Step #1. Control His Nose
Guide your horse toward the obstacle at a walk. Start at least 20 yards away to give him a chance to notice a change in his usual environment. Approaching from a distance will also allow you to notice small changes in his body language and alertness, so you can control his movements before he can manage a dramatic spook, turn, and bolt.
At the first sign of tension in your horse's body - perking his ears, tensing his muscles or leaning away from the obstacle (Photo 1A) - ask him to stop and keep his nose pointed directly at the object. Don't allow him to move backward, left or right. Standing still and focusing on the object that caused concern is the only option.
When you ask your horse to stop, it keeps him obedient and responsive to you, and gives you a reason to praise him. Stopping and standing gives him a moment to observe the new object, take a deep breath, and relax.
If your horse tries to turn away - if he even starts to look to one side or the other - correct his focus by picking up on one rein and pointing his nose back to the obstacle (Photo 1B).
Here, Goodnight's horse looks to the left, planning a turn. Notice that her arms are in front of her, encouraging her horse not to back away as she corrects his nose position, and turns him back to the right and straight toward the scary plant.
If your horse turns his head to the right, bump the left rein, and vice versa. Use the amount of rein pressure needed to get an immediate response. Don't allow him to refuse your turn cue or turn the way he'd like. He must learn that turning away (and therefore invoking his flight response) isn't an option.
At this point, you're not asking him to approach the object. You're asking him only to stop moving forward, backward, left, or right, and look at the object that causes him tension or fear. Soon, he'll understand that there's nowhere to go and will easily stand still and face what he's afraid of.
As soon as your horse stops trying to turn away from the scary object, loosen the reins, take a deep breath (to signal your non-concern), and rub him on the neck to praise him for being obedient.
Step #2. Take a Forward Step
Ask your horse to take a step or two - but no more - closer to the object (Photo 2A). Just as in Step #1, you'll keep his nose pointed toward the obstacle and keep your own focus on where you want to go. After he's moved a step or two closer to the object, say "whoa," as you gently sit back and stop him.
Again, loosen the reins, take a deep breath and rub your horse on the neck to praise him for responding to your commands (Photo 2B). Make sure to rub your horse on the neck - which signals him to relax - instead of patting him. Patting can energize and stimulate instead of relax your horse.
Ask your horse to step forward then stop several times until you get closer and closer to the object. Always stop after a few steps, praise him, and encourage him to relax. With each repetition, he'll gain confidence, and his initial fearfulness of the object will dissipate. He'll get used to seeing, hearing, smelling, and sensing the object. He'll understand that you, his herd leader, are encouraging him and praising him for his approach.
Step #3. Encourage Curiosity
Asking your horse to stop moving toward the scary object not only helps him relax, but helps him become curious about the item in front of him.
Imagine telling a young child not to look in the hall closet the day before her birthday. You'll inspire her curiosity and may prompt her to snoop for presents. The same idea applies to your horse regarding the once-scary object. As soon as you ask him to stop and look at the item, he'll become curious about it. His fear will convert to curiosity, and you'll feel him become drawn to the object, like a magnet.
When your horse anticipates your go-forward cue and seems to want to go forward, allow his forward motion for a few steps. Here, Goodnight's horse willingly stepped forward and put his nose on the potted plant (Photo 3A).
When your horse steps forward, loosen the reins, and allow the forward motion, and give him praise and affirmation for his curiosity (Photo 3B). But then hold him back a little so he becomes even more curious about the object.
Make a game out of this exercise that your horse will love to play. When he approaches the object and touches it with his muzzle, declare him the winner - with copious praise.
When you've made sure your horse's curiosity results in relaxation instead of another spook, ask him to move forward and past the object that first caused him fear. With practice, frequent stops, and praise, he'll soon approach whatever you place in his path.
