How to have Strong Bonding with Your Horse...

The bonding between horses and the humans is well-known. A study shows that horses which are highly social creatures can distinguish between happy and angry human facial expressions. Horses having the ability to understand human emotions has been demonstrated for the first time in a new study whereby the reaction of 28 horses was observed upon seeing photographs depicting people with both happy and angry facial expressions.

When you get a new horse it is natural that you want to bond with it. Hopefully, your new horse means the start of a new and exciting relationship. Your horse won't automatically have a strong bond with you like you likely will with. Here are ways to help create a bond between you and your new horse. 

1. A firm, Fair, and Consistent:

It is a must that you remain firm, fair, and consistent while dealing with the horse. At all times, you should be firm in your leadership. Communicate clearly and firmly your expectations regarding your horse's manners and behavior. If you ask your horse to step over five steps, and he knows how to do that, don't let him away with five steps over and three steps back.  But be fair; don't expect a horse to do anything it is not trained or physically able to do. And be consistent. When you ask your horse to back up, do it in the exact same way every time. Feed it at the same time. Use the same aids and cues each time you work with your horse. Horses are creatures of habit and like predictability. 

2. Don't Just Show Up for Work Times:

Showing up for riding or driving time can be a temptation for both a horse and a person. Many times, due to a busy schedule we can't make it spend time with a horse. For bonding, it is a must that we should spend time with a horse. Simple things like hand grazing in a bit of lush grass they normally can't get to, scratching belly or neck and just hanging out together is a relaxing way to bond.

3. Bring Treats:

There are many people who are against feeding treats to the horse. They feel like by doing so we taught them bad habits. But horses exist solely for our pleasure and most of us like to see our horses enjoy a treat. The main point that should be taken care of is that you should be consistent in feeding your treats safely.

4. Understand Body Language:

Understanding your horse body language and shaping your own body language will help you communicate with your horse and create a closer bond. This has to be done with consistency, however. Something like join ups and other behaviors you have taught won't be permanent if your horse never knows what to expect next from you. Learn to understand what your horse is thinking by observing its facial expressions, ears, tail, nose, and posture.

5. Grooming:

Allogrooming is a common behavior in all animals. Allogrooming is when two horses nibble along each other's chest and back, mutually grooming and scratching each other. Grooming your horse is a pleasant way to bond. Your horse will appreciate it when you are able to brush areas it can't get to, like its chest, belly and between the legs. 

6. Respect

Respect your horse is a horse and treat likely. While your horse will learn to enjoy spending time with you, it will also need the companionship of other horses. They want shelter from the extreme and bad weather, good pasture and water and companionship and leadership from someone they can trust. 

7. Massage and Other Comfort: 

Learning the basics of equine massage, touch or other therapeutic touches can help you bond with your horse. If your horse knows he can rely on you for relaxation, he will enjoy his time with you. Not only your horse enjoy it, but it may also enhance his or her performance.  Many horses learn to lean into the pressure of massage or even chiropractic work, indicating where they need work.

8. Experience Things Together:

Just like sharing experience between people can bring them closer together, so can sharing experiences with your horse. The more you train, ride or drive your horse, the more you and your horse will learn to understand each other. You might hear competitors claim that their horse looked after them during a competition, even though they themselves didn't feel at the top of their game. Their bond with their horse developed based on mutual trust in a sometimes difficult situation.