New horse...bonding suggestions?

[horselover11]

I just got a new 10yr old beautiful gray gelding horse. I work 5 days a week, and now that its winter it gets darker sooner, so i don't have much time during the week to spend with him...maybe a stupid question, but do any of you have any quick bonding suggestions? he's very kind, but he's still getting used to the new place,new horses, new owners. :sadsmile: he's a sweetie, i just want to know, how do YOU start bonding with your new horse. ;) thanks!

[SharonA]

I got my horse in December, and then we got several ice storms in a row and it was, literally, months before the ring was clear enough to ride. I'd dress warmly and go sit with my horse and read to her out loud while she ate a warm mash. Also, we did lots of hand-walking. Still, I'd say it wasn't until we really started really working, and also getting out just the two of us on the trails so we had to trust each other, that the bond started to flourish.

[pines4equines]

There is nothing like grooming your horse and finding and grooming those itchy spots that will speed up any bonding. I mean that's what horses do naturally. So groom away and it'll warm you up too!

[pines4equines]

Another note, you don't have to just conventionally groom, you know use the curry comb, then the hard brush, then the this...stock up on a whole bunch of different brushes and just play!

Sometimes, I use several curries on my horse and several different hard and soft brushes. He just loves it!

[KatieD]

I agree that in cold weather and otherwise, grooming is a good way to start your relationship. You can establish things like respect and trust even on the ground with your horse by always being boss and being consistant with your cues. There is definitely another level of trust and companionship that won't be there until you get riding him though, providing you let him know where he stands with you.

If you get into trouble with your horse further down the line, I think they are very quick to forgive/unfazed if you have that initial groundwork of trust and respect.:)

[Brockstables]

I agree with the previous posters that grooming is a great way to bond, as is hand-walking. We spend a lot of time grooming our new rescues (they can really use the extra care anyway!) and lots of leisurely walks.
And my secret weapon - I have a small bag of peppermints stashed in my feedbin, and the horses all KNOW the source of those lovely mints. I pop a few in my pocket on my way to the stalls, and make instant friends wherever I go... LOL Yes, I know, handfeeding treats is a no-no to some, so I hasten to add that our nippy horse is checking his bucket for that mint before I can get to his stall!
I would also recommend lots of ground work while the weather is nasty. I am doing lots of personal-space recognition with our horses, as some come in without a lot of manners. Glad your new horse has found a good home with you!
J

[nuts4cowboybutts]

I think that talking to them, grooming them and stroking them helps bond them to you.

I groom, then I start massaging or rubbing. I like to find the "spot" on them that they like scratching the most - between the front legs, on the withers, or even on the butt.

They calm down and seem to love to be stroked and loved.

[Dance_To_Oblivion]

I've spent a lot of time reading with my horses. I just take a chair out to the stall and bring a book! My current horse as well as all of my previous horses have seemed to really enjoy it. I always bring a few treats and hand them out every now and then. I also did this with a horse that had been neglected and the turn around was incredible!

[Seven-up]

A plethora of treats, and using your fingernails to find the itchy spots. I suggest the neck, chest, and behind the ears. Occasionally, there's a good spot on the rump that can make them groan and lean against you until the almost fall over, too.


People are always amazed at why horses tend to love me. I like to tell them I have a gift, but I can guarantee you the real reason is because I can scratch places the horse can't reach.:winkgrin:

[Anawazor]

I'm a fan of clicker training!
You can bond, work on ground manners or start trick training and it's all fun for the horse!
No need to take off the blanket on freezing cold days, you can work in the stall or even on the cross ties.
Plus you don't want to overdo it, so the "session" lengths will fit your schedule perfectly.
I'd look to Karen Pryor approved sources though, just my person opinion.

[Thomas_1]

Grooming, grooming, grooming and grooming.

Oh and did I mention grooming?

[goeslikestink]

grooming in a horsesmind is bonding
picking out his feet daily is also bonding

[tpup]

Grooming, hand walking. Also, simply taking your TIME. When you get your horse from the stall or field, don't just halter him up and tie him right away - rub his neck and withers, talk to him - take a minute to say hello. Sometimes I don't halter him in the field and we just walk together to the gate - he just walks next to me nicely :) Sometimes I take him to a nearby field to graze.

Also, ground work and lots of it. We do Clinton A. ground work. Really helped me establish a "plan" with him in the beginning, and respect from the start.

It's been a year and I cannot believe the bond we have. It's truly wonderful. There's nothing better than calling my horse from the gate and he literally runs to me from several acres back. That tells me I am doing something right!! And we ride and work hard too, but he's still happy to see me.

Enjoy your new horse!

[horselover11]

Thank you all so much for your ideas...I'm definetly looking forward to more bonding with my horse. :D