How can you teach a horse not to spook?

Question

So basically, my father and I are planning on getting a horse when he retires and I wanted to get the youngest horse possible so we could have an early start on building a strong relationship with it and training it to be a pleasure riding horse among some othr things. My father said I could probably train it sense I managed to train my dog and my cat. But I know a horses psychology is significantly different.

I know dogs are a pack animal and the whole "who's boss" needs to be established.

And I've heard constantly that needs to be established with horses.

Basically my main question; how would I need to act with a horse when I'm training it?

I'm generally worried about spooking it, 'cause I know horses can freak out easily. (Ex. you shouldn't walk close behind most horses 'cause it could scare them and you could get kicked. Also, certain sounds or movements, ect. could spook them.)

If I get a horse when it's young enough, could I teach it to have stronger nerves or something?

Answer 1

If you don't know all of this you shouldn't train a horse. Also, if you need to walk behind a horse you should walk as close as possible to it's butt while going behind it because if you keep a 1-2 foot distance it thinks that there is something between you and it, so it will most likely kick!!

Answer 2

Please DO NOT get a young horse if you have never had one before.  It will be best for you and the horse if you start with a well trained older horse and learn together.  I understand your thinking about getting a young horse because most people have the same idea, but an older horse's trust is actually easier to earn.  So many people have a bad experience with a green horse and get turned off on them forever.  A few small mistakes can mess up a young horse for life and are very hard to undo.  Besides horses cannot be ridden at all until they are 2 and shouldn't be ridden hard until 5.  Find one that is at least 6 or 7 and buy from a reputable person.

Before you get a horse of your own try to spend some time at a stable or horse farm learning about basic care and training.  

As far as teaching them not to spook, just do everything slow and carefully.  Let them take their time to look at new objects.  If you try something and it doesn't go well, back up to something they are already comfortable with and work your way back up to the new thing.