How to build a relationship with a new horse

[Orenoko]

Hi all,

I'm starting my first share in a few weeks and wanted to see if there were any recommendations for building a "relationship" with a horse. Up to now I've always been with riding school horses so have never had the chance to really bond with the same horse.

The place where I am sharing has an instructor who I'll definitely utilise but for the first few weeks I want to spend time getting to know and getting used to this horse. There's a school on site and a track I can go round. Plenty of offsite hacking too but I wouldn't dream of attempting that alone in the first few weeks!

So I suppose what I'm asking is, is I a case of doing some basic schooling to build my confidence in him and to give him a chance to get to know me?

 

[KP nut]

I think you build a relationship more by how you are with a horse than by what you do. Be consistent, calm, fair, clear. Be soft ( not the same as weak or ineffective) - use as little energy as needed to get the job done. Horses hate being pushed/pulled around or treated abruptly. Spend time on grooming and groundwork as well on riding. Approach the horse with respect and gratitude! If that is how you are feeling when with your horse, then that will translate into your behaviour and general manner around the horse. Teach the horse to respect your personal space, to lead on a loose lead rein and to yield to pressure. Not by drilling him endlessly on it, but by teaching and then just using that in day to day life - eg horse should step back from stable door when you enter, step over for you when you are grooming, drop head for bridling etc. All just adds up to a calm, willing, happy horse who knows what is expected and feels safe complying. Good luck. Sounds exciting!

 

[Orenoko]

Hi KP nut, I have some experience with groundwork from my RDA volunteering, so I'll try and put that to good use! I think if I didn't have that I would be completely lost! It's exciting but a little bit daunting, I've never been able to just get on a horse and go and do what I want, so it'll be a brand new experience, one I'm looking forward to!

 

[Trewsers]

Yes as kp says be consistent and fair and calm - and kind. Spend time just being around them, not always riding and just maybe grooming and then turning our rather than it always leading to being ridden. Good luck! Sounds good.

 

[GaryB]

No advice, but I hope it all works out and you have lots of fun. As a new horse owner I can tell you its can be very daunting but very rewarding. Also we like to see photos

 

[Orenoko]

Thanks all, I'm looking forward to just spending time with the same horse - I love grooming and find it really therapeutic if that makes sense! Will update as to how I get on.