Not so trusting horse!

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NoltonSeaShell

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My boy is very weary of new people and will go out of his way to avoid eye contact never mind them touching him. As I have my own stables its only really me up there so he doesn't see different people on a regular basis.

As we will be out and about this summer I want him to not be so scared of other people.

Any hints to get him more trusting of people?

Thanks :D

p.s hes totally fine with me.
 
Invite some friends round for tea in your yard on a regular basis, it really helps to have different faces showing up - gives your horse a chance to get used to the hustle and bustle. The other important thing is to not make a big fuss of your horse and almost ignore him to start with.

When he is ready, then take him out to meet more people and other horses, can you take him to a small local show, to a pub etc ?
 
I have no horsey friends!!

The pub is a good idea, there's one about a 15 min walk away from the stables, could walk him up with a friend, and have a drink while he gets used to the activity around him!
 
BTW, as a prey animal, horses find being stared at/looked at/ highly threatening. If your horse is mis-trustful, you and anyone else approaching him should not make eye contact. Then just get him used to people as others suggest. Polos and carrots eventually do the trick!
 
jaquelin said:
BTW, as a prey animal, horses find being stared at/looked at/ highly threatening. If your horse is mis-trustful, you and anyone else approaching him should not make eye contact. Then just get him used to people as others suggest. Polos and carrots eventually do the trick!
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I can approach him fine, and normally run over to and give him a hug and a scratch! He follows me around and is always sticking his face in mine so him not trusting me is not an issue. When we did get him thou, he was wild out of the field (years ago) and polos were our savior! The things that horse will do for food! haha

Its just strangers he doesn't trust, hes doesn't fully trust my dad or my oh either!
 
Hi,

Going down to the pub is a good idea - encourage adults/kids to pet his neck or shoulder and not give eye contact to begin with (less threatening) - take him for a walk on lead through all the places you're going to ride - roads, country lanes everything - to get him used to the route and you (take polos and carrots with you to distract and reward).

My lad was sold to me as 'bombproof' (no such thing) he dislikes puddles, plastic bags, the burger van, horse walker, the park rangers, children, loud noises (i'm finding new ones every day) but we're working through those by confronting them (me in lead/him following, sniffing, looking at etc. whatever it takes/rding through/riding through in company).

NSS - are there any stables nearby where you could go and let your lad be fussed over by horsey people (and you too? :D)
 
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