What should you do to help calm a frightened horse?

To help calm a frightened horse, it is essential to approach the situation with techniques designed to soothe and reassure the animal. A quick tug on the rope can be a way to establish control and communicate with the horse. This action can help re-focus the horse's attention and convey to it that the handler is there to guide it safely.

When a horse is frightened, waiting for it to calm down on its own might not lead to a safe situation as the horse may become more agitated in the presence of perceived threats. Yelling at the horse is counterproductive as it can increase the horse's anxiety and stress levels. Releasing the rope immediately could be dangerous, as it might lead the horse to run away or become more panicked, potentially resulting in injury to the horse or those around it.

Using a quick tug in a gentle manner expresses leadership and control, which can encourage the horse to feel more secure. It's crucial to maintain communication and provide reassurance to the animal during such moments.