Skittish & Nervous Horses – 3 Tips for Calm Nerves!

A sudden gust of wind, a fluttering leaf, or unfamiliar noises—skittish and nervous horses react quickly to their surroundings. After all, horses are flight animals, so it’s not uncommon for them to be so easily startled. However, severe nervousness can make daily life in the stable or while riding considerably more difficult—and in the worst case, it can even be dangerous!

But don't worry: there are plenty of things you can do to help your horse stay calm. In this article, you'll learn what causes nervousness in horses and what steps you can take to help them feel more at ease—so you can work with focus and interact with your horse in a relaxed manner! 

What causes nervousness in horses?

There are many reasons why horses may become nervous or easily startled. We’ve put together an overview for you.

• Negative experiences and trauma – Horses have a good memory and retain negative experiences for a long time. Bad experiences with people, loud noises, falls—such as when being loaded into a trailer —or other traumatic events can lead to persistent nervousness.
• A lack of security and trust in the rider – Horses are flight animals and rely heavily on their rider or primary caregiver. They are a reflection of your soul! If they sense insecurity, they are more likely to become nervous or skittish. A lack of clear guidance and trust can cause your horse to be constantly on high alert. 
• Poor housing conditions – Housing conditions are also crucial. Horses need plenty of exercise, social interaction, and a stress-free environment. If they spend too much time in their stalls or are kept isolated from other horses, this can lead to restlessness and nervous behavior. 
• Stress caused by improper training or overexertion – Training that is too intense or inconsistent can overwhelm horses mentally and physically. When a horse is constantly under pressure or does not understand what is expected of it, it often reacts with nervousness. Particularly sensitive horses have a hard time coping with progress that is too rapid. 
• Feeding mistakes and nutrient deficiencies – Improper feeding can also cause horses to become nervous and unbalanced. Too much starch or sugar, or a lack of essential nutrients such as magnesium or B vitamins, can lead to increased irritability. 

Nervous or skittish horse – What to do? 3 tips

Do you have a skittish or nervous horse? Here's what you can do.

1. Confident leadership for optimal engagement and trust

Horses mirror their rider's emotions. If you remain calm and confident, your horse will feel more secure. Avoid frantic movements or hesitation, and provide stability through clear, consistent guidance.

2. Targeted training to desensitize your horse

Regularly expose your horse to potentially frightening stimuli (such as tarps, umbrellas, or loud noises) in a controlled and targeted manner. However, always make sure not to overwhelm him. Proceed slowly and step-by-step, and if you feel unsure, seek out a riding instructor who can support you. Also, be sure to use plenty of praise and rewards.

3. A tailored diet and CBD to help your horse stay calm

Diet also plays a major role in a horse’s inner calm. A balanced diet tailored to your horse’s individual needs is essential. Magnesium, natural herbs such as valerian or hops, and CBD for horses can help provide additional support for the nervous system. 

CBD is a valuable compound derived from the hemp plant that acts as a kind of “body police,” monitoring the balance of all bodily functions. When this balance is disrupted—for example, by anxiety or stress—CBD works to restore inner equilibrium. Learn more about how CBD works in animals here .

CBD snacks are ideal, especially when you’re working specifically with your horse to help it overcome its fears and using treats as rewards, because they serve a dual purpose—on the one hand, as positive reinforcement and a reward, and on the other, you benefit from the positive properties of CBD mentioned above.