"De-Spook" Your Horse An umbrella opening, a tree branch creaking, a tarp flapping in the wind, a dusty shadow in the back of the barn -- what seems benign to the human eye often terrifies a horse. His immediate response? Screech to a halt, buck, twirl, and run like the dickens! What can a rider do but hang on? In fact, there is plenty a rider can do to "de-spook" a horse, and Teaching Your Horse to Overcome Fears tells you how. Following the advice of renowned trainers such as John Lotito, Pat Parelli, and Mark Rashid, you'll learn how to reprogram your horse's fear response so that, when startled, he may unnerve you, but he won't unseat you. These trainers offer proven tips on training your horse in a manner that is gentle, effective, and long-lasting. And you'll delve into the most exciting "alternative" therapies for high-strung horses, including herbal remedies, aromatherapy, shamaniac healing, and body work. Laura Harrison McBride is a freelance writer specializing in equine topics. She lives in Maryland. Contents - Introduction: The Nature of Horses - Bombproofing Begins with Familiarity - De-Spooking Your Horse: A Two-Pronged Approach - Working with the Experts - There's No Quick Fix - What if My Horse Still Spooks? - Natural Therapies for Relieving Equine Anxiety - Spooky Breeds - Sticking to Your Horse - Resources

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