Horses need to learn that the world isn’t such a scary place. A tarp is a cheap tool that can teach this lesson in so many ways. Before jumping in with both feet, make sure you have read about the basics so that you don’t end up with a train wreck!

Using normal household objects in creative ways can help you turn your horse into a more solid citizen.

10 Ways to Bombproof Your Horse by Using a Tarp

1. Let the horse sniff the tarp. Start with it folded up and work your way to unfolding it.
2. Get the horse to walk on a flat tarp on a calm day.
3. Get the horse to walk on a crumpled up tarp.
4. Get the horse to walk on a tarp that is in between a tight space. I used two lawn chairs (after teaching the horse to walk through that space without a tarp)
5. Get the horse to wear a tarp.
6. Get the horse to wear the tarp and walk forward.
7. Get the horse to wear the tarp and walk backwards.
8. Flap the tarp around.
9. Put the tarp on some poles and get the horse to walk through/under the tarp.
10. Do it all again on windy days!