How to Get to Know One's Horse

Horses are extremely intelligent and highly social animals. Like people, they require a bit of time and tender loving care to warm up to new people. To have a truly magnificent relationship with your horse, you must get to know each other and bond with one another. A few tips can help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Use a soft, calm voice when around your horse, never shouting, arguing or getting upset near her. Try to use the same words repeatedly, such as nicknames or verbal commands and your horse will quickly learn and respond to them. Talk to your horse. Even if she doesn't understand the words, she will understand the energy, and sharing this simple communication with her is a great way to bond.
2. Lunge your horse everyday before riding, an important part of bonding. Lunging is a great opportunity to observe your horse and communicate through body language. With time you will be able to judge your horses mood during the lunge session, as well as physical state. This is the best way to warm up your horse for a ride, observe for areas of injury or stiffness and gauge whether your horse if feeling tired or frisky.
3. Get to know your horse's moods and signals. Just as your horse will slowly begin to read your energy and react accordingly, you too should pay attention to your horses mannerisms, such as ear pricks, head tilts, sounds and snorts. Watch your horses reactions when feeding, grooming, talking, lunging, riding or in high stress situations to get to know these movements. Each of these actions is a form of communication, so let him tell you what he needs.
4. Know that just like humans, horses have good days and bad days. Be patient with your horse, and if she is having a rough day, give her some extra special love. Likewise, if your horse has extra energy, go for a longer ride. It is important to recognize that each horse has a unique personality, and while they are loyal animals, they have their own needs which you should be aware of.