How to bond with my new horse?

Question

I got my gelding almost two weeks ago and well he ingured himself and is on stall rest for 6 weeks ( lucky I have my mare i can still ride) any ways I guess itys the perfect time to bond with him, what are some good ways or soem fun things we can do to bond? also he is very headshy and jumpy and kinda acts like he was abused or something, what is a good way to help him get over this.

Answer 1

wow...if you dont know this already then congratualtions you have just become another person to ruin a horse.you shouldnt even consider getting a horse if you dont know how to cure vices or at least have a book on how to.

edit: i dont own a horse...but maybe you should have been more specific in ur question...anyways if a horse is head shy make sure you arent spraying her in the face with the water wen u r giving her a bath and it just grooming and lots of praising when she stays clam or lets you touch her face will do the trick it just takes time.

good luck

Answer 2

Spending time with him even if you sitting there reading a book works.  I find if you just go to feed, groom or work the horse it doesn't work.  I make several trips throughout the day, i may just sit on this huge rock we have center of all the corrals, or i may touch them.  I don't want them to think I'm just there to feed, ride and groom them.  They do loved to be brushed and don't want me to stop tho LOL.  

I have two that came into our rescue completely nuts, i mean totally unsafe horses.  I have let no one else near them till recently now that i have them calmed down.

Both horses were beaten severally and have the scars to prove it, head shy, heck walking in with a muck rake sent them into a panic.  I just did my thing while they bounced around me and i ignored them.  I'm pleased with how they are now, they rather be with you then eat and they want to be handled.  Sometimes it just takes a little patients, a little time so they can figure your not the enemy and your not going to eat them.  

Your horse may not have been work with all the time so him being jumpy may be that he was only ridden once in awhile and he knows the only time someone comes near him is to feed and ride.  Some horses are ok with this, others need more work.  

I like just spending time with them, there amazing to watch...Keep safe and have fun with your new guy.    

Answer 3

Go online and search for "horse care" and read up a little on horses.  Even if you know a lot about horses, some information can still be used. You're going to want to be confident and calm around him.  Talk to him a lot in a soothing voice, groom him, feed him some treats (not too many though, he shouldn't come to expect treats when he sees you).  And remember, just because he seems a little headshy doesn't mean he shouldn't be scolded if he does something you don't like.

Answer 4

I have a gelding to, and he was sick for a long time. So it is hard because he will be scared of people because of a surgery or of an (injury). you want to gentle him back to being your bud again. Go slow let him learn to trust you he may jump back if you make fast movements that he can't see you making. make slow movements go a little at a time it will take around 2 weeks if you can do it faster that is not always a good thing take your time, that is very important. and just pet or brush him in a place he can see you coming. and don't pet in the sore area it hurts and he will think you are making that pain. If you are giving him pills try to rub his face a little more. just don't try to put a saddle on him it is very bad and will set you back from your goal.

Answer 5

definitely do a lot of grooming, but in between time use the old touchy feelly method. rubbing his head,ears, rump, patting his chest, rubbing his muzzle,legs, etc. but as you say he is head shy so do this carefully and just a little at a time- but you must continue doing so making the attempt slowly and talking to him as you make your moves- gradually he will come around- I had a horse this way w. his ears but eventually they learn you mean no harm and begin to enjoy  a nice gentle rub in those touchy areas.

Answer 6

I have to say that natural horsemanship DOES NOT put the horse in charge. What natural horsemanship is about is speaking to the horse in his own language. It teaches you to act and think like a horse so that the horse will better understand you and what you are asking him to do.

Yes a lot of natural horsemanship is about getting a horse to trust you, but most of it is doing what I said above plus establishing yourself as a respected leader.

Saying that it puts the horse in charge completely misses the boat.

One thing I will say is that for you to bond with your horse, you have to earn the respect of your horse first. This is done through effective training. Natural horsemanship is one very good way to do that.

Your horse needs some desensitization. Use approach and retreat techniques. I think this article might help you:

http://gentlenaturalhorseman.blogspot.co...

David

http://gentlenaturalhorseman.blogspot.co...

Answer 7

Just spending lots of time with him. Always bring a treat and maybe take your time brushing him and talk to him so he gets used to your voice.  

Answer 8

Learn as much as you can about how horses communicate, and read about natural horsemanship. Understand that natural horsemanship puts the horse in charge, but not in a dangerous way.

Pick a good location for your "bonding" sessions. Using a halter or neck strap that allows for as much free movement as possible so it isn't forced to be with you if it doesn't want to be. If your horse's paddock doesn't have many horses in it and your horse is not aggressive, you can also "talk" to your horse in a paddock. This is better, because it feels more free for the horse.

Begin with grooming your horse. Most horses love grooming, as it is relaxing. Grooming is also a great way to bond with your horse. Just pick up a curry comb and massage your horse. Unless you know he enjoys it (because most horses don't), do not attempt to pick out your horse's hooves. You should also avoid grooming his face, because it ruins the relaxed mood. However, if you wish to try something new, this is a good time to use natural horsemanship. Reach for your horse's hoof and attempt to pick it up. If he gets mad, remove your hand and reassure him. He will soon understand that you will not force anything until he is ready. If he doesn't want to pick it up at first don't stop after trying to pick it up or he will learn that he can always get his way.

Take some time just to interact with him. Run your hands through the horse's mane, breathe into his nostrils, and show him that you love him. When the horse is ready, tack him up for a ride.

When you ride, use as soft cues as possible. If you kick your horse to speed him up and pull on his mouth to slow him down, he will dislike it and could also be hurt. A sensitive horse that has not been hardened by rough riding will be a much better mount in the long run. The horse will also trust you and listen to you, which could save your life in a dangerous situation. Another advantage is being able to communicate better with your horse.

Experiment with the way you ride. Try dropping the reins and guiding the horse with your legs. You can also try riding without stirrups, riding without holding onto the saddle horn (Western riding only), or anything else you can think of. Each exercise will test your riding skills as well as the horse's trust in you.

Untack your horse and prepare to give him a bath. The fact stands that most horses are not very fond of water, so you should let him know that there is nothing to be feared. When you turn on the hose, turn it on so little water comes out, start at the feet and gently run the hose up his shoulder. If he pulls away, reassure him and try again. Continue until you wash him completely.

Put the horse back in his stall or paddock. Say good bye and prepare to repeat steps 3 - 7 tomorrow.

Show your horse he can trust you.

never do anything with your horse that it cant handle! your horse MUST learn to trust you first! you can gain its trust by doing daily exercises, such as grooming your horse in order for your horse to trust you you have to show him/her that you are capable of protecting them. it is a big step for a horse to trust you because in there eyes that means that their life is in your hands. getting scared or unsure around your horse will not only make them unsure and scared also , but will also show them that you are not capable of there trust.TRUST IS THE NUMBER ONE THING.