... the main problem really isn't her. It's me.
... but still get tense on occasion.
... it's the anticipation that gets to me. And having a horse who notices everything, whether or not she spooks at it, can trigger that.
A lot of the ideas listed above with help you distract your mind - as well as your mare's.

Hey, take heart in the fact that you at least know where a big part of the problem lies. You're not getting angry and resentful of your horse, you're seeking a solution. Good for you!

Last time I rode, I kept her moving and busy the whole time; worked like a charm. Only one spook. I think I also managed to distract myself as well, which is probably a major reason why it worked.
I think you are right about distracting yourself. A question about that one spook - had you been thinking about her spooking immediately before? Or did the spook totally take you by surprise?

Last Edited By: 4Horses and Holding Mar 6 08 9:04 AM. Edited 1 times.