The 27 members of the Jackson Hole Police Citizens’ Mounted Unit (CMU), volunteers patrol downtown streets and special events. They train their horses to accept the noises, crowds, and movements of the town. While trail riding in the rugged mountains nearby, they’ve noticed their horses are calmer and almost “bombproof” on the trail.

You can incorporate CMU’s elements into your own training program. For ground rules, training basics, and a step-by-step technique, see The Trail Rider, April ’09. Here are bonus photos showing more training obstacles, plus a how-to video.

Important: Before you begin any type of desensitization training, understand the following ground rules:

Watch your pace. Expose your horse only to what he can handle; never push him beyond his limits. Proceed at a pace that helps him succeed.

Never train alone. Make sure someone is around, even if it’s a neighbor watching from afar.

Use your horse’s sense of smell. When approaching a new obstacle, you’ll notice that your horse may pause for a sniff. This isn’t a delay tactic or a refusal; it’s part of the acceptance process. Smelling an object indicates that he’s willing to consider dealing with it. After he seems satisfied, ask him to continue forward across or through the obstacle.

Introduce from the ground. When first introducing your horse to any obstacle, do so from the ground until he seems comfortable. If it takes him 45 minutes to simply place one foot on or toward an obstacle, fine. Help him win. Be confident and firm, but never force or overpressure him. Pressuring him would cause him to associate tension with the obstacle.

Always be safe. If you ever feel in danger, dismount. Note that some exercises and disciplines should be taught only by a professional mounted patrol trainer.

Ever ride past a plastic bag caught on a branchin the wind? Turn a potential spook into a calm stroll by desensitizing your horse with this obstacle made from traffic cones and flags. Photo by Jayme Feary

Turn dreaded tarps into toys for your horse to toss around, and hell likely ignore them when youre camping. Photo by Amy Jerup

On the trail, or getting there, you can encounter both manmade and natural steps. To teach your horse to negotiate steps, first, longe him horse over the step obstacle in both directions. Then perform the exercise under saddle. Photo by Amy Jerup

Photo by Amy Jerup

Photo by Amy Jerup

Photo by Amy Jerup

On the trail, you may need to ask your horse to go through a narrow passageway. Set up a chute with barrels and logs to teach him theres nothing to fear. Photo by Jayme Feary

Tires have a unique appearance and sharp scent not found in nature. But you might come across old tires on the trail. Find a couple of old tires, and set them in this way to create an obstacle. Photo by Jayme Feary

Warning: construction zone! Youll find this obstacle training especially helpful if you have to cross roads to get to your favorite trail. Photo by Jayme Feary

After getting used to the wobble walk, your horse will think stable bridges are a piece of cake! Photo by Jayme Feary