Hi Folks,
I'm not comfortable with the terms desensitized, despooked, or dead
broke. They are inaccurate and give the wrong impression. I use the
term "sensory training". It is simply exposing your horse to different
obstacles, items, and situations. It is more than trying to reduce a
horse's fear, but learning how your horse might react. Knowing how your
horse can react is part of being aware of your surroundings. That can
be a big factor in safety - for you, your horse, and for your team.
Working on sensory items is just one part of working with your horse
to learn each others reactions and earn each others trust. That is part
of a working partnership.
Incidentally, my horse tends to do well on sensory items. Unless I
get cocky - then she can find a way to embarrass me!
Kevin Stokes