How to Keep your Horse Happy
Horses are incredibly sensitive and it is important that they get the care and attention they deserve. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Like us, they also need to feel a bit special, and the little extra love will go a long way.
It’s best to keep your horse among other ponies or horses, as they are herd animals in nature and will need to have company. You should be also seen as part of their herd, ideally as the herd leader. A horse’s chewing or licking are both signs of affection and of sumbission to your status as leader. The development of trust and a lasting emotional bond with your horse relies on you spending quality time with your horse. When this is achieved, it will have a positive effect on all areas in the horse’s handling and riding.
Approach your Horse using Three Ps of Horse Training
When you wish to train a horse you’ll have to catch it first. This sounds simple enough, but if this is your first attempt at doing so it can be surprisingly frustrating. This is actually the most important step of all in training. The trust foundation is laid in this step. No matter what you do with any horse at any stage of training, remember the basic 3 p’s- patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement. These three training elements work together and are relevant with each step of training along the way.
The most efficient way to begin the approach is to have the horse in an enclosure of easily manageable size. A round pen is ideal, but if you don’t have one a paddock or other large fenced enclosure will work.
Begin by approaching the enclosure with a casual demeanour. Do your very best to relax and give the impression of calm. Leave your life’s stress outside the pen. Since horses are prey animals, they are easily intimidated by anyone or anything that emits stress or aggression of any kind. This represents a possible threat and the last thing you want is for your horse to see you as a threat. Trust must be built between the two of you.
