My poor horse

[Luv 2 Trot]

About a month ago, we had the driving buggy fixed and it is now propped up in the corner of the indoor arena. Due to really cruddy weather, we havent had a chance to go ride outside, so we are stuck indoors. Well, for the first 2 or 3 times, i understood that Carnegie was a little frightened by the "Carnegie Eating Buggy". Id just ride him past it, trying to keep him focused on me. We even lunged him by it and he was scared to death. Last monday, i decided to turn him up in the arena with it to maybe help his phobia. Didnt work. He stayed at one end the whole time. Its driving me nuts!! I understand hes young and hasnt seen it before, but its been a month, dont you think hed get over it by now?

Anyone have any tips to help my poor horse deal with the buggy in a sane manner?

[tbjumper127]

One thing to remember--NEVER punish a horse for being truly afraid. They will think "well, I'm afraid of this, and every time I see it I get harmed(or punished by the rider), so I REALLY should be afraid of it!" Try to make him relate it with something good. Walk him up to it and let him sniff it from the ground. Set a carrot on the side of it, and make him eat it off of the buggy. Give him some pats and scratches in those itchy spots, and do it often. When riding, do 20 meter circles around the area. If you are worried about keeping your horse's attention, make sure to keep things different during the whole ride and keep him on-his-toes, so he has no time to think about being afraid of the buggy.