horsies

[rm]

So um... how do horses feel about rain? And um... if there were to be say thunder... how would they feel about that? Because... it's grim out there, and I want to know what I'm in for. (Granted, we'll be in the indoor ring, but still, I'm starting to get how sensitive they are, and I figure if I have opinions on weather, they might well too).

Comments

[winterknight.livejournal.com]

It depends on the horse. (I'm so helpful, yes.) Many horses are quite good about thunder and if they're not, the owner will know about it. We used to have "bombproof" horses at the stable where I rode in university and they were trained not to spook even when exposed to cherry bombs and cars backfiring. If you're worried, go ahead and ask for the least spooky horse they can give you.

Horses are funny, funny beasties. I rode one who had a mortal fear of stray plastic bags. It's amazing how many plastic bags there are wandering around the countryside, too! :p Another had a silly affection for motorcycles and would try and follow any that went by. The same horse was shy and avoidant around cows and deer. Wonderful traits for a city park horse, an absolute pain in the country. Yet another got nervy at iced over puddles - I suppose the 'crack' they made when he stepped in them had made him anxious over the years. With all of them, all that was needed was awareness and a firm hand and leg. Quirky animals, really, but so much fun. I miss riding.

[rm.livejournal.com]

Thank you. This is reassuring. Sham is pretty "bomb proof" from what I've been given to understand. I just hope the flies have calmed down today, all the horses were crany as hell last week.

Since they are urban horses, I suppose they are more acclimated to loud noise than many. Although there's one in the stables that has a weird "get close/runaway" thing with trucks.