How to Make Friends With a Horse

A horse is not like an inanimate object such as a bicycle, motorcycle or car, though many people have a very personal relationship with their vehicles. In order to be able to ride a horse successfully and enjoyably, you will need to develop a relationship with the animal, even a partnership. There are certain rules, gestures and actions you must observe in order to develop this relationship.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Talking to your horse is one of the major steps in establishing a good relationship. You don’t have to talk about any one thing in particular, or even stay on the same subject. Just having your horse hear your voice and know that you are there is a great comfort and will help them to get used to you and calm them down. Talking to your horse is a great idea whether he is scared or nervous, or even if he has been incredibly good and behaving well. Comforting him by saying reassuring, positive comments when he is nervous will help to build a friendship with your horse. Treat him like a child. He can’t respond to you verbally, but you still talk to him.
2. As with any friendship, respect is a key aspect for both sides--it’s a give and take matter. This means that you are going to have to respect your horse if you are ever going to expect him to respect and listen to you. You need to be aware of his needs. Notice if he is tired, then don’t push him too hard. If he is hurt, help heal him. All in all, your horse just wants you to love her and she is not going to ask for too much. You do need to keep in mind that horses are living creatures. Living creatures need to feel that they are respected. Ultimately, you are in control, but don’t take that control to extremes.
3. When your horse has accomplished something new, or has been reliable and good, reward him. Everybody likes to know that they have done a good job and that you are proud of them. Nothing will show your horse appreciation more than a reward, a treat or a pat on the shoulder. Every small thing will count in its own way.
4. A big mistake people make is that they keep the same old routine or practice nonstop. This is not a good idea for a lot of reasons. First, it doesn’t get your horse in the best shape possible because it will only work the same muscles. Second, it doesn’t teach her anything or challenge her. Last, it will bore her. A little repetition is a great idea, but changing your workout schedule is smart plan. For instance, one day ride in a snaffle, the next ride in a show bridle. You even take days off from riding and lunge or bit your horse. If you do choose to ride every visit to the barn, try to change your riding patterns. One day, work on collected and extended gaits, then the next time work on patterns. Maybe even take a break and go for a trail ride.
5. Being kind, considerate and nice is of the utmost importance in making friends with your horse. Horses are a lot like humans, and neither likes to be treated harshly. Of course reprimanding them when they deserve it is okay; that’s tough love. Just remember your horse will always be there for you, and having that asset is so important that you can never afford to abuse you horse or treat her unfairly. Her needs and wants to have you as her friend, but she cannot deal with someone who is unfairly harsh. You should never be harsh to her; kindness is the way to go.