By Jodi Leuenberger
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We all know there are plenty of books and articles and even clinics that claim you can train the
“spookiness” out of your horse. I can tell you that I have tried most of them. When I was
younger, my horse spooked at everything – a leaf floating past would send her over the edge
and spin and go the other way. But, nothing helped her. I wish I understood then what I now
know about spookiness.
I totally understand that horses are prey animals, and I don’t think we can take all the
spookiness out of them. They will spook from time to time; their brains are just wired that way –
run first, think later. I also know our relationship with our horses can help put them at ease, and
we can become a calming presence for them.
BUT what if I said there was more?
What if I said spookiness can be a symptom of pain?
Wild animals in pain have to ignite their fight or flight instinct more because they are in danger if
they are seen as weak. They have to be on alert for danger at all times, especially if they are
weak or in pain. It’s how they survive. They have to be on high alert since they are vulnerable.
Now, what if we addressed their pain and discomfort? I think that could ease their minds and in
turn lower the level of spookiness they’re feeling.
If we can address a horse's root issues, I believe we can give the horse the ability to feel safe
within their own body and therefore not spook as much.
Massage and bodywork can help this, of course.
If nothing else, I hope I made you really think about spookiness in a different way.