horse hates noise

Question
Hello,  We bought a gelding that was sweet and seemed gentle when my beginner husband rode him.  Now we find he is very fearful of noise from on his back and behind him.  I have spent a week so far on round penning and sacking and other various things.  I've been at  for a week and don't see much improvement at this point.  I want to give him a chance and need help to go from here.  Thank you,  Jackie

Answer
Jackie -

Your best bet would be to find a local trainer that can help you out with some hands on tips.  It is hard to give advice without being able to see what is actually going on.

What I can say is that you are doing the right thing by working with him on the ground to get over the problem.  How you go about it depends on exactly what the horse doesn't like.  If it is things moving along side him or behind him, you can continue sacking him out, or you can try putting a bandana on the sturdy part of a lunging whip.  That way you can stay at a distance, but still make the bandana move and come in close to him.  You can also take the lunge line and  - lets say you are on the left side of the horse - drape the lunge line on the right of the horse so that it goes behind the horse.  When you pull on the lunge line, he should get pulled to the right, as he turns you will pass through the blind spot directly behind him.  That will help him get over the problem with things being behind him.  Just be careful the first few times you do it - most horses don't like it the first time or two.

As for the noises - there is nothing other than exposing him to the noises, reassuring him when he is scared, and praising him when he does good.  It can take time, but it is worth it.

Remember, a good ride - especially a trail ride - doesn't happen without good planning.  If you are going on a new trail that you or the horse is unfamiliar with, sometimes it helps to walk the trail by yourself so you know what is around the corners.  It is good to get the horse over what it is affraid of, but until the horse is better, you want to make sure you are setting him up for success rather than chancing failure.

Best of Luck!
Michael Hockemeyer
Kicking Bear Mustangs