Explosive Horses and How To Deal With Them
Have you ever seen a horse go from a mild walk to a full on bucking fit, or bolting fit, or rearing fit? Why do they do that and how can we fix it?
In the video below, you'll meet Casanova, the wonderfully calm and unfortunately, explosive, black beauty, to learn more about it all.
What triggers the horse? That's the first thing you want to look for. There is no such thing as out of the blue. There is always something that precedes anything. Its just that sometimes its hard to see what that something is.
Is the trigger a flag, a plastic bag, a rope, a tarp, a whip, a car, a herd of galloping horses? Does the horse become explosive when he's standing still, or does it happen when he's moving at a walk, or trot, or canter? Does it happen when you go out on your own, away from your friends, or is it when they leave you behind? It's important to find out when the explosions are most likely to happen and what the stimulus is. You'll see in the video with Casanova, how we slowly discover the thing that upset him the most and you'll also get to see how I use a few tools of the trade to help him work through some tough situations and find some peace in the moments of stress.
If you remember nothing else from this video, remember this... Don't avoid the problems your horse presents you. Find a way to tackle them, otherwise you'll always be walking on eggshells, wondering just how much you can trust your horse in high energy situations. I don't want a sunny day horse. I want an everyday horse that works in every situation. Hopefully this video will give you some tips and tools to make your horse an everyday horse with nothing that upsets him or her to the point of losing control.
Video:
Comment below to help me find his new name and share your thoughts on the video.
PS. Get my new book: "Inspiration and Leadership for Horse Lovers"
10 Responses
Donna
Ideas for renaming Cassanova with a little help from the meaning of Gaelic names for boys
Quinn: meaning wise and reasonable
Brian: Meaning Strong, virtuous , honorable noble
Please post his progress as you continue to work with him. It is very helpful to see the steps and strategies you are using to help him become
a dependable safe riding horse.
Cheryl
A clear, concise video that actually showed the good with the bad . Wonderful and easy to understand.🇦🇺
Dawn J
Awesome demonstration! I had a horse exactly like him – calm, super sweet, super comfortable to ride – until he wasn’t. Exploded into a serious bucking bronc with imperceptible warning. Over 3 years I suffered a broken clavicle, torn rotator cuff and broken ribs. Trainers couldn’t figure it out or help him. I was devastated but had to give him away with full disclosure. I’m not a young rider anymore and couldn’t risk getting more seriously hurt. Wish I had known you then… I like “Buddy” as a kind, positive new name for him :)
Sara
Definitely “True Blue”!
Laura
Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be helpful!
This was great.
dawn
True Blue
Lisa
Thanks for the insight. I have a horse that is sensitive to energy especially in motion. He is good with lots of things standing still but now I need to test him in motion. You gave me some great ideas. I am going to use the tarp and rope at the flanks in motion. I also want to simulate a rider falling off so his first reaction is to stand still.
Diana Ricketts
This was really helpful, purpiseful, and clear. Thank you!
PS For a name, I suggest Libra, from Latin for balance as in deliberate and equilibrium.
Diana Ricketts
This was really helpful, purpiseful, and clear. Thank you!
PS For a name, I suggest Libra, from Latin for balance as in deliberate and equilibrium.
Lyla
September 25, 2021
I am loving this series Don! AND sometimes we have to go back to ground zero with our horse training. I actually like Casanova, just sayin