Building a trustworthy connection with your horse requires time.
Similarly, when it comes to forming a bond and developing a certain level of confidence with a horse, it takes patience and a lot of determination from you the horse owner.
Despite the struggle that may be associated with it, this is a unique feeling one can experience. It feels good to be trusted, and to know that you can rely on your follow equine.
The process of developing affection and dependency on the horse is called a natural horsemanship or gentle breaking. This involves training the horse, understanding its body language and natural instincts.
Surely, it is easier to form a bond with some horses, when others may require a lot more effort just because of their natural instinct to resist or being controlled. That happens out of fear, stubbornness, sensitivity, and many other causes.
Below are a few strategies you can implement to gain trust and connect with your horse.
Conditioning with Treats
Providing your horse with healthy foods, fresh fruits, and horse supplements is necessary to keep them strong and fit. Also, you can praise your horse by giving it a specific treat that the horse likes a lot, but only when it behaves positively and responds to your commands.
This way, the equine will associate good behavior with tasty treats which will trigger a positive feeling and induce a desire to follow the instructions. However, you shall not offer them excessive sweet treats in the form of candy or sugar chunks as those are not good for their health in the long run. Opt for veggies and specially formulated treats.
Better Grooming
Horse grooming is linked with bonding. Make sure you use the best products for the equines hair and body. Dry and brush them properly without causing any pain. This will show that you nurture and care for your horse. The horse will feel it and respond accordingly by trusting you even more. If necessary, seek professional groomers to learn from or consult a veterinarian.
Spend Time with them
Riding the horse is no doubt a fun and
thrilling experience. However, sometimes, just taking your horse for a walk can
help you develop a stronger connection. With time, they will start depending on
you and consider you as their friend.
This is all because they feel protected, secure and safe in your presence. Pay attention to your horse’s behavior and its non-verbal signal. Your horse will reward you with greater amount of assertiveness and responsiveness.
Be Gentle
Whenever you are handling a horse’s saddle, think about their comfort and safety first. Don’t put excessive pressure which may cause them harm or impairment. Furthermore, ensure that the girth and straps are not too tight as this may cause them trouble in breathing and limit their movement.
Although the bonding process requires time, it is a very rewarding process. You will know that your horse trusts you when they try to groom you back or make whining noises whenever you are around. That will not be just because they are hungry, but because they missed you.
You will know you have gained the trust and respect of your horse when they look for you in a distressful situation and calm down as soon as you communicate to them. Take care of your horse and it will support you greatly.
