right brain thinking which help keep a nervous horse engaged and relaxed. Finally, providing a safe shelter away from other animals may be beneficial for calming a stressed out animal if they tend to become anxious in groups or when exposed to unfamiliar sights and sounds.
Ensure the horse has access to fresh air and plenty of light
Horses are very sensitive to their environment, and allowing a nervous horse to stay in an uncomfortable area can be very unsettling. You should ensure that the horse is kept in an area with plenty of fresh air and natural light. If the room is too dark, it may create anxiousness as your horse will be unable to see where potential threats could be lurking. Make sure the area you keep your horses in is well-ventilated and spacious enough for them to move around comfortably.
In addition, a natural landscape view can help your horse relax and feel more secure because of the familiarity of their surroundings. If possible, keep your horses outside during the day so they have maximum access to natural light and fresh air. Open windows or having fans blowing directly at them can also help refresh their environment in enclosed rooms.
Calming Techniques
Calming a nervous horse can be a challenge! It will take time, patience and a lot of determination. Fortunately, there are some tried and tested techniques which have been proven to help calm a nervous horse.
In this section, we will look at some of these techniques, which include body language, vocal cues and reward-based methods. Understanding how to use these techniques in a constructive way can help you develop a calming relationship with your horse.
Utilize calming music
Utilizing calming music has been used in methods of calming horses since the 19th century. As with humans, animals enjoy and can relax while listening to calming music. Classical music composed specifically for horses by composer and producer Peter Roth is particularly popular among horse lovers.
The “Equilibrium” series was designed to balance the state a distressful horse may experience during transitions from working with people in the barn or arena. Roth cites clinical evidence that shows that horses keenly respond to certain sounds and rhythms in his pieces, which range from subtle string solos and solo voices, to more complex arrangements with multiple instruments.
Music for Horses also creates custom music for individual horses, which consists of 6-10 pieces of original compositions tailored to fit a rider’s horse on a disc.
In addition to helping a horse relax in response to sound, studies have also proven that classical music helps create an atmosphere of tranquility while the horse is being groomed or trained. When calm music is played at low volume on an otherwise quiet ranch can do wonders for a distressed horse by creating an environment where stress is minimized and relaxation maximized!
Use essential oils
Using essential oils can be a powerful way to calm a nervous horse. Essential oil products contain active ingredients that are extracted from specific plants, each of which has a unique therapeutic benefit. Many of these therapeutic benefits have a calming effect for horses, making them an ideal choice for providing calming supplementation – either by adding drops directly to the horse’s feed or using products designed for aromatherapy with your horse.
Essential oils such as lavender, roman chamomile, bergamot and ylang-ylang are all known to have calming effects on both humans and animals. Calm-inducing blends such as Peace & Calming and Stress Away can also be used when introducing aromatherapy with your horse.
When considering essential oil usage with your horse, it is important to remember that each animal has its own levels of tolerance when it comes to essential oil application and results will vary based on age and general health of the animal – so always start slowly with only the smallest amount necessary for effectiveness. Additionally, be sure that the oils you use are labeled ‘safe for horses’ or ‘therapeutic grade’ as safety regulations may differ between species; never use grocery store grade or human perfumes on animals.
Massage the horse’s neck and back
Massaging your horse is an extremely effective way to help settle them and relieve stress. A massage can be done on almost any area of the horse’s body and can help with sore muscles, relaxation, emotions, reducing tension and increasing blood flow to the muscle fibers. Many horses love a massage and it’s an excellent way to build trust between you and your horse.
The neck and back are two of the most important areas to focus on during a massage session. Begin by using long strokes down the horse’s neck using either your hands or a grooming tool. Concentrate on each muscle group one at a time, massaging for about 30 seconds each before moving onto another area. The back should also be given attention as this region is vulnerable to tension due to its job in bearing weight from the saddle as well as from our riders! Starting from where the saddle would typically sit, use slow controlled strokes along each side working towards the base of their tailbone for maximum effect.
Finally, finish off with kneading movements on specific muscle groups that require more focused attention – such as near their withers or just behind their shoulder blade – until you feel they have fully relaxed after your session!
Training
Training is one of the most important components of calming a nervous horse. With proper training and consistency, you can teach a horse to be comfortable in different situations. It is important to use techniques that reward the horse for the desired behavior and to avoid techniques that may frighten or intimidate them.
Let’s look at some tips and techniques for training a nervous horse:
Introduce the horse to a variety of environments
When training a nervous horse, it is important to expose them to a variety of environments that they may encounter during their lifetime. This will help them become more comfortable and less anxious in those unfamiliar situations.
Begin gradually, introducing the horse to one situation at a time. For example, start by leading them out of the stable and onto an open field. Make sure you are in control and the horse is comfortable with their surroundings before proceeding further. As you work up to activities such as riding, lunging, or jumping, ensure the horse is completely familiar and comfortable with each new environment before introducing another element. This will make the horse feel safe and secure enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
You may also be able to desensitize a nervous horse by exposing them to sights and sounds they may otherwise find daunting or alarming:
- flapping flags;
- plastic bags;
- lorries driving past;
- dogs barking;
- cheering crowds etc.
The key is again, introduce these elements slowly and make sure your horse is relaxed throughout this process. A concerned equine companion can help acquaint your pasture pal with any oddities through positive reinforcement methods such as clicker training or providing treats for staying calm in situations that might normally scare them.
Incorporating an appropriate reward system can provide reassurance during their introduction into new environments – positive re-enforcement can incentivize fearful horses by showing that encounters with new people or places are enjoyable experiences rather than something frightening.
Work on desensitization exercises
Desensitization exercises are a great way to help acclimatize your horse to new and unfamiliar situations that may cause it to become nervous or anxious. This can involve gradually introducing the horse to predictably stressful stimuli, in order to let it practice calming down. Examples of desensitization activities include playing music, clapping hands, popping a balloon, leading the horse into different environments, and even giving it baths.
It is important to keep desensitization sessions positive for the horse – remember that each interaction with your horse is an opportunity for teaching and training! Start by working with your horse in a place where it feels safe and secure – such as its stable or paddock – then progress at its own pace. Before exposing it to any stimulus that could potentially make it nervous, ensure that you’ve warmed up both physically and mentally with some simple exercises on the ground – like ground work activities or long-lining – so the horse is ready for a challenge.
Encourage positive thinking throughout each activity by giving your horse plenty of verbal praise along with rewards like treats or a break from work when needed. By creating an environment in which the animal learns that these exercises can be enjoyable without creating stress, you will get further ahead in training than if you employ methods of forceful or assertive training techniques.
Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement training is an effective way to calm a nervous horse. This type of training requires that you reward your horse when it performs a desired behavior and ignore unwanted behaviors. By providing positive feedback, you create an environment where your horse feels valued and secure, which can help it to relax.
When working with a nervous horse, start with something simple and familiar to the horse, such as leading or ground work exercises. Make sure that it knows exactly what is expected of it before you start the exercise. Offer incentives and rewards in the form of food or praise when they properly execute the task or accomplish their goal. This will reinforce the behavior you enjoy. Avoid punishing them for undesired behaviors, as this may only increase their anxiety and lead to further confusion or stress.
Incorporate short breaks throughout your session so that your horse has time for rest and reflection on their successes; this can also give them time to de-stress if necessary. Make sure that all activities are tailored specifically to your own horses’ needs and abilities as every horse responds differently depending on its individual personality traits. If you remain consistent in rewarding good behavior, eventually they will learn what pleases you so they don’t get anxious while performing tasks or around unfamiliar people or situations.
Aftercare
After a horse has gone through a stressful situation, it’s important to provide them with proper aftercare to help them return to their regular state of calm. This aftercare is essential to help the horse find a sense of peace and relaxation. This can include brushing, speaking in a calm voice, providing treats or hay, and simply listening.
Let’s dive into the specifics of what you can do help calm your horse:
Allow the horse to rest and relax after a stressful situation
After a stressful or exciting situation, it is important to allow a horse to relax and reduce their levels of stress. As soon as they are able to, horses should be allowed access to a safe area in which they can rest and recuperate, such as an empty stall or turn-out area. Here they can gradually regain their composure and return to a calmer state.
It is also beneficial when possible to provide contact with other horses during the recovery process. If the horse has experienced negative emotions such as fear or distress during the incident, it may help them offset those feelings with the comfort of companionship. However, this should only be done if there is little risk of further arousal through physical contact between horses.
Providing a quiet, low-arousal environment with minimal disruptive stimuli will aid horses in calming down from an anxious state. The security of equine friends may also help alleviate some level of mental distress from an upsetting occurrence. Allowing your horse plenty of time and space to relax following a sufficiently stressful situation will help them regain their balance quicker in preparation for future confrontations or challenges.
Make sure the horse is properly hydrated and fed
It’s important to make sure that your horse is properly hydrated and fed before, during and after riding. Ensure your horse has access to ample water and feed at all times; horses need a lot of both to stay healthy. If possible, set up an automated water system which will ensure that your horse has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day, no matter how strenuous the activity you are undertaking.
Also make sure that you are feeding your horse high-quality feed that contains adequate protein, vitamins and minerals. Work with an equine nutritionist who can help determine the best type of feed for your particular horse. In addition to good-quality grain and hay, consider adding supplements such as flaxseed or beet pulp for extra energy. It’s also a good idea to provide treats such as carrots or apples occasionally to reward hard work or enhance interaction between rider and horse.
Monitor the horse’s behavior for any signs of stress or anxiety
It is important to keep a close eye on the horse’s behavior after a stressful event so that any signs of stress or anxiety can be identified. Horses may exhibit symptoms such as pacing, trembling, sweating, snorting or flaring nostrils.
Observing the horse’s body language closely can help you determine if it is still feeling unsettled. If changes in breathing, tail carriage and mannerisms become visible, these could be indicators that the horse is still feeling nervous. Horses may also express discomfort or unease by avoiding contact from handlers or refusing short commands from its trainer.
If any of these signs are detected, it may be necessary to provide additional supportive measures such as extra physical affection or some light exercise in calmer environments. A variety of natural strategies can also be employed including herbal supplements and aromatherapy substances with calming properties like lavender oil. If further relief for anxiousness appears necessary then speaking to a vet about medications should be strongly considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some tips to help calm a nervous horse?
A: Some tips to help calm a nervous horse include: providing a quiet area to relax, setting aside regular time for exercise, gradually introducing the horse to new environments, using positive reinforcement techniques to reinforce calm behavior, and providing adequate rest.
Q: How can I help my horse adjust to a new environment?
A: When introducing your horse to a new environment, it’s important to take things slowly. Start by taking him out for short walks around the area, while providing positive reinforcement for calm behavior. As your horse becomes more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the new environment.
Q: What activities can I do to help my horse stay calm?
A: Regular exercise, such as riding or lunging, can help your horse stay calm. You can also engage in activities such as grooming, ground work, or playing games to keep your horse mentally and physically stimulated.
