Calming down horses in the wind? Any ideas?

[Marusenka]

Ok so i need to teach my youngster to be a little bit more safe in windy weather- i know they all get wound up but i can't just do nothing with him just because it is windy outside!

I went to fetch him from the field today and it is fairly windy but not too bad here and otherwise lovely sunshine so quite a good day to do something with him- plus it's a weekend and so one of the only days i get to do stuff with him during the day!

Well... normally he is quite placid, almost dopey going down the road back to the yard, doesn't bother at much, quite sensible depsite being only 4 so i thought ah well he will be ok today- how wrong was i? I had bucking, rearing, snorting, leaping sideways, galloping down the road- you name it and all before we had got 10m from the field- needless to say i gave up- walked him up and down for a few minutes until he was a bit calmer and chucked him back in the field! Boy was i glad i always lead him on a lunge line!

Any suggestions? What do the rest of you do with your horses when it is windy outside?

 

[Dinsarsio]

I find whistling works.Gives them something to concentrate and listen to and is calming.

 

[Marusenka]

I just wish I could whistle! Tried singing and that didn't work, treats in my pocket weren't enough to get his attention! Think I will just put it down to him being young and needing a bit more confidence and just give up trying to do much work with him on very windy days!!! It just isn't worth it to ruin all the good work he has been doing! I'm sure as he grows up a bit and gets a bit more confident in situations he will become a bit easier to handle in the wind- if his field was anywhere near the yard i wouldn't mind pushing the boundaries a bit but it is just too dangerous on the road to have him doing daft things!

I just wish i could get into his mind for a day and see things exactly the way he sees them!

 

[Lucie]

I know exactly what you mean .

Unfortunately I think there are only 2 ways to handle the wind dilemma. Desensitisation and working on his responsiveness and trust of your commands.

I'd suggest as much training as you can manage in whatever guise you enjoy and in all weathers (parelli, basic moving him about to voice commands etc) and heaps of grooming and general faffing with him to strengthen your relationship and sharpen his respect and confidence in your handling.

Along side this I'd take every opportunity to work him in windy weather (if he's to silly to ride safely, groundwork will be just as good ).

Could try asking a confident horse to walk with you for now, and keeping his focus on you (stopping and starting, talking to him, pressure halter work etc).

I hope some of that is helpful to you.