Bonding With New Horse

Potatoe

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2 June 2011
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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.

:)
 
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!
 
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.
 
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
 
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 ;)
 
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 :D
 
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.

:)
 
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