Just as bonding with new sneakers or developing lasting friendships requires time and effort, so does bonding with your horse. Any positive interactions you share will strengthen their bond.
Not all forms of interaction between horses and riders should involve riding; here are some tips to form a strong bond without riding.
Spend Quality Time With Your Horse
Spending quality time with your horse is a great way to strengthen the bond between you. Showing them you are safe and trustworthy shows them that their life will remain secure; plus it gives an opportunity for teaching basic obedience training.
As with forming new friendships or breaking in new shoes, building trust with horses takes time. You can spend quality time together by engaging in activities other than riding such as walking, grooming, bathing and speaking to them.
Consistency is key. If your horse tenses up when you stroke them, that could be an indicator that they’re not yet ready for prolonged physical interactions. Spending time with your horse and learning their body language will allow you to understand what they’re indicating, enabling you to adjust your behavior appropriately – helping both of you enjoy the ride more.
Learn About Your Horse’s History
No matter if it’s your first horse or current mount has experienced neglect or abuse, understanding their emotional state will allow for healthy relationships that support physical and mental wellbeing.
Strong bonds between rider and horse can result in improved riding performance as well as greater safety for both parties involved. Building such close relationships requires consistent one-on-one time, clear communication and groundwork exercises such as lunging or long-lining exercises.
Spending time with your horse engaging in non-rideable activities can also help them emotionally. Simply watching how horses interact amongst themselves can teach us valuable lessons on how to greet, approach, and build trusting relationships with them – this method of interaction known as Natural Horsemanship has proven itself successful at building bonds between horse and human alike.
Communicate With Your Horse
Bonding with your horse takes time and effort – much like breaking in new sneakers or meeting someone new – but each positive interaction, such as brushing or riding them softly can help establish and strengthen this special connection between horse and person.
One-way communication with your horse is integral to building a meaningful bond; however, two-way conversation is the cornerstone of deepened understanding between horse and rider. Your body language plays an instrumental part in how he or she interprets you; for example if your movements involve exaggerated or stiff postures that send different messages than relaxed yet confident ones will send out different signals to him/her.
Your eyes are an integral component of communication; practicing soft eyes will help you communicate more effectively with your horse. Your emotions reveal themselves through these eyes; they can tell when you are happy, excited or anxious.
Reward Your Horse
As with any new relationship, building one with your horse requires work and time. Any positive interaction can help strengthen it – from walking in a field and sharing treats to brushing and riding.
Horses love being scratched – this helps build trust and strengthen connections with them. Additionally, they may nicker when approached in their paddock or stall and show other forms of affection.
Note when rewarding your horse verbally first and then follow up with giving a treat: this helps bridge any possible hesitation between their response and receiving their treat.
Building a lasting bond with your horse requires getting to know him or her well, providing a safe environment where they can flourish, and listening carefully when necessary. If you need advice, consult with one of Vetster’s veterinarians online!
