Horse Articles

Your Horse Is Going To Spook -
Are You Ready?

It's not a matter of "if" your horse spooks, it's "when." It's not a matter of how broke your horse is. Sooner or later it will see something that makes it spook. You can't control your environment so you can't blame your environment. If somebody comes up and throws something at your horse or drops something in front of your horse, and your horse spooks and you get bucked off, it's not their fault and it's not the horse's fault. The first thing you do may be to blame that person – but it's not their fault that your horse bolted or spooked. It has nothing to do with them. It has to do with the fact that you lost control of your horse. It's your fault. Because if you put your safety in their hands, you're guaranteed to get hurt. It's your responsibility to train and ride your horse correctly. Too many things can happen.

People who don't know anything about horses may come around your horse. Your horse has to be trained to keep them safe. Other riders will do things around your horse that doesn't bother their horses. Maybe they're not bothered by things coming up suddenly behind them or hitting their horse. They'll do things that they and their horses are used to – without a thought to whether your horse is "used to" it or not. Their horses is broke to this kind of stuff and they'll assume yours is too. But when all of a sudden something happens to scare your horse you can't blame them after you went and placed your safety in their hands. It's your job, your responsibility to make sure that you have control of your horse no matter what somebody else does around your horse. It's your safety, don't ever put it in somebody else's hands, because I promise you you'll get hurt.

This article is part of the "Learning to Ride a Horse" series. To read more, or to find a clinic or Certified John Lyons horse trainer near you, visit horsemanship101.com.

About the authors:

Josh Lyons: One of the most sought-after clinicians in the world, Josh Lyons offers you and your horse a second chance or an enhancement of your existing relationship. His gentle and objective methods, pioneered by his father John Lyons, have helped novice rider and pro alike. Josh continues the “Lyons Legacy,” teaching the John Lyons Certification Program in Parachute, CO and touring often. He is a frequent contributor to national publications like "Perfect Horse" and "Horse & Rider.” Find out more about Josh Lyons at LyonsLegacy.com.

Keith Hosman: If your horse won't speed up, slow down, stop or turn, you missed the latest training methods from Josh and John Lyons. Have you lost your confidence? Want a horse to brag about? Invest one weekend to make big changes with John Lyons Certified Trainer Keith Hosman. Keith is based near San Antonio, TX and is available for clinics, private sessions and training. He frequently conducts clinics and demonstrations — with an event coming soon to a town near you. For more horse training articles, or to attend a clinic or find a John Lyons trainer living in your area, visit horsemanship101.com now.

No part of this article may be reproduced without the express written permission of Josh Lyons and Keith Hosman. To contact us regarding reprints or syndication of our articles (in print or online), please contact us via www.horsemanship101.com.