Bombproofing:
Calming the Fears in Horse & Rider

Here at Catamount Ranch, home of the Vermont Mounted Response Unit, we are fortunate to have a beautiful environment in which to train horses. We are often asked how our work with police mounts translates to civilian mounts that will never stand in the middle of a crowded event with 20,000 men, women and children walking just inches away over the course of a single day.

Bombproofing, as it is called within the industry, is a collective term for several processes that are used to develop positive, safe behaviors in response to otherwise frightening conditions. Unlike simple desensitization during which horses are trained to become non-responsive, effective bombproofing involves training the horse to address and overcome its fears while maintaining an appropriate state of alertness.

Properly bombproofed horses become confident, alert, safe mounts. They identify a potential danger, notify their rider of the potential danger, inspect and evaluate the situation along with their rider and take positive steps to address the danger without spooking. Stated more precisely, these horses are trained to think their way through problems rather than just react...and their riders must be similarly trained! The result is a horse that becomes a trusted partner during a ride under any conditions—a desirable and attainable goal for civilian as well as police mounts.

An example: a phone company lineman strips cable from a giant wooden spool on the back of his truck just as a speeding car sends stones from the gravel road flying past a rider and her mare. Once known as an easily frightened horse, she now casually acknowledges the lineman and ignores the rude driver. It's a true story, and luckily they had just completed a bombproofing clinic together at the home of the Mounted Response Unit!

Every environment in which a rider places their horse has the potential of creating a runaway. It is your job as the horse's mentor and protector to ensure that no harm shall pass its way.

During this program we will work with you and your mount to develop important skills that will enable both of you to enjoy encounters that others fear and avoid. Topics include:

• When your horse spooks
• Training techniques and obstacles
• Creating trust that overcomes fear
• Common equine fears and responses
• Anticipating fright, flight, fight behaviors
• Strategies for a calm and enjoyable ride