How to Bond With Your Horse
Bonding With Your Horse
Forming a bond with your horse is a vital part of a successful partnership between a rider and a horse. Whether you plan on competing with your horse or just want a horse to go on leisurely trail rides with, taking the time to bond with your horse ensures a smoother and more comfortable ride. Read our tips below on how to form a strong bond with your horse.
Consistency is Key
Horses are creatures of habit. Communicate clearly with your horse when you want them to follow your cues and consistently teach them to perform the same way every time. Stick to a routine when it comes to the horse’s training and feed time, and your horse will be happy. Teaching your horse what to expect will build trust between the two of you.
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Be Present
To encourage a strong bond, prioritize spending time with your horse. Spending time with your horse outside of the time you take to drive or ride them familiarizes both of you with one another. Show your horse you care by taking the time out of your busy schedule to hang out with your horse leisurely.
Treat Your Horses
Just like dogs and other animals, horses also enjoy a treat now and then. Reward your horse for their good behavior, but always make sure to practice safe feeding and do what’s right for your horse. Some safe treats for horses include apple or carrot pieces, raisins, and peppermints.
Body Language
Just like humans, you can learn a lot from a horse’s body language. Take the time to understand what your horse is thinking by observing its facial expressions, ears, tail, and posture. You should also be cognizant of your own body language when you’re around the horse because they will pick up on it. Body language is an important way to communicate with your horse, and whatever training methods you use should always be consistent so that your horse learns what to expect from you.
Grooming
While grooming may seem like a chore sometimes, it’s a great way to encourage a bond between you and your horse. It gives you time to spend with your horse, keep an eye on their overall health, and become familiar with one another. Your horse will love the attention you are paying to them and how you can brush areas that they can’t reach. Another way to solidify a partnership is by taking the time to learn equine massages and/or other therapeutic touches, which will help your horse relax and may also enhance their performance.
Respect and Experience
By following these tips, your bond with your horse will flourish. Respecting your horse and consistently caring for them shows your horse that they can depend on you. Building a partnership between a horse and their rider is all about experiencing things together. Mutual trust is formed when you experience and overcome difficult situations together, whether it’s while you’re competing or caring for your sick horse.