Bombproofing help?

I have a parade coming up and I have been trying to ensure that the horse I am riding is as quiet as I think he is. I have gone through all the basics - tarps, umbrellas, gunshot(don't worry I used a VERY loud cap gun, not a real one around the horse), balloons, streamers, etc. I was wondering if anyone can give me some more ideas on stuff that one might see at a parade that might spook a horse. I just want to be sure that I have covered ALL of the bases, I don't want any surprises.





Also, I have already asked this question earlier but I am wondering if I can get a few more answers. I have a pair of Ovation Finalist dress boots that have gotten a bit snug since the last time I wore them due to some weight gain. Does anyone know of a good way to stretch them out a bit?

Bombproofing help?
I like Buckinfun's answers.


Silly string is an excellent idea....spray it around him...and AT him...so he can expect it and not be afraid of it. There's probably going to be candy being thrown around too, so maybe find something of similar size and toss it in the air or in his direction (or better yet have others do it as you ride by).


Have a bunch of people close to him get loud and jump around...we actually do this with our young horses so they learn not to be so afraid of fast, loud objects. Plastic bags are a good idea too, because at a parade a lot of kids are going to have them to collect candy..and some might get away from them. HEre's an idea also (we do this for "de-spooking" training where I used to ride)...take 5-6 pop cans and string them together by the tabs, and attach it to a long piece of baling twine (or something similar). Ride the horse and drag it behind you on the ground...just make sure that if he freaks that you drop the cans so you can control the horse. If he doesn't like that, then have someone else hold them and shake them.


This is probably an obvious one...and you've probably already done it anyway, but also make sure he's used to running cars..honk horns, rev the engine a bit, with him nearby, so he can hear the noises.
Reply:You should have a few people ride bikes with cans being drug behind them.


Did you do the baby carriage yet? Lots of horses freak out on that one.


My horse freaked out when she seen a horse pulling a wagon! She thought it was chasing the horse.


Popping balloons


Rolling things at your horses feet


Kids running by screaming


Someone spraying a can of silly string


LOTS of people gathered around cheering. That was unnerving for my mare on her first trail ride. Bunch of drunks around...ugggg





I agree about the wet newspapers in the boots.


Stuff them


I used to wet down my leather sneakers then stuff them with dry newspapers.





*I can't stop laughing, you thought she wanted you to stuff your horse with newspapers...hahahahaha. You forgot you asked how to stretch your boots...heahaha. Too funny!*
Reply:Stuff them with wet newspapers.
Reply:I are you riding with other horses in the parade?





Usually as a group, horses are much braver. I haven't had any parade problems if I was riding with horses in a group.





But bubble wrap is a fav of mine to rub all over and pop. I use plastic bags and shaking them.





YOu will probably be just fine, but your right its good to plan ahead.
Reply:we used flares and sirens for my pony when he was getting certified for mounting patrol. flags are another scary object.
Reply:What about trying an air horn and shaking coins in a soda can? Those are tests we used for Delta Society on Therapy dogs. Might get a reaction?
Reply:Put a plastic bag on the end of a whip and while you ride have someone shake it as you go by. This works great! If you have a standard size Flag with pole, on a really windy day, try carrying the flag while you are riding. While it's whipping around the horse like crazy, if that goes well your in good shape. Also put pea gravel in a couple of soda cans, tie them together and drag them beside the horse. Make sure he's used to other horses, cars, and 4 wheelers, the different sounds is all it is. All of the things you have done so far, and the suggested things that we've all said, if that don't make him bomb proof, I don't know what will!
Reply:I agree with the first poster, Its mostly loud strange noises that can freak even the calmest horses out, the other one is little children or dogs running up to them, they are low to the ground and fast moving. My bomb proof gelding has spooked under that situation and took me by surprise.
Reply:Strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, paper and plastic bags, soda cans, paper and plastic cups, man hole covers (freak my mule out even to this day and she's been in 100's of parades, I've not seen a single animal fall into one yet!).


As for your boots, I've not seen your other post but I soak them in the hottest water you can get then put them on and wear them till they are dry. Not the most comfy way, but its cheap!
Reply:Make sure your horse is used to the sound of a marching band. The drums and high pitch of some of the instruments might be scary. Honking horns, kids and dogs running around, silly string, big goofy hats on people, lawn chairs falling onto/scraping against concrete, sirens and flashing lights from firetrucks, air horns, fireworks (I suggest starting with the little ones you throw on the ground and they snap up to the loud ones), road flares and cones/signs and flags. These are the main things I've known to train horses for parades.
Reply:In our parades, they throw candy, so I would try things flying in the air. Hey, you never know.


What about the sirens on fire trucks and ambulances?


Have fun!
Reply:PMSL.... the previous poster meant stuff your boots with newspaper to stretch them, not your horse!


Boots soaked in Hot water and newspaper stuffed really tight would work, also wearing them after they have been soaked in hot water works like the other person said...





As for bomb proofing, just anything noisy, shiny, what about a kite, big banners/signs... Bicycles.... prams...
Reply:Try your bombproffing items in different locations, often if a horse accepts something while in the arena (or other "safe" place) you may not get the same reaction in a new environment. Set up spooky objects along a trail and go through it leading and ridding your horse. good luck and have fun! I've always enjoyed ridding in parades.





-edit- for your boots, IF they are leather, put them on and soak them in rubbing alcohol and walk around until they dry. The alcohol will relax the fibers and dry very quickly. This works great on any leather boot, especially work boots!
Reply:Sirens and horns...Shinny things that flicker and people running towards you.



sweating