Training a Horse to Handle Scary Objects: Using a Bag of Noisy Soda Cans

 

  

In this method, you will show your horse that you are a strong leader who can protect them. To do that, you will use a bag of noisy soda cans to help your horse overcome fear. Here's how it works:

1. Position the Horse Safely
   Start with your horse behind you at a safe distance, holding a 12-foot lead rope. If your horse is easily scared, consider using a longer lead. Always make sure you're positioned between the horse and the scary object (the bag of cans). 

2. Approach the Bag Calmly
   Walk toward the bag without looking at your horse. Instead, feel the horse's movements through the lead rope. Keep your arm, hand, and shoulder relaxed. This helps signal to the horse that everything is safe. If you look back at your horse, he may think you are unsure of proceeding forward.
3. Interact with the Bag
• Gently nudge or tap the bag to make noise. This might startle the horse a bit, but stay calm and avoid looking back at them. (You, the leader, are investigating. You aren’t worried about your horse’s opinion).
• If the horse pulls on the lead, resist gently without reacting.
• Kick the bag away from you, then walk toward it and stomp on it or tap it energetically. Continue to kick or toss the bag away, always keeping your movements calm and controlled. (You, strong leader, are defeating the scary bag!)

 

4. Avoid Directing Energy Toward the Horse
   Make sure your body and the lead rope stay neutral—don’t send any signals that could scare the horse further (or cause the horse to believe you may be unsure).
5. Repetition Builds Confidence
   Repeat the process several times. Over time, the horse will feel braver because their leader (you) is calmly handling the "scary" object. Eventually, the horse may even approach the bag on its own out of curiosity. 

6. Limit Interaction with the Bag
   Don’t let the horse play with the bag too much. By keeping the bag just out of reach, you increase their curiosity and willingness to engage with it calmly. Besides, the last thing you need is for the horse to paw the bag, get it stuck on a horseshoe, then run terrified as the scary bag pursues him!
7. Building Trust and Acceptance
   By staying calm and consistent, your horse learns to trust you and becomes more confident around unfamiliar or scary objects.