Overly spooky 4 year old training tips
To start health issues are ruled out, I don’t think he had the best life at the track (he’s a thoroughbred). I have a 4 year old that is quite literally scared of his own shadow, I’ve been introducing polework, but tried doing it at night with shadows (in a lighted arena) and he was very nervous wouldn’t go near them, would refuse to move, go to the side etc.
as for day time he also
-scared of dogs (not on the ground)
- is scared of judge booths and refuses to stay on the rail passing it
-is scared of green poles
- will not stay on the rail if there is a person on the fence line
-scared of colorful standards won’t even walk near them
He isn’t naughty at all, just very reactive, he jumps to the side, naps or just backs up very fast, refuses to move forward
And he’s like this everywhere not just in the arena. He is very on edge. I have hand-walked him on trails and arena, and he’s definitely not as looky while I’m on the ground, but it does not help for under saddle. I want to help him calm down and realize that the world isn’t out to get him.
he still is overly spooky on the ground but no where near as bad
Does anyone have any tips?