Bonding With New Horse

[Potatoe]

Would bathing them help bond?
Even though he isn't that keen on baths?

Either way he's getting bathed as he hasn't had one for a while and is grimey just wanted to know if a bath would help bonding.

 

[Shabby_Chic]

Scratching I do it with everything (dog/horse/donkey..../goat!)

Had my new horse 3 months now but started scratching/bonding within a day of getting her and within a week she would follow me round the field knocking me over to get some attention and an itch! have recently told lady with a donkey who was considering getting rid of it as it seemed utterly uncaring that gentle grooming wasn't a bonding scenario, horses bond by 'grooming' each other with their teeth! (picture wild horses chomping down each others necks/backs here). 2 weeks later, said donkey is braying down the village when she spots her mummy and also demanding nuzzling time Good luck!

 

[Tickles]

Probably not if horse isn't keen. You could try a 'sponge bath' rather than applying the hose directly for better bonding if it keeps horse happier.

 

[Dort]

Hi,
I would go with the scratching idea, or if the horse didn't like it find some other brush/cloth which the horse enjoys the feel of and spend as much time as possible "grooming", bathing can be so stressful!!
Best of luck with new gee

 

[M'n'M]

The best way to bond with your horse is to just be with him instead of always doing stuff with/to him. Spend and afternoon with him on he leadline grazingand you reading a book.

Scratching, as said before, is also a good idea

 

[Megibo]

scratching idea is very good!

i've had my mare 6 years so we already have a bond but most days i'll go to her in the field and start 'grooming' her mimicking the way a horses teeth move or i'll even do it while i ride. she loves it and goes to sleep-or she'll turn round and nuzzle me/try to do it back.
its a very good method i think

 

[Potatoe]

Well we sponged bathed him and he loved it, also found his favourite spot which is right between the eyes. I guess that means he trusts me to a fairly large extent to let me do that.