Riding in rain

A couple months ago me and two others were on a trail ride, when on about the last 1/4 of the ride it got really cold and windy and started to rain. We let the horses trot a little bit to try to get us back faster, but when we got really close to home my horse started freaking out, trying to buck and bolt. I got him to calm down, but he jigged the whole way back. He's never like this- he's always really calm leaving and on the the way home. If we're ever riding and it starts to rain, what can I do to ensure my horse stays calm and managable?

Ride him in the rain more.

Do you normally trot when headed home? If not, I'd say THAT'S your problem, not the rain. Most horses will get a bit jiggy if you let them hurry towards home.

Next question: Is he on turnout? Does he have shelter? If so, does he USE the shelter, without fail, every time, when it starts to rain? If the answer to the last two questions is 'no', then rain is not the problem, see my first observation.

Last question: Was there a lot of noise associated with the rain? If so, try leading him to a similar area when its pouring out so he can become accustomed to the noise of the rain on shrubs and trees.

Horse's moods change when the weather changes.

For instance, when the weather starts to warm up for the first time, horses tend to get a little spunky.

You're horse was probably uncomfortable being cold and wet and they can get more spooky when they're uncomfy. Some horses also become more spooky in the wind. Your horse might have sensed something from you. Instead of rushing to get back, you should have taken your time and relaxed, even if you were cold and wet.

When you're at home, you could try to ride when it's rainy/cold/windy. I know it's not ideal, but it can only help. :)

No, we never trot when headed home. He is on turnout w/ shelter; yes, always uses shelter.

Get yourself some decent rain gear and roll it up behind the saddle. When it starts to rain put it on and continue your ride as normal. As others said likely your problem was rushing home, once a horse gets their adrenalin up they don't want to calm down.

I agree. Maybe the horse notices your change in mood or body language due to the rain. Remember, horses are experts at reading and responding to even the most subtle body language cues....

I'm also thinking that the horses were feeding off on the "energy" the riders were putting out. I've ridden my horses in all sorts of weather and never noticed any change in their demeanor, but then I was calm even when the thunder and lightening started on one ride up in the mountains (not my favorite memory).

If you ever watch your horse out in the field grazing and it starts to rain and thunder ect...chances are it won't faze him/her. At least it doesn't faze mine.

I ride mine at all different speeds along the trail, and also on the way home. Mostly to find where our communication/training may be weak. That way when something like a change in the weather does occur and I put him/her into an extended trot or canter it's just par for the course.

Some of my favorite rides have been in the rain. Fewer bugs and in good rain gear it is very relaxing and I love the smells along the trail.

Some horses just don't like being rained on while they're being ridden, especially if they aren't used to it. For some reason, horses have a difficult time associating "it's okay being rained on in the pasture" with "it's okay being rained on while riding". I honestly can't tell you how many green horses I've had freak out the first time they got rained on under saddle. I suspect a big part of it is that their nature is to turn their butt to the rain and just stand, but if you are riding into the rain, then they are getting it in the face and that's uncomfortable for them.

What I would do is to correct the behavior for what the behavior is, regardless of the weather. I bend them and circle them, stop them, back them up, leg yields, counterbends, sidepasses, anything to get them focused back on me and my cues. Put them to work when they start acting schizo and they soon forget all about the rain and are just content to go back to plodding along instead of being made to work.

I find it a bit difficult to believe that a horse that has never been barn sour would suddenly turn to such violent behaviors after one instance of being trotted in the general direction of the barn.