Bonding

[Char0901]

I have an 8 month old gelding (gelded yesterday poor chap!) I bred him from my late mare. Just for myself to showjump or event later (or just be a happy hacker if that's all he wants. Either way he's with me for life)
He's my first foal I've ever had. And first foal I've ever had anything to do with really.
I see this bond forming and it feels so good. I thought I was close with all the other horses I've had but nothing like this. Don't get me wrong he's a baby and still has his moments. But most of the time he's a lamb to deal with. He's really quite jumpy and skittish round other people but it's like he feels safe with me. We have this understanding and he really listens and responds to my voice.
Is it because I've been there from the start that we seem to have this 'thing'?
Anyone think it could have an impact later in breaking and riding?

Bit of a pointless post really, just read some really sad stories on here so just thought I'd try and add something nice.

Anyone else have a bond so seemingly unique?

Have a nice Friday!

 

[Goldenstar]

It's lovely breeding your own.
But you need to careful its very.easy to spoil and play with homebreds to the extend they become difficult to start when the time comes .
he must know the differences between horses and people and you must be as firm with him about manners and your space as you would a stranger it's so easy to over handle them .
I am speaking from experiance here I learned fast after the first one .
I also understood better why when I was working on a yard backing horses why the most difficult where the homebreds not all of course but the unhandled ones where easier than the difficult homebreds .

 

[cambrica]

With the power of hindsight I agree with Goldenstar. It is fabulous to be able to raise your own but you really do need to take heed to the warnings.
The pony I bred is a cracking little thing but boy did she act like a spoilt brat at times. Its so easy to continue to treat them as the baby when really they should be learning how to be and act like a horse.
Keep your boundaries firmly in place and do not let him cross them.
That said what you are about to do is priceless and to have a strong bond and trust is so rewarding. I have that with my Sec D, although I bought him as a 3yo. He loves cuddles, affection and human company and is really doing well because we understand each other.

 

[twiggy2]

I did not breed mine, I was there as she hit the floor being born, I did almost all her handling in the first 3 months and frequently till after that, at ten months she came to live out with mine and I again did all handling for 3 months then she was sold and I bought her when she was 2 yrs-she trusts me more than anyone is calm and relaxed with me (she is good with others but things can worry her), she is exceptionally well behaved for a fit 6yrs old, saying all this I did not particularly like her as a yearling so she was never spoilt by me-she is good because she trusts and respects the boundaries.

 

[TwyfordM]

Have a very good bond with my mare I've had her since she was 5, she's just one of these one person ponies though. Little cowbag if she takes a dislike to someone so I've been quite lucky that the little madam tolerates me