OVERCOME ITS FEARS: the fear of water

A large number of horses, demonstrates to be afraid of water. Understanding where this fear comes from is not straightforward or easy at all, it requires non-indifferent patience and effort: it may derive from a trauma or an inborn fear. Depending on the case, you can intervene to help him.

Here I will write an example of noninvasive intervention.

First and foremost, as we always do, we gain its trust, with the methods I have already mentioned in previous posts.

Later we can start lunging him.

When the horse is calm, we will take a bucket of water and put it in front of it; Probably, we won't notice strange reactions, because it will bring it back to the water that he drinks it in the box, or in the paddock. 

Next, we will take some water with our hands and begin to touch the coat with wet hands, including the head. 

When it seems calm, we can begin to make it familiar with a small sheet with slightly raised edges, with water inside. The horse will have to slowly start moving over it. In this passage he may express his fear of water. 

Then we will show it that we can walk on that water without consequences. If he continues to refuse, we will put this 'cloth' between two pillars or two "barriers" and beyond, an abundant amount of hay; Taking the horse to the length we will encourage him to cross it. This step will probably take a lot of time and effort, but without exception, it will give great results.

When the horse has learned to cross it, we will remove the pillars, we will stop it inside the water and bathe its legs with it. If it is quiet we will be able to move to the next step.

Making us accompany at first, by a more 'courageous' horse, we will encourage him to cross a stream.

At a later time, he will have to do it on his own.

Credits for the image: https://it.pinterest.com/pin/456200637224983456/