The question
"Hello, I have a big problem with my 10-year-old Thoroughbred. He is an ex-racehorse but a very gentle lad, and I can do everything with him. However, he is terrified of cows! On two occasions, once when hacking out and once when returning to the field, he has seen cows in the field and refuses to pass them and becomes uncontrollable. I try my best to lead him past the cows, but this results in him becoming even more worked up and bolting off. Please help! Stephanie."
The answer
H&C blogger and proprietor of Contessa Riding Centre Tina Layton-Elliott BHSI replies: "Dear Stephanie, thank you for your question. Often horses can be frightened by other animals, such as cows. Firstly, does he do this when he is with other horses? He may feel safer with others than when he is on his own. If at all possible, try and avoid hacking out alone where you think cows may be. If that is unavoidable, is there a possibility he could be turned out near/next to a field of cows. Once he got used to them, a little a mixed grazing strategy would be even better. If you have to lead him in hand past cows, make sure he is wearing a bridle or another form of restraint and wear your hat and gloves. Make sure you always put your own safety first. Try to always remain calm yourself so that he doesn’t pick up any ‘exciting’ vibes from you as the rider/handler.
Continual exposure to the thing/object that a horse is scared of does usually habituate them to those stimuli. Be prepared that this will take some time.
Good luck!"
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