The bond between you and your horse-which is a human-animal bond-is something very special. The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes the importance of this bond. According to them, the bond is mutually beneficial and promotes the health and well-being of both humans and animals. You can strengthen your bond with your horse by showing your love for it in a variety of ways. He will be happier and healthier, and you will also benefit from the love and respect he gives you back.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Touching the Horse
Step 1. Take care of your horse
Grooming is a great way to show love to your horse. It is ideal to take care of your horse every day, especially before and after you ride it. Keep in mind that grooming isn't an 'absolute and perfect fit', so be aware that you'll need to learn about the types of gear your horse prefers, and how they should be applied to his body.
- Grooming a horse is also a good way to detect any abnormalities in its body, which may require further medical attention.
- There are many grooming tools available, such as toenail picks, combs (hair, mane and tail combs), brushes (body brushes and beauty brushes), and cloths (either towels or polishes).
- A body brush is used to remove dust and dirt on the horse's fur and/or skin. Use the brush in small, gentle circular motions on the horse's body. This comb should be used very slowly on the mane and tail of the horse so that there is not too much hair loss.
- A beauty brush is used in a pinching motion to remove dust from the coat of horsehair. The body brush can be used all over the horse's body, but you have to be careful about the sensitive parts.
- Learning the right grooming tools to use for your horse and how to use them may take time and experimentation.
- When doing grooming, start with one part of the horse's body. Move slowly and gently and start at the top of the neck and work towards the tail. Switch sides and repeat.
- Pay attention to the horse's body language (eg muscles tense or he steps back). Horses can tell if there are areas of the body that make them uncomfortable to touch.
- Talking to the horse in a calm voice can help him feel comfortable while the grooming is being done.
- Consider discussing with a horse nurse or veterinarian if you are unsure about how to properly care for your horse.
Step 2. Massage the horse
Massaging will strengthen your bond with him and has many benefits, including relieving muscle aches, increasing blood circulation and muscle building, and calming his nervous system. Whichever method you choose, the horse will usually like your efforts to massage it.
- The easiest way to do this is to use your palm. Massage in the direction of the muscle in a longitudinal motion.
- Use your body weight to apply pressure, but make sure you don't push. Watch the horse to see how much pressure it can tolerate.
- A basic understanding of horse anatomy will help you give a better massage. Talk to a equine veterinarian to learn more about this anatomy.
- Do not massage your horse if he has certain medical conditions, such as a fungal skin infection or nerve irritation. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if your horse's health condition is making massage ineffective.
Step 3. Rub the horse's body with various objects
Even if a horse likes to be touched with his hands, he must also get used to being touched by other objects. Rub the body slowly with the saddle, rope, and reins. In essence, rub the horse's body with all the objects you will use regularly on it.
- The longer you get used to things, the more he will trust you.
- As with other ways to touch it, read the horse's body language as you rub it with various objects.
Method 2 of 4: Putting Yourself in the Lead
Step 1. Guide your horse
In the herd, the horse's nature is to be follower. However, a horse is usually the leader of a group. Make sure the horse sees you as the leader of the herd. One way to instill this role is to guide it.
- Showing love for horses may not seem like an attempt to instill leadership. However, horses need boundaries and guidance. If he sees you as a good leader and cares about his needs, he'll trust you and feel safe when you're with you.
- Guide the horse from various leading positions (in front of the horse), partner position (next to the horse), and controlling position (behind the withers/shoulder area).
- Leading activities teach horses to respect your personal space.
- When guiding the horse, be firm but gentle while maintaining and instilling the boundaries of your personal space.
Step 2. Teach the horse to obey direct pressure
Giving in to pressure is another way for the horse to see you as the leader. Horses use pressure against each other to demonstrate dominance. So, when you put pressure on him, you are demonstrating your dominance over him, thereby instilling a leadership role.
- Use both hands to press the horse's body. This pressure should be firm but gentle-not strong enough to push him, but strong enough to make him feel a little uncomfortable.
- Don't release the pressure until the horse pulls away.
- Practice pressing directly on different parts of the body (eg shoulders, muzzle, legs).
Step 3. Teach the horse to obey indirect pressure
Indirect pressure involves using an assistive device, such as a bridle, to get the horse used to obedience. Practice standing about three feet in front of the horse, with the rope attached to the dumbbell. Point your index finger at the horse's body and start moving the rope. The horse will start moving backwards.
- He may not understand what you want from him the first time. He may just stand still or move to the side. Shake the reins harder until he backs off, or at least leans back.
- Stop wiggling the harness as soon as it starts moving backwards.
Step 4. Practice guiding and pressing daily
The horse may take some time to understand that you are the leader and that he should respect your personal space. Practice for a few minutes each day until he is ready to accept your leadership role on a consistent basis.
Method 3 of 4: Keeping the Horse Healthy
Step 1. Follow a healthy diet
A good way to show your horse that you love him is to provide him with high-quality food and plenty of fresh water. A horse's dietary needs will vary, depending on its age, size, activity level and medical condition. Meeting the dietary needs of the horse will help the horse to live a happy and healthy life.
- Grass and hay are central to a horse's diet-they are propulsion agents that help move food through its digestive system. Bermuda grass and fescue are good breeds to use as fodder for horses.
- Alfalfa hay is also suitable for horses. Make sure the straw is green, clean (free of dust and weeds), and not moldy.
- Horses should eat about 1.5% booster food (calculated by body weight) each day.
- Horses can eat grain, but not too much as it can cause digestive problems and weight gain. Limit your horse's grain intake to only 1.8 to 3.6 kg per day, divided into several feeding sessions. Oatmeal is a good type of grain to give to horses, in limited portions.
- Salt can add mineral intake to a horse's diet. As long as he's given fresh water, you don't have to worry about too much salt in his food.
- Horse food pellets contain a mixture of grains, sugar cane, vitamins and minerals. However, the price may be expensive.
- Let the horse graze as much as possible. Try to give him access to grazing.
Step 2. Give the horse a treat
He loves it! However, remember, only give this snack in moderation. In addition, the snacks provided must also be nutritious.
- Apples are a healthy and nutritious snack for horses. Apples contain fiber (thus providing a boosting food element) as well as vitamin C (important for older horses). Applesauce may also be suitable for horses with a picky appetite.
- Maple syrup is a sweet snack that is a source of energy and contains potassium and calcium.
- Honey is also another healthy sweet treat. Honey contains B vitamins and is rich in minerals and antioxidants.
- Be aware that hand-feeding treats may result in your horse accidentally biting you.
- Snacks should be given strategically (eg as a reward during training).
- If you give snacks at training sessions, give them in stages. Sometimes, you can also replace the snack by scratching your chin. This act would still be a befitting tribute to the horse.
Step 3. Schedule regular maintenance
Showing love for your horse can also be done by keeping it healthy. For example, horses should have a dental check-up every six months. Poor oral health can lead to several problems, such as difficulty eating, colic, and poor athletic performance.
- Horse hooves should also be treated. Clean it every day, also before and after you ride it. Horse hooves should be trimmed every four to six weeks. If you can't do it yourself, ask for the services of a professional veterinarian.
- To keep your horse healthy, you should also provide regular vaccinations (such as tetanus) as well as anti-worm treatment from a veterinarian.
- Vaccinations are usually given annually. The antiworm treatment schedule may depend on the deworming hazards in your environment, so talk to your veterinarian to find out how often your horse should be dewormed.
Step 4. Provide a comfortable place to live
Depending on how you use your horse, he may spend a lot of time in his stable. This cage must be dry, safe, and able to protect it from various elements (eg sun, wind, rain). In the summer months, the stable should also be able to protect the horse from insect bites.
- Since the horse is standing most of the day, the floor of the stable must be comfortable for him. Ideally, this floor should consist of several layers: a subfloor made of natural materials (eg crushed stone, wood instead of soil), then covered with cement or asphalt. The top layer can be made of rubber or plastic.
- You must clean the cage every day.
- Providing fresh hay and grass and water in the stable will help the horse to feel more comfortable.
- If you have several horses, arrange the stables so they can see each other.
Step 5. Train the horse
Horses are athletic animals by nature and they need lots of exercise. Exercise will help your horse stay healthy, calm, and happy. Each horse's needs are different, but you should at least get him to exercise for 30 minutes to an hour, three to four times a week.
- Taking your horse to the racetrack or pasture on a regular basis will ensure that he can take leisurely walks and light exercise.
- Riding a horse is also a good sport. A 10 to 15 minute light ride on a track or track is a great way to warm up your horse before you ride or take him for a more intense workout.
- You can ride your horse four to six times a week, but he should rest at least one day.
- Calm the horse after an intense exercise session. Take him for a walk until he relaxes and his heart rate slows down. Let him cool down before returning to his cage.
- Talk to your vet to determine the type and duration of exercise that is right for your horse.
Step 6. Talk to the horse
Horses won't understand what you're saying, but the tone of your voice can affect your bond. For example, talking to him in a steady, comfortable tone, especially when he's nervous or scared, can help calm him down.
- Don't use a loud or high-pitched voice when talking to your horse, especially if you're trying to correct his bad behavior.
- Horses will love it if you talk to them in a low, soft voice.
- Your voice may need to be louder when training your horse, but keep it calm.
Method 4 of 4: Avoid Pampering Horses
Step 1. Develop a balanced relationship with the horse
Relationships with horses must contain a balance of love, leadership, and language. Too much love without enough leadership can result in a very spoiled horse.
- If your horse doesn't see you as a leader, it likely won't respect you. He's also likely to be irresponsible, because you don't set boundaries as a leader.
- Carry out exercises that can strengthen your leadership.
- Make sure his needs are met, but don't indulge him with over-eager treats or non-discipline. Diet and exercise patterns must have limits.
Step 2. Don't feed him if he's acting aggressive
If your horse's ears are folded back, or he's being pushy at mealtime, give him food after you've delayed it. If you feed him when he's aggressive, you're showing him that he's the boss, and the leadership power will pass from you to him.
Eventually, he'll learn that he can't act as he pleases at mealtime
Step 3. Treat the horse as it is, not like a dog
This may sound silly, but horses and dogs have different basic views of the world. Horses are prey animals and are motivated by a sense of security and comfort, while dogs are predators motivated by attention and food.
- If you interact with your horse as if it were a dog (for example, showering it with hugs and attention), you are showing excessive love and partially messing up your relationship with it.
- With all this love and care, the horse will think you have given him free rein to force you to do things and show his dominance.
- You will have much more difficulty instilling leadership if you interact with the horse as if it were a dog.
Tips
- Showing love for your horse doesn't have to be complicated. This method can be simple, for example sitting with him in the field while he grazes.
- Talking to your horse in a calm voice can show that you love him.
- The horse will show that it appreciates your love, through its body language: the horse's eyes will soften when he looks at you, he will make a sound when he sees you, and he will be calm and quiet when you talk to him.
- Depending on his temperament, your horse may not immediately welcome your love. Be patient if this happens.
- Do not disturb the horse by touching it in sensitive places: the back, ears, hind legs, nostrils, just under the belly, etc. Horses are very sensitive, so touch in these locations can make them perceive you as a nuisance, or even an enemy/threat. Try scratching him in the places he likes, or talk to him in a calm tone.
- Horses may like a little scratching on the side of the neck, just below the mane.
- A good way to calm a horse is to sing a gentle, relaxing song.
Warning
- Horses can be easily frightened and may react suddenly and strongly when they experience it. Always keep yourself safe when you are near horses.
- Horse care is very expensive. Make sure you prepare a big enough budget for this.
