Training, repitition and exposure. :-)

Have a look at some of Warwick Schiller's vids on you tube. He has some fabulous training tips and ideas on how to deal with all types of behaviour. He's on here as well so you can link through Equestrian life. :-)

tarps, flags, loud noises, dogs, atv's....crazy things.

training, repeating everything 4 times or more...lots of ground work.

small children, dogs, cows, pigs, tarps, pool noodles, bikes, hoses spraying water and off, balloons, plastic bags, hanging clothing, bubble wrap, trucks, trailers, cars, hay elevators, cats. I use pretty much anything that could be seen on a ride through a neighborhood or traveling to another barn or on the trails. If I can think of it I'll expose them to it when bomb proofing. You just need to remember that a horse is never truly bomb proof, there is always the chance that they catch something at the wrong angle and take off or get spooked by it. The more you expose them to the less likely that is to happen though. do as much as you can in a small area with tons of praise, consistency, and repetition. Also putting some things in their turn out area if you can to get them used to it might help as well.

training repition with the things that they are afraid of

Umbrella, tarp, light fireworks cars, cows, birds, water, bikes, hula hope, and pretty much anything random that horses spook at

Tarps, Whips, Firecrackers, bright colors, grain bags, mail boxes, garbage cans... anything that could be scary.

Tarps, Flags, plastic bags. Anything I can get my hands on. I just wish I owned a deer. Maybe i should try one of them target deer? any thoughts?