Natural equine calming remedies to help stop bucking or rearing up in nervous, spooky horses.

Spooky Horse

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What is a Spooky Horse?
Managing a Spooky Horse
Help for a Spooky Horse
More Information on a Spooky Horse

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What is a Spooky Horse?

"Spooking" is a horse’s natural startle reaction to something that frightens them or to something they perceive as threatening. A horse’s first instinct is flight rather than fight and so it is common for a spooky horse to charge off at the sight or sound of something fearful.

Unfortunately, what your horse perceives as fearful may range from any loud noise such as a motorbike, or thunder to the most inconspicuous and harmless rustling of a newspaper or the sight of a sheet on a washing line. Some horses are also more easily startled than others, making them a little unpredictable.

Managing a Spooky Horse

The best way to manage a spooked rearing horse is through the proper training. Remember that while you may not be able to train your horse not to be afraid, you can train them to react differently when they are afraid and to turn to you for reassurance rather than simply running away. It’s also important to gradually desensitize your horse to the things he’s afraid of, or potentially scary situations.

Help for a Spooky Horse

Natural Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies

Some horses are more prone to becoming spooked or startled than others. For these horses, it helps to know that there are a number of homeopathic ingredients that can help reduce fear and calm anxious temperaments. The homeopathic ingredient Chamomilla is renowned for its calming properties and has often been used to reduce fear, restlessness and irritability.

Kali. Phos. is another useful ingredient which has a history of use in the treatment of nervous system conditions. This homeopathic ingredient can be used with great success to reduce stress, and calm horses with nervous dispositions. Phosphorus and Asarum can also be used to ease nervousness and anxiety so often caused by unfamiliar sounds or surroundings.

More Information on a Spooky Horse

Tips for calming a spooked horse

Remember that your reaction and anxiety levels play an important part in how your horse will react in a new and scary situation. If you know your horse fears motorbikes, and you see one approaching in the distance, you may start feeling anxious as you anticipate a negative reaction from your horse. Unfortunately, horses can pick up on this fear and will be more likely to spook if you are anxious. Work on managing your own anxiety reactions along with those of your horse in order to prevent buckin and rearing.
You want to get your horse in the position where he turns to you for reassurance. Try work on your body language so that you come across as brave and confident in new situations. Your horse will soon see that if you’re not afraid, then there’s no need for him to be.
Many horse owners inadvertently reinforce their horse’s spooked reactions by petting and reassuring them after they get a fright and react badly. It’s better to ignore the negative behavior, distract your horse, and praise them when they calm down.
When your horse is spooked, try distracting him by making him move his feet, walk backwards or perform some other task that requires his attention. If he’s paying attention to another task he won’t be able to give much attention to whatever is scaring him.
Training your horse to react against his instincts is not always easy and should not be attempted by novice riders. If you have a spooky horse, it is advisable to seek professional training.