I Almost Got HURT… Will Dodger Overcome His Barn Fear?
Dodger is my spirited horse, full of charm and confidence—until we approach the barn. That’s when his demeanor changes entirely. The barn, with its looming shadows and mysterious creaks, seems to transform into a place of terror for him. Despite my efforts to reassure him, he resists, eyes wide, muscles tense. It’s been a frustrating challenge, but I never thought his fear would put us both in danger—until recently.
On an otherwise calm afternoon, I decided to give barn training another go. I led Dodger towards the barn, speaking in soothing tones and offering his favorite treats. At first, he seemed hesitant but cooperative. Then, just as we reached the threshold, a sudden gust of wind slammed the barn door shut, creating a loud bang. That was it—Dodger panicked.
He reared up, yanking the lead rope from my hands. As he bolted backward, I stumbled, nearly losing my balance. My heart raced as I scrambled to steady myself, narrowly avoiding being stepped on. Dodger, meanwhile, stood a safe distance away, snorting and trembling. It was clear his fear had only deepened.
This close call left me shaken but determined. Dodger’s fear of the barn isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous for both of us. Now, I’m exploring new training techniques to help him overcome this phobia. Positive reinforcement, desensitization, and patience will be my tools.
Dodger and I have faced challenges before, and I know we can conquer this one, too. It won’t be easy, but I’m determined to help him feel safe. After all, trust is the foundation of our bond, and I won’t let a creaky old barn get in the way of that. Together, we’ll overcome his fear—one careful step at a time.
