Serenity training for horses: strengthen confidence, reduce fears

A rustling plastic bag at the side of the road, a rattling scooter or a sudden gust of wind that causes the tarpaulin in the paddock to flap - for many horses, this is enough to make them flee in panic. As flight animals, they react instinctively at such moments, which often leads to dangerous situations for horse and rider. An unexpected jump to the side, an abrupt run away or a desperate attempt to break free not only carries the risk of injury, but also puts the trust between humans and animals to the test.

What is serenity training?

Calmness training is a training method that aims to prepare horses for stressful or unfamiliar situations. The animals are gradually accustomed to potentially fear-inducing stimuli in order to control their reactions and strengthen trust between humans and animals. The aim is not to make the horse completely insensitive to its environment, but to develop it into a relaxed and confident partner in everyday life.

➡️ Video tip: Mastering flapping tarpaulins and umbrellas? Bernadette Brune shows effective calmness training that helps nervous horses stay calmer - for relaxed rides and stress-free competitions!

Are calmness training and anti-fright training the same thing?

At first glance, calmness training and anti-fright training are often equated with each other. However, there is a significant difference between the two approaches. In anti-fright training, your horse is specifically confronted with frightening stimuli. The aim is to achieve desensitization through repeated exposure. This often involves provoking a frightening moment - such as the sudden rustling of a tarpaulin - to get the horse used to such situations.

In contrast, calmness training takes a calmer approach. The focus here is not on deliberate confrontation, but on giving your horse the opportunity to discover on its own that the frightening objects or situations do not pose a danger. Instead of deliberately creating a fright, your four-legged friend is gently introduced to potentially frightening stimuli. This method strengthens the horse's inner calm and promotes trust - both in you and in the environment.

The aim of serenity training

• Stress reduction: Horses learn to remain calm in challenging situations instead of instinctively switching to flight mode.
• Strengthen confidence: Through targeted training, your horse will develop more confidence in you and in its environment.
• Safety in handling: A calm horse reacts in a more controlled manner, which reduces dangerous situations for horse and rider.

Differentiation from other forms of training

While anti-fright training is specifically aimed at short-term desensitization, calmness training takes a more comprehensive approach. It focuses on the long-term mental strength of the horse so that it remains confident in a wide variety of situations. Groundwork also plays an important role here, as it strengthens communication and trust between horse and rider, but is not specifically focused on calmness.

Why is composure important for horse and rider?

A relaxed horse that remains calm even in stressful situations is every horse owner's dream. Calmness is not only a sign of confidence and mental strength, but also ensures greater safety - both for the horse and for you as a rider. But why exactly is calmness so important, and what challenges do nervous or jumpy horses bring with them?

The benefits of serenity

• More safety in handling:
  A calm horse reacts in a more controlled manner, even when confronted with unfamiliar or potentially frightening stimuli. This minimizes the risk of unpredictable reactions such as suddenly rushing off, bucking or jumping away, which can lead to injuries for both horse and rider.
• Better bond between horse and rider:
  Serenity training promotes mutual trust. Your horse learns to rely on you in uncertain situations, which strengthens your relationship in the long term.
• A relaxed everyday life:
  Calmness is not only evident in big moments such as competitions or rides, but also in small everyday situations: when loading, at the farrier or even when visiting the vet. The calmer your horse is, the more pleasant handling will be for both of you.

Challenges with nervous or skittish horses

Some horses are naturally more jumpy or nervous than others. This is often due to their personality, lack of experience or bad experiences in the past. These horses react to the smallest changes or unfamiliar noises with strong flight behavior, which can make training and everyday life a challenge.

Challenges that serenity training with the horse solves:

• Hypersensitivity to stimuli: Nervous horses are often frightened by small things, such as rustling leaves or fluttering ribbons. Calmness training helps to reduce these overreactions.
• Lack of trust: Many skittish horses prefer to rely on their instincts rather than on humans in uncertain moments. With targeted training, you can strengthen your horse's trust in you.
• Stress susceptibility: Stress is not only detrimental to your horse's performance, but also to its well-being. Calmness training helps to reduce stress and ensures a more balanced mind.

Serenity training: the basics with Bernadette Brune

➡️ Video tipPreparation is the be-all and end-all of calmness training, Bernadette Brune explains what is important and how to optimally prepare yourself and your horse for calmness training. Start calmness training with your horse today!

Serenity training for horses: exercises and tips

Calmness training for horses can be designed with simple but effective exercises. With targeted stimuli and the right equipment, you can help your horse to find inner peace and master stressful situations with confidence. You can use many objects that you already have in the stable or at home to add variety to the training.

Exercises with objects

At the heart of calmness training is the use of objects that arouse your horse's curiosity or challenge it without overtaxing it. The variety of exercises ensures that your horse is not only prepared for specific situations, but also reacts more calmly to new stimuli in general. The more varied and creative you make the exercises, the more exciting and effective the training will be - both for your horse and for you.

With a little creativity, you can easily find or improvise many of the materials you need in the barn. From fluttering ribbons and rustling tarpaulins to everyday objects: The focus is on familiarizing your horse with new stimuli in a safe setting. 

Everyday objects for training:
Many materials that you can use for training can be found in everyday life. Examples are

• Empty plastic bottles (for sound effects).
• Umbrellas (open and close).
• Exercise balls (for rolling or bouncing).
• Barrier tape (as a visual challenge).

The right training location

The training location is just as important as the exercises themselves. Your horse will be able to concentrate better if it is in a safe environment.

How to choose the ideal training ground:

• Create familiarity: Start in a familiar environment such as the riding arena or indoor arena. Your horse will feel safe here and will be better able to engage with the exercises.
• Avoid hazards: Remove potential sources of interference or danger, such as slippery surfaces or sharp objects.
• Offer variety: As soon as your horse becomes more confident, you can vary the training and move it outside. Walks or training sessions in the field are good opportunities to try out the exercises in real-life situations.

Step-by-step procedure:

• Start with simple exercises in a quiet environment.
• Slowly introduce your horse to new stimuli.
• Praise every relaxed behavior and always end the training with a positive experience.

Targeted exercises for nervous horses:

Frightened horses often react particularly strongly to sudden noises or movements. This is where the integration of anti-fright training can be a valuable part of calmness training.

➡️ Video tip: Making nervous horses more relaxed? Bernadette Brune shows effective calmness exercises with a plastic bag and ball to help nervous horses react more relaxed to sudden stimuli - a must for stress-free training!

‍Do you already knowthese exercises?

• Rustling with tarpaulins: Hold a tarpaulin in your hand and move it slowly until your horse remains relaxed. Increase the intensity by touching the tarp on your horse's legs, neck or back.
• Noises with bottles: Take an empty plastic bottle and crush it gently to get your horse used to the crackling sound. As soon as it remains calm, lead it through a "bottle bath" of several empty bottles.
• Umbrellas and flutter tape: Open and close an umbrella near your horse. As soon as it remains calm, you can hold the umbrella in your hand while you move together.

Patience is the key: frightened horses often take longer to get used to new situations. Repeat the exercises regularly and increase the intensity carefully.

Accessories for calmness training with the horse

The right accessories are an important part of successful calmness training. There are many aids that you can use to get your horse used to new stimuli and promote his calmness. You don't necessarily have to buy expensive equipment - with a little creativity, you can make many materials yourself.

Obstacles and materials for training

For the actual calmness training, you can use a variety of materials that have been specially developed or simply improvised. These objects encourage curiosity and train your horse's composure:

• Flutterball: Flexible, light and ideal for getting your horse used to unpredictable movements and noises.
• Tarpaulins: Whether large, colorful or rustling - they are ideal for practicing crossing unfamiliar ground.
• Flutter tape: Attached as a curtain, it helps to get your horse used to movement stimuli.
• Balloons: Their light movement makes them ideal for demanding your horse's attention.
• Exercise balls: Large, rolling objects arouse your horse's curiosity and encourage his confidence.
• Plastic bottles: Their crackling under the hooves or in a "bottle field" challenges your composure.

If you feel unsure or need additional inspiration, you can get support from an experienced calmness trainer. These trainers often offer courses or come directly to your stable to work with you and your horse - usually with a variety of equipment in their luggage so you don't have to worry about anything.

DIY ideas: Build your own accessories and obstacles

If you are creative, you can make many obstacles for calmness training yourself. This not only has the advantage of saving you money, but also allows you to adapt the level of difficulty to your horse's individual needs. With simple materials that you can often find in the stable or at home, you can create a varied training program.

➡️ Video tip: DIY horse playground? Bernadette Brune shows how you can use simple materials to create creative obstacles for calmness training yourself - perfect for teaching your horse more composure individually and inexpensively!

Another effective idea is the bottle field, where you lay out empty plastic bottles in a square of poles. The crackling and movement of the bottles under your horse's hooves challenges his composure and trains him to remain calm.
Another option is a flutter tape curtain. To do this, cut barrier tape into pieces of the same length and attach them to a pole that you hang between two jump stands. Your horse will learn to cross the fluttering curtain without showing any fear.

Tarpaulin obstacles are also easy to create yourself. You can attach a tarpaulin to poles so that your horse has to go under it, or lay it flat on the ground to practise crossing unfamiliar ground. For another exciting obstacle, you can place barrels or drums close together to create a narrow bottleneck. This exercise simulates confined spaces and helps your horse to remain calm and controlled.

The umbrella obstacle is a particularly versatile obstacle. You can set up open or closed umbrellas as a slalom or hold them in your hand while you move with your horse. This exercise not only trains your horse to accept unusual shapes and movements, but also strengthens its trust in you as a caregiver.

With these self-built obstacles, you can make your calmness training varied and tailored to your horse's abilities. The more time and patience you invest, the greater your horse's progress will be - without any major financial outlay.

Training nervous and skittish horses

Dealing with nervous or skittish horses is often a particular challenge. These animals react strongly to unfamiliar stimuli or situations, which can make training and everyday life more difficult. However, with the right strategies, you can help your horse to reduce its fears and become a calm partner.

Strategies for dealing with skittish horses

A skittish horse needs one thing above all: time and patience. It is important to understand your horse's reaction and respond accordingly. Here are some tried and tested approaches:

1. Keep calm: Your own composure is crucial. Horses often mirror the emotions of their caregivers. Stay calm, even if your horse becomes frightened or restless, and radiate confidence.
2. Slow approach: Do not confront your horse directly with the fear-inducing stimulus. Instead, you can introduce it gradually. Start with sufficient distance and slowly reduce it as soon as your horse remains relaxed.
3. Positive reinforcement: Praise your horse for calm behavior or small progress. This can be done through praise, stroking or a treat. Positive reinforcement promotes trust and motivation.
4. Safe environment: Train in a familiar and safe environment before moving to more difficult or unfamiliar environments.

Desensitization vs. strengthening trust

There are two main approaches to training nervous horses: Desensitization and confidence building. Both methods have their advantages, but can have different effects depending on the horse.

• Desensitization:
  The aim of desensitization is to gradually get your horse used to a certain stimulus until it accepts it as harmless. The stimulus (e.g. a flapping ribbon or a rustling umbrella) is initially presented at low intensity. As soon as your horse remains calm, you can slowly increase the intensity of the stimulus. It is important that you always take care not to overtax your horse.
  Example: If your horse shies away from a flutter tape, let it look at the tape from a safe distance. As soon as it remains relaxed, slowly lead it closer and allow it to sniff the tape.‍
• Strengthen trust:
  While desensitization aims to get horses used to specific stimuli, building trust focuses on strengthening the relationship between you and your horse. A horse that trusts you will orientate itself more towards you in uncertain situations and react more calmly overall.

Combined approach:

In practice, both approaches can be combined well. While desensitization helps to reduce specific fears, building trust ensures long-term serenity and a stronger bond between you and your horse.

How do I get a relaxed horse?

You will probably never achieve complete desensitization - and that's perfectly fine. But with targeted calmness training, you can help your horse to deal with difficult or unfamiliar situations more confidently. This training not only strengthens your four-legged friend's nerves, but also the bond between you. Together you will learn to master challenges more calmly and confidently.

Horse serenity training: Summarized

Calmness training offers you the opportunity to prepare your horse for unfamiliar stimuli and make it more confident in stressful situations. Through targeted exercises such as working with tarpaulins, fluttering ribbons or a self-built calmness course, you can not only promote your horse 's inner calm, but also strengthen your bond. The combination of desensitization and confidence building is the key to long-term success.

A calm horse is safer to handle, remains calm even in unfamiliar situations and makes everyday life easier - whether loading, visiting the vet or on rides. At the same time, the training strengthens your trust in each other and creates a basis for harmonious cooperation.

Why should you start? Because calmness training not only helps your horse, but also gives you confidence and pleasure in dealing with your four-legged friend. With a little patience and creativity, training becomes a rewarding experience that brings you both closer together.
Now is the perfect time to grow together!

Horse serenity training: the most important questions and answers

Are clicker training or treats suitable for calmness training?

Clicker training and treats can be very helpful in calmness training, but should be used with caution. Their use requires good timing and a deep understanding of your horse's reactions. It can be difficult to tell if your horse really understands that an object is safe or if it is just focusing on the reward.

A typical example is trailer training: a food bowl in the trailer is often used to motivate the horse. However, the horse may not be aware of the situation and rush out of the trailer after eating. The same applies to "scary alleys" that the horse runs through just for the food at the end.

Nevertheless, treats have a positive effect: chewing stimulates the chewing muscles, which has been proven to help relax the horse. It is important that the food does not serve as a distraction from the actual problem, but is used specifically and sparingly to reinforce positive behavior.

How long does it take for my horse to become more relaxed?

This depends entirely on the horse. Some horses make great progress after just a few training sessions, while others need more time to get used to new stimuli. Patience and consistency are crucial. Carry out the training in small, manageable steps and plan regular sessions. The effort will pay off in the long term - every horse learns at its own pace.

Can I do serenity training without professional help?

‍Yes, you can do calmness training on your own - and our video shows you exactly how! Discover practical tips and tried-and-tested exercises to help you train your horse in a safe and relaxed manner.

Nevertheless, it makes sense to seek professional help from time to time. An experienced trainer can show you helpful techniques, avoid mistakes and offer support with specific challenges.

How can I measure my horse's progress in calmness training?

Your horse's progress is reflected in its reaction to various stimuli. A calmer horse remains calmer in stressful situations, shows less flight behavior and is more oriented towards you. Document the exercises and note how your horse reacts to different challenges. This will allow you to better understand the development of his behavior over time.

What are the long-term benefits of serenity training?

In the long term, calmness training makes for a safer and more relaxed horse. It strengthens the trust between you, improves handling in everyday situations and contributes to a harmonious relationship. A calm horse is less susceptible to stress-related illnesses or injuries and remains a reliable partner even in unfamiliar situations. At the same time, your own confidence in dealing with your horse is significantly increased.