How do i train my horse not to be skiddish?

She is about 12, a great horse, but she is skiddish. It scares my grandmother and i when we ride her because she is already clumsy and skiddish, but thats Daisy, and i love her. But, if i can make her skiddishness better, maybe i- and my grandmother would feel safer on her and take her trail riding! PLEASE HELP! you can send websites too if you wish! thank you!

-Alli

How do i train my horse not to be skiddish?
Based on her age, this may be as calm as she will get. But, to help with training her for the trail, start back with some basic ground work. Think of things that have scared her in the past, and try to re-enact that in the safety of the barn/arena. For example, my horse was started by things touching her sides, so I tied a plastic bag to a whip and lightly touched her sides with it until she wasn't scared of it anymore. I've also used a tarp, eventually covering her with it. At the time it may seem odd, but it helps to desensitize them. Another idea would be just to make sure you talk to her whenever she seems skiddish, maybe the reassurance of your voice will help calm her. Good Luck!
Reply:There are many things that can cause a horse to be skiddish. You mentioned clumsy as well. Clumsiness could be a result of poor shoeing or something physically wrong with you horse. This you should consult your vet about. As for skiddishness, if that's due to being afraid of something, you can desensitize her of those things if you do it with alot of patience and safely. I've had horses that were afraid of plastic bags. I desenstized my Arab gelding by putting him the arena with plastic bags tied to the fence to let him get used to them. I also lunged him with a plastic bag tied to a bareback pad on him. Eventually he was ok with them. I've had horses afraid of boulders...same thing. You just have to let them know they're safe and it's nothing to be afraid of. It's best to consult a trainer to help with these issues. Especially if you aren't extremely experienced. Unfortunately......unlike stated in an answer here......it will take more than one $100 training session with a professional trainer. I wish it was that cheap. There's alot more to knowing horses than just knowing how to ride one.

Good luck with her.
Reply:this is something you should be discussing over the phone with a VET.



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Reply:Well, if she skittish, it means she's uncomfortable about something. When you ride her, use more of a firm touch, (keep a little more pressure on the reins, talk to her more, whatever) because you want her to know that you're there and you're in control. Then, hopefully once she trusts that you are in control, she will be able to relax and just follow your lead.
Reply:Hi,

The first thing you may consider is a good physical exam. She may have some pain somewhere that you may not be able to detect. If that is the case, once she is treated my guess is that she will be less skiddish. Also, spend a lot of quiet time with her in her paddock. sit in a corner, read a book and let her come to you. After she is comfortable with having you in her paddock, get your book and have her saddle next to you and again let her come to you. It sounds like she needs to gain a bit of trust. Again, start with your veterinarian and a good physical exam.

Best wishes,

Pam

www.protectthepets.com
Reply:take her to a ranch and you can get her trained for less than 100 dollars
Reply:I tell you what...

go to google and type your questions

and you will have you answers...

Good luck...

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