NEVER MIND THE HORSE, HOW BOMB-PROOF ARE YOU?

If you think a bomb-proof horse is your ticket to safe riding, you are probably in for an unpleasant surprise. That's because the scariest thing most horses encounter are riders who think horses are supposed to keep them safe. No amount of bomb-proofing prepares horses for that. Between you and your horse, you are the one who is supposed to be keeping the two of you safe...not the other way around. So, never mind the horse. How bomb-proof are you?

Before going any further, I want to make it clear that folks who think bomb-proofing is about desensitizing horses have it all wrong. To desensitize a horse you'd have to stick ear plugs in its ears, slap blinders on it, or do some such thing that actually dulls its senses.

Bomb-proof horses haven't been de-sensitized at all. Rather, they have been made sensitive to the fact that a human is willing and able to keep them safe. Relieving horses of that responsibility is what allows them to behave calmly despite all kinds of crazy distractions. Whether or not a bomb-proof horse behaves calmly for you depends entirely upon you letting him know that you are willing to do the same.

While going through the bomb-proofing process, horses get used to enjoying the type of calm, assured leadership that helps them get over their drama and find confidence in themselves. Horses thriving in that positive energy aren't necessarily chomping at the bit to carry around riders who carry nervous, fretful energy. If you are one of them, you need to know that even the most bomb-proof horse will eventually protest and challenge you to get over your own drama.

Even if you are not the nervous type, you can expect bomb-proof horses to offer you subtle challenges anyway. If you are unaware of how or why horses do this, you are unaware of the leadership horses need from you to behave calmly for you. You're certainly not alone. Most riders learn how to ride but learn next to nothing about how to get horses to behave calmly. Crazy but true...hence the reason I encourage riding instructors to join the challenge to create a safer industry.

Far too many riders miss out on receiving a basic, yet pretty freakin' important, leadership education. It's a good bet you are one of them if you're thinking the "bomb-proof" horse you recently brought home must have been drugged when you tried it out. Before you're tempted to accuse the seller of misrepresenting the horse, know that it is highly likely you are misinterpreting the situation.

Never take bomb-proof horses for granted. Not only is your safety your responsibility, but for a horse to carry you safely you've got let him know you have his back as well. Learn to provide your bomb-proof horse some bomb-proof leadership. That's your ticket to safe riding!

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BOMB-PROOFING: What is it Really All About?

    

Bomb-proofing is not just for desensitizing horses to scary objects so they will be less likely to spook at them. Horses spook at anything and everything, so bomb-proofing for this purpose alone only lends truth to the saying "no horse is ever one hundred percent bomb-proof." 

The ultimate purpose of bomb-proofing is to prove to you horse that he can trust you with his safety so that, no matter what's going on around you, he is able to remain calm and follow your lead. Since horses can't do anything calmly unless they feel safe, bomb-proofing for this purpose gives your horse GOOD REASON TO BEHAVE CALMLY FOR YOU. When you think about bomb-proofing for this purpose, it is easy to understand how some riders are able to get their horses to behave calmly despite fireworks, gunshots or all kinds of pandemonium.  

       

Bolting is a huge safety issue for riders of every level because by the time the horse bolts he is already in panic mode. Whenever horses bolt they are in danger of hurting themselves, their riders, or anyone else in the area.

       

Bomb-proofing exercises, working with your horse amid distractions, helps you develop the ability to read your horse's body language well enough address fear issues before fear turns to panic.  They also hone your ability to remain calm and focused in challenging situations so you can keep your horse calm and focused on you.  

At the same time, bomb-proofing exercises help your horse learn to trust and rely on your leadership, rather than his instinctual desire to bolt, when he becomes frightened. Therefore, they help you help your horse gain confidence in himself and the world around him.

Learning to keep yourself and your horse calm and focused no matter what is going on around you is the best way to prevent yourself from getting injured while riding. I hope this inspires you to do some bomb-proofing with your horse...on the ground first, and then under saddle.