As horse lovers, our award-winning equine marketing team recognise the importance of building a strong bond and partnership with your horse. Here are four tips to create a lasting connection with your equine friend.
Take Your Time
Take your time getting to know your horse. Whether it’s a new or an established relationship, getting to know your horse better through games and groundwork will give you further insight into how your horse problem-solves tasks . You will also better understand how they regard you as one of their herd members!
Spend Time Out Of The Saddle With Your Horse
Spending time out of the saddle with your horse, such as grooming or even sitting in their stable with them while they munch at their hay, will bring you closer together. Grooming is a wonderful way to mimic horse behaviour with your brushes acting as another horse’s muzzle. Explore where your horse likes best to be scratched. A horse’s wither is often a favourite place to receive a scratch; you may find your horse even grooms you back!
Build A Strong Bond With Your Horse On The Ground
We love doing groundwork with our horses. With so much variety you can enjoy with your horse, there are plenty of ways to build a stronger bond with your horse. You can enjoy liberty work, playing games with your horse, tackling complex pole work grids in hand or training them for the future under saddle. The beauty of the groundwork is that you get to know and understand your horse. You find out what they find easy or hard work and what they enjoy.
Don’t Be Competitive
Don’t be competitive or compare your horse with others. Your horse and your relationship with your horse are unique. How quickly someone progresses with their horse will always be unique to their journey. For us, the most important aspect of building a strong bond is the end result, which can take months, if not years. Enjoy the journey and the process of getting to know your horse better. This is not a race, it’s a journey, and you will both reap the benefits in years to come!
