Training Tip: Weather Affects Your Horse

Weather plays a huge role in a horse’s behavior. When the weatherman says that it’s going to be a cold, rainy and windy day, he might as well be saying, “Hey, if you own a horse, get ready to die.” Changes in weather can make your horse hypersensitive, and therefore more reactive.

On cold days, horses are friskier and have a lot more energy. They throw their heads up in the air and race around the pasture. Just after it rains, the temperature drops a little, and they love to gallop and kick up their heels. On windy days, horses are hypersensitive to noises, feelings and sights, and the wind carries sounds farther. Your horse might spook at a plastic bag flying through the air, leaves rustling on the ground or a dog barking a mile away.

Take the time to practice groundwork with your horse to ensure he’s using the thinking side of his brain before you get in the saddle. If you don’t, you could very well be setting yourself up for failure. Remember, the more times you pick yourself up off the ground, the better your groundwork gets.