An array of activities, besides riding, exist for you and your
horse. Most horses enjoy human companionship and attention. If you do
not have a whole lot of time before and after your riding, but you would
like more bonding time with your horse, try to come to the stable a
little early, even a few minutes can help. Spend those few minutes with
your horse, taking your time brushing him, talking to him, and rubbing
some of his favorite "sweet spots"; he will thank you for it with a good
ride because he is relaxed and happy.
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photo credit: ipsadirect.ie |
If you live with your horse
and just enjoy spending time with him and want to bond to him, you can
groom him; horses love to be groomed, it is like an all over body
massage, and, it tones his muscles. You can also give him a massage, you
do not have to be an expert by any means to do this, just find an area
that he loves to have rubbed and scratched and rub and scratch it; you
will find yourself with a very relaxed, happy, horse that really enjoys
having you come to the stable because he knows it means positive things.
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photo credit: horsenation.com |
Aside from grooming and massages, braiding your horse's mane and tail
can be very relaxing, but do not just jump right to it, some horses do
not appreciate having their manes and tails pulled at even for braiding;
others find it relaxing, like a scalp massage. Another way to spend
time with your horse is to play games with him. Take a couple treats out
to the pasture with you and make him chase you for them, or make him
jump over a small jump to get a reward. You can even turn it into a
training session, if you have a horse that dislikes water, put on a pair
of waterproof boots and stand in the water of a stream or creek and
offer a treat for each step the horse takes into the water; or if he
hates being tied, work with him on standing quietly tied to a post or in
cross ties, giving him a treat each time he stands still.
Working
with your horse can be a lot of fun, but do not let him pick up bad
habits such as nipping, biting, or pushing to get treats. A pushy horse
is a dangerous horse because he thinks that he is the boss. Horses are
large animals and can do a lot of damage. Make him be respectful of your
personal space, and you will be happy and so will your horse.
how do you get a horse to do alot of tricks and not let them run away when you are trying to put your halter on
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