nosie problems

Question
hi I have a 6 year old apendix quarter horse gelding. I don't know why but he is really scared of anything that makes a sound. His stall is back to back with where we put the hay and the feed, so you would think that he is used to noise. Please help with what I can do to help my horse.

Answer
Dear Jean,
         The only way to help him with his problem of being scared of noises is to desensitize him to those noises, If he say spooks at a plastic bag then but him in the round pen. Make sure he sees the bag and shake it to make the noise. He might spook and run around. (I recommend you work him out about an hour before to get him a little tired, not to much though) He needs to be confronted with what scares him. When he stops running around, approach him with the bag (Or item) And let him smell it. (be careful in his fear he may bite or kick) Rub it along his body starting with his rump. If he runs off let him calm down before you try again. After he is okay with the rump, move up slowly, and make the bag (or item) make a little noise. Keep doing this until he feels okay even when you shake it under his very nose.
If you need more help feel free to e-mail me
michelyn_freeman@yahoo.com
Michelyn