Training Tip: Take the Worry Out of Blanketing

0929_Tip

The biggest mistake people make when trying to blanket a spooky horse is sneaking the blanket up on the horse. If you reach the blanket up towards the horse and he gets nervous and tries to move away, repeat the same motion another hundred times. When he relaxes, retreat and rub him. Then do it again. A lot of people mean well, but they end up doing it all wrong. They sneak the blanket up to the horse, and he gets scared and tries to move. So the person tries to stop him from moving by shortening up on the lead shank. The more they try to stop the horse from moving, the more trapped and claustrophobic he feels, which makes him want to resist the blanket even more. That’s actually the complete opposite of what you want to have happen.

If the horse wants to move, keep moving the scary object, in this case the blanket, and keep his head tipped towards you. When his feet stop moving and he relaxes, that’s when you retreat and take the blanket away. A lot of people take the object the horse is scared of away when the horse moves. Only take the blanket away when he stands still and relaxes.

More News

Back to all news

See All
0630_Tip

5 years ago

Training Tip: A Good Stud Makes a Great Gelding

One of the best things my mentor Gordon McKinlay ever told me as an apprentice was “If he’s a good…

Read More
FILES2f20162f042f0405_04.jpg.jpg

9 years ago

Demo Horses Wanted for Loveland, Colorado Tour

Do you know a horse that is fearful, disrespectful or spooky? He could be just the horse Clinton is looking…

Read More
FILES2f20152f072f0721_05.jpg.jpg

10 years ago

#ApplyTheMethod

How do you apply the Method? Nichole Ann Narduzzi used the Method to build her mare’s trust and respect. “Love…

Read More
0914_03

4 years ago

Make Sure Your Disaster Plan Holds Water

By Ritchie Industries Tornadoes in Georgia, floods in Michigan, wildfires in California and Hurricane Elsa hitting Florida, 2021 so far…

Read More