Looking for helpful techniques to keep your horse calm? Calming a horse requires a holistic approach. Here are some tips that can help alongside a good routine and balanced diet.
Gentle massage
Giving your horse a gentle massage can help to calm both of you. You can use gentle touch, taps or smooth strokes depending on what your horse enjoys the most. Try to breathe evenly while massaging your horse and watch for them exhibiting relaxation behaviours or ‘releases’ such as stretching, yawning, snorting or drooping their lips. As with any situation with horses, ensure the space is safe, the horse is comfortable and that you set up the situation for success. For example, a massage just before they are due to go out in the field and are excited is not going to be as effective as one when they are ready to snooze or have just exercised.
Breathing techniques
Horses can hear our heartbeat from up to four feet away, so they are attuned to our breathing and stress levels. Horses also use breathing in sync as an affiliative behaviour, so matching your breathing to your horse's deep, relaxed breaths helps to calm you both and strengthen your bond. Some horses like you to breathe into their noses, some prefer you to just stand near them. Listen to your horse and give them the space they need to relax.
Strengthen your bond
Horses are social animals and need strong bonds with other members of their herd to feel safe. In order for your horse to have confidence in you to get them past or over a scary object, they need to know you are their friend. Spend some time just with your horse, whether that be in the stable or the field, walking around with them, giving them scratches or even read a book while existing near them. The more you have quality time outside of riding alone, the stronger their trust will be in you to get them through scary situations in the future.
Give them plenty of free time and turnout with friends
Horses are herd animals and need the company of other horses to feel secure. They also need plenty of time outside to exhibit their natural behaviours. Limiting movement is not recommended (unless necessary due to injury or illness) as it does not allow their digestive system to process food as efficiently which can lead to nervousness and stiffness in their body.
Play music
Research shows that playing your horse music can help them to relax and respond better to novel situations. It works on people too, so whether you are riding, grooming or just hanging out at the yard play some music or sing to your horse (they won’t mind if you aren’t in tune). Classical music has been shown to relax the horses most which makes sense and music with a similar beat to your horses trot or canter can help you maintain a good rhythm.
Introduce new situations or objects slowly
Introducing your horse to new objects (such as water, flappy bags or trailers) should always be done slowly and the horse should be allowed to investigate at their own pace. Letting the horse choose how close they get to the new object lets them feel in control of the situation and will increase their interest in the new object. If possible, lead them away from the object while they want to investigate further as this will reduce their anxiety and increase their curiosity. Reward every try and ensure that you are a calm presence, either exploring the object yourself or just being there for the horse to seek reassurance if needed.
Make new situations fun
If your horse is going to a new place, such as a new arena, new hacking route or showground, make it fun for them! If possible, take them for a little walk to explore and talk to them in a happy tone of voice. Try and do some of their favourite activities while you are there. If they love a scratch, to watch other horses, have favourite tricks or simply love jumping then try to include some while you are there.
Do you have any additional calming tips or favourite methods that have worked wonders for your horse? Share your techniques in the comments below.
