Horses Are Emotional animals

Horses are unique animals in the sense they are not understood in a mainstream fashion as our common household pets are. They have the lovable nature and reactions of a dog but, the physical abilities of a thousand pound mammal. Equestrian teaches us how to nourish that emotional and caring side of the horse and to harness and respect their brute physical ability and strength. As anything in life there is a fine balance in which safety and beauty can create a relationship that will last decades in your lucky between you and your hoofed friend.

Horses cannot be locked away in a stall like a car in a garage waiting for the right time to be ridden. They need exercise and interaction between other horses and more importantly between the rider and or owner. If you do not make it clear your emotional intentions to your horse they will remain reserved and untrusting of you. It is very important that a bond and sense of trust is established going both ways to fully receive the benefits of horsemanship. Many things like walking together in the grass, spending time together at the paddock with kind pats and gentle words will establish familiarity with your horse. Brushing and caring for your horse often establishes your role as care giver and trust in formed. Treats as a reward for good behavior strengthen your position as the prime caregiver and person to trust.

Horses also require interaction with other horses such as: being in paddocks near one another and out in a field whether it be shared or neighboring increase this exposure. This allows horses to develop important social abilities and helps educate younger less experienced horses of acceptable behavior and the natural pecking order. Be mindful that you may have to move horses around as some horses can get rowdy or agitated with certain nearby horses whether it be of gender or habits they exhibit. Horses with create bonds with one another and will have a calming nature sometimes with these pairings. Sometimes even just being away from a friend can cause a horse to be upset and is often evident during turn in and turn out. Horses are very emotional animals and the equestrian world has just scratched the tip on understanding this important aspect to their nature.

I hope you will take this information into account when you begin or continue to build a bond with your own horse or ones under your care. Till next time, keep riding for the horizon.