Saw a guy at the Kentucky Derby event handle a crazy spook with just his voice

I was watching the parade of horses before the races, and this one young thoroughbred just lost it, spinning and pulling back. The farrier with him didn't yank the lead or fight. He just dropped his shoulders, kept his hands soft on the line, and started talking in this low, steady voice... like he was telling a boring story. The horse blew out, put its head down, and stood still in maybe 20 seconds. I've always focused on my hands and stance, but I never gave my voice enough credit as a tool. How do you all use your voice when a horse gets nervous on the stand?

3 comments

3 Comments

mark_chen623h ago

Actually that was probably a groom, not a farrier. Farriers do the feet. But yeah, voice is huge. I just talk to them like a calm buddy, keeps my own breathing steady too.

violag801h ago

Ever try that with a real spooky horse?

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max_cooper211h ago

My old trainer in Lexington always said hands were 90% of it. But watching a pro like that guy at the Derby, and what mark_chen62 said about steady breathing, really flipped that for me. Now I make a point to hum or just talk about the weather in a flat tone the second I feel a horse tense up. It works way better than just holding the line tight.

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