How to increase bond with your horse?

R

rayneheinze

Member
Joined
3 December 2014
Messages
10
Visit site
Heya,
Just wondering what ways you can increase your bond with your horse.
I do free lunge work in a round pen i made but she sometimes jumps out and goes to grass.
She loves grass its like she cares more about it than me, how do i get her attention and increase our bond.
 
She will love grass more than you, all horses are driven by their stomachs to a certain extent and a hungry horse will be distracted from doing something that offers no reward and is to their mind rather pointless when they could be out in a field eating.
Spend time grooming her, riding her and remember she is a herd animal that will probably prefer to be out with her own kind eating grass if given a choice.
 
If you want to increase the bond then talk to her in the field/stable, that's what I do. With distant horses just stand as close as they will let you and talk away for ten minutes. I've had a few head shy, wild mares and after a few weeks they let me catch them and do things because they trust me. Sounds like she might be bored with what you're doing in the pen, lunging is boring for a lot of horses and should only be done for a few minutes, like ten at a time. Is she a young, unbroken horse?
 
I've personally found that a good long massage-type cuddle works well! Especially a relaxing face/jaw massage, something where you're right up in their face where they can't ignore you.
My boy now rests his head on my shoulder and has become very affectionate. When I first got him, he was all business, like he was just expecting to be used and then let go. But I think we're actually friends now :)
 
Some good ideas above. It sounds like the liberty work might be putting too much pressure on her. Try some groundwork on line, set up some obstacles and help to guide her through, over and under them. This will help her to look to you for guidance when she is not sure about something.

Yes horses love food but they also love to feel relaxed so if you can give her that she will appreciate it a lot too
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top