A horse that trusts you is going to be a horse with which you can have a good bond and partnership. With this said, it stands to reason that one of the first things you want to do is gain your horse's trust.
Are you wondering how to get a horse to trust you? Let’s look at some of the ways you can start to achieve this.
Start on the Ground
The best place to start gaining your horse's trust is on the ground. Building a solid level of trust between you and your horse on the ground will make a big difference when you go to ride.
There are a number of different techniques people use to establish relationships with horses. The one thing most techniques have in common is they teach you to become a herd of two with your horse. Within this herd of two, you will be the head of the herd… or alpha. This does not mean you are going to use brute force to break your horse’s spirit and let them know you are in charge. That’s no way to gain trust, in fact; it will defeat the purpose. You want to gain the trust of your horse by showing it that you are trustworthy.
- You want to be able to touch your horse all over its body. This may take time as nearly every horse has someplace they don’t care to be touched. Many horses are sensitive about their ears being handled. Go slowly. Don’t expect to be able to achieve this in one or two days. It may take weeks or months.
- Teach your horse to respect your space, and show them that you will respect theirs. Don’t run or rush up to your horse. Learn their blind spots, directly in front and in back, and avoid approaching them from these angles.
- Take your horse for walks with its halter and lead. If you come to something they are frightened of, talk to them in a soft reassuring voice and help them get past their fear. Horses are flight animals. Their instincts tell them to run from something that scares them. You want your horse to trust you to get them past these situations. This can help tremendously when you are in the saddle. A horse that trusts you is more likely to let you guide them should they become frightened, and less likely to bolt and run when frightened.
Make the time you have on the ground with your horse time that enhances your partnership and builds trust.
In the Saddle
If you have spent time building your relationship and gaining your horse's trust on the ground, you will find that it will carry over to when you are in the saddle. Your horse may look to you when you come to something that is scary on the trail or in the arena. Remember you are the alpha in your herd of two. You have to show your horse that you can be trusted to get the both of you past the obstacle.
Take your time and be patient with your horse. You don’t want to beat your horse over a jump or across a creek. Let your horse smell the obstacle, become familiar and comfortable with it. If you have to get off and spend some time on the ground helping your horse get past its fear, go for it. These things are going to pay off in the long run.
Please contact us for more information about building your horse's trust in you, and with any questions you may have about arenas and the best arena footing for your trusted equine.
