Often you can predict what will scare your horse when you are out riding. But sometimes, it’s a surprise — and provides some insight into how your horse perceives its surroundings.
Last fall I had finished schooling and was cooling my quiet older horse out on a loose rein, with no stirrups while talking on my cell phone to a client. We were walking in our own field which borders a walking trail.
As we crested the hill, a jogger came by. No bid deal. Then she stopped and did a handstand against a tree. HUGE deal! My horse, who had seen hundreds of hikers and joggers flipped out. Apparently people just look different when they are upside down. He gave a huge spook and then stood trembling and snorting as he faced down the headless monster.
Thank goodness I stayed on. I would have hated to explain the crash, thump, and subsequent swear words to my client. It’s bad enough when I’m on my cell phone at the barn and a horse whinneys. It really blows my cover!
And yes, talking on a cell phone when mounted certainly is a bad idea!