Duncan and Ozzy: Bicycle Desensitization

Back in March of 2009, Jen and I went on two trail rides in an area frequented by bicycles and joggers. While neither Duncan or Ozzy overreacted to the presence of bicycles, it was clear that they were certainly nervous about them. We decided it would be good to spend a day here and there working on trail skills at home, starting with bicycle desensitization. Our first session was September 4, 2009. Fortunately, my husband, Jim, is a very good sport, and he was willing to do endless laps around the horses with very specific guidelines for each skill set that we wanted the horses to acquire.

We started with allowing the horses to sniff and inspect the bike, seeing how it moves and the sounds it makes. Then, we asked Jim to ride around the horses in a very wide radius. Next, we practiced walking the horses past the moving bike and allowing the bike to pass while the horses stood. While Jim said he learned as a child that the rule is to stop for horses, I do not anticipate that every person on a bicycle that we encounter on a trail will necessarily know this guideline or practice it; it never hurts to be prepared.

As Ozzy is young, Jen chose to end with that installment for the time being. Duncan moved on to hearing the bike on gravel (Jim's suggestion--and a good one, as it's not something I would have thought of, and it did get a reaction the first time) and completing the same "tests" while being ridden. He was such a good boy about the whole experience. We did provide the horses with treats each time they reacted appropriately to the situation; we encouraged them to be inquisitive when checking out the bike for the first time as well. At the end of my ride, I had Jim ride up to me--as horses tend to attract attention, I was trying to mimic a situation in which a curious biker rides up to ask about the horse. I figured it would be good for him to be prepared--and, if anything, he was just a little disappointed Jim didn't have any treats to offer.

Thanks again Jim for being so supportive! :)

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• bicycle
• desensitization
• horses
• riding
• american
• paint
• horse
• irish
• sport
• piebald
• buckskin

[endurancegirly]

hey are you guys really at stepping stone? I cant remember the town-Im up in Stillwater! I love Ozzy and Duncan :)

[dragonfly1030]

@endurancegirly Yep!  I don't to type it on here b/c I worry a little bit about the random people online, haha. Thanks!

[bridlelessgirl]

the horses could care less about the bike they just want to eat

[dragonfly1030]

@bridlelessgirl Exactly! We wanted them to learn that they are not something to stress over.

[LizABeth104]

I couldn't get this song out of my head - so, I'm putting it on my iTouch! LOL

[dragonfly1030]

My husband and I are on vacation, and we went mountain biking (his sport of choice)--and I had this song in my head the WHOLE TIME. lol!

[bLeAcHjAnE]

Such an beatifull terrain!!

[kMw927]

i love how you actually take the time to desensitize your horses. most people would just act like nothing and tell their horses to get over it which can hurt their confidence:( and btw, Duncan reminds me very much of my mare Roxy:)

[buckskinbabe4]

hey, do you mind if you could comment on my channel,comment on my videos and rate them to. i need more vewiers

[dragonfly1030]

I think he is a piebald, but in the summer he fades to a (very) dark bay.