8 Tips On How To Bond With Your Horse

Bonding with a new horse takes time. However, it's well worth earning the trust and love of these intelligent creatures. Here are eight ways to connect with your new equine.

Exhibit Firmness and Fairness

Remain consistent in your training. After your horse masters specific behaviors, don't immediately change the game plan on them. Reward positive behavior.

Show Up Between Training Sessions

Don't make the relationship all about performance. Before or after exercising your horse, visit their stall. Hand feed them their favorite treat or sweet grass, or give them a satisfying scratch on hard-to-reach spots like the ears or belly.

Remember the Snacks!

Some trainers firmly advise against snacks. However, like people, horses love to eat their favorite foods. So, bring your equine a carrot, apple or another healthy snack to facilitate bonding.

Read Their Body Language

You may find it doesn't take long to learn to read your horse's body language. From gentle looks to avoidance, the signs are all there if you pay attention. When you remain attentive to your horse's moods, you will quickly find your bond strengthening.

Groom Your Horse to Connect With Them

Horses groom one another regularly. So, when you brush your mare or stallion's coat, you're engaging in horsey behavior that can promote a sense of well-being, especially when you groom areas your horse cannot reach.

Respect Your Horse

What does your horse care about? Shelter, good food, love and mental and physical stimulation keep your horse active and healthy. When you provide all of these needs, you earn the respect and care of your equine.

Massage Them

Pressure point massages release tension in horses as well as people. You may notice that your thoroughbred leans into deep tissue massages to show you where all the knots are.

Build a Partnership

Many competitors claim their horse had their backs when they messed up in training or competition. By spending time with your equine buddy and showing care and attention, you too can deepen your bond with your horse.

Try to find your own ways to bond with your horse for a lifelong friendship and rewarding bond.