Is it bad to pet your horse when he's nervous?

Question

okay, so i heard that when your horse is nervous, you shouldn't pet him or give him affection because he interprets it as you rewarding him for being nervous. is that true?thanks.

Answer 1

To a degree, yes.

Horses aren't linguists; they don't understand English. If your horse is a bit spooky and you say, "don't be stupid it's just a rock" in a soft voice and give him a wee pat on the shoulder, what he understands is "there's a good boy, carry on as you are". He doesn't understand the words, he understands the manner in which they are said, and if you are kind and reassuring when he's playing up he'll take that to mean that what he's doing is acceptable, even desirable.

You need to be firm, without being unkind, to lead him through scary situations.

Answer 2

No.  The best thing you can do to overcome the shyness is to stand in a arena or open area and let him cone to you.  No direct eye contact...just stand.  It may take awhile, but eventually, because horses are a social/group animal, he will feel more comfortable approaching you on his own terms.

Answer 3

No, that's not true.  But you don't reward with a treat.  A firm stroke and a soothing voice with a confident attitude on your part...will help calm the horse.

Mix the stroking with soothing and calm sounding 'whoas' if you want them to stop and stand still.  May take quite a few, and you don't stop until the horse is calmed down.