Sacking Out - Part Two

When working with your horse make sure he has a halter and lead on,

but keep him untied. 

Why?  He needs to know that if things get too scary for him, he can leave. This reduces anxiety.  If you tie a horse and introduce scary things, the only thing he learns is he can't get away, not to not be afraid of the object.  And chances are when first starting your sack out routine he will get panicky.  So, tying up a horse and sacking out are counterproductive.

You can start your sack out with the saddle pad.  Let your horse smell it first to see what it is before you start tossing it about.  If most cases if they see the object first it helps them relax.  With some horses, this upsets them.  Gage what you need to do by the response of your horse.

Smelling all done, then start swinging the saddle pad all over the place and don't worry if they side step at first.  It's natural.  The pad should be moved around his body without touching the body at first - work where they can see the movement well.  As they get more and more relaxed, move the pad in closer to the body until you can then rub the saddle pad all over them - necks, legs, belly, back end, chest, and head. 

Even make sure you throw it on the ground so they get used to things being down there.  This may take a few minutes or longer, depends on your horse.  When you think he's got this lesson aced, fling the saddle pad onto his back and see what happens.  He may step a bit and then stand still.  If so, great job!  If he takes a fit, start from the beginning. 

By the way, you need to work with the horse until he does quietly accept the saddle blanket on his back.  Don't quit at a point when they are jumpy or they will learn being jumpy gets them out of work and away from scary objects.  So aim for the success of the saddle pad on their back and your horse standing quietly.  Then you can call it a day as a reward.