Stop Spooking Yourself!

By: Dr. Jenny Swanson, EdD, LICSW, LCSW, CMPMC

Every equestrian has faced that heart-stopping moment when their horse spooks, tenses up, or reacts unpredictably. Whether it’s a sudden noise, a flapping banner, or an imaginary monster in the corner of the arena, spooky moments can shake even the most confident riders.

But here’s the good news: Your reaction can make all the difference. Horses are incredibly sensitive to rider emotions, meaning your ability to stay calm can help them relax, too.

So, how do you keep your cool when your horse is nervous? Here’s the secret!

Photo credit: Anne Gittins Photography

Why Do Horses Spook?

Horses are prey animals, which means their brains are wired for survival. When something unfamiliar enters their environment, their natural response is to fight, flee, or freeze. Even the most seasoned horses can have moments of heightened alertness.

The problem? If you tense up or panic, your horse will feel it and escalate their response. Staying calm isn’t just about your own confidence—it directly affects your horse’s ability to settle.

5 Ways to Stay Calm When Your Horse is Spooky

1. Breathe First, React Second

When your horse spooks, your first instinct might be to tense up or hold your breath—but that actually signals to your horse that something is wrong.

✔ Instead, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

✔ Focus on keeping your body relaxed, especially your hands, legs, and shoulders.

✔ A steady rider = a steady horse.

🧘‍♀️ Try this: Practice deep breathing while riding so it becomes automatic in stressful moments.

2. Keep Your Eyes Up and Focus Forward

If you fixate on what scared your horse, you’re reinforcing that it’s a threat. Instead:

✔ Keep your eyes forward and direct your horse where you want to go.

✔ Use your legs and seat to encourage forward motion instead of hesitating.

🐴 Your horse takes cues from you—if you move forward with confidence, they’re more likely to follow.

3. Ride with Soft, Steady Hands

A nervous horse might feel unpredictable, but gripping the reins too tightly can make things worse.

✔ Avoid pulling back suddenly—this can make a horse feel trapped and more reactive.

✔ Maintain soft but steady contact to reassure your horse.

🖐 Pro Tip: Think of your reins as a conversation. Keep your hands relaxed so your horse feels guided, not restricted.

4. Redirect Their Mind with a Task

When a horse is nervous, their brain is stuck in “alert mode.” The best way to regain control is to give them something else to focus on.

✔ Ask for a small circle, leg yield, or transition to redirect their attention.

✔ Keep them engaged so their brain shifts from fear to listening.

🎯 The goal: Help your horse focus on you, not the spooky object.

5. Stay Patient and Consistent

Spooking isn’t always about disobedience—it’s often just a reaction to uncertainty.

✔ Stay patient and avoid punishing fear (which can create more tension).

✔ Stick to consistent cues and routines to build trust over time.

💡 Remember: The more calm experiences your horse has, the more confident they become.

Final Thoughts

Staying calm when your horse is spooky isn’t just about controlling them—it’s about controlling yourself. By breathing deeply, staying focused, and guiding your horse with confidence, you can help them feel safe in any situation.

Next time your horse gets nervous, take a deep breath, relax your body, and remind yourself: You are the leader your horse needs.

Have you dealt with a spooky horse? What helped you stay calm? Share your experience in the comments!

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Disclaimer: All information shared on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. The information shared here does NOT constitute as therapy or as medical advice and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship. A patient-client relationship with you is only formed after we have expressly entered into a written agreement that you have signed including our fee structure and other terms to represent you in a specific matter. Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice and you should not rely solely on this information.