Last Updated on March 13, 2022 by Cristina
Have you ever wondered how to get a horse to like you? Horses are wary animals, and it can take time for them to learn to trust and accept humans in their lives. Forming a friendship with a horse is a very rewarding process, and it is worth taking the time to create a strong emotional bond with your horse.
How To Get A Horse To Like You
Horses are naturally inquisitive and sociable animals and like to spend time with other horses and humans. If a horse has never been frightened by a human, it will be very easy to get him to like you.
Firstly, you need to give the horse chance to get to know you on his own terms. He should be allowed to approach and sniff you. Do not try to touch him until he seems relaxed and happy around you.
Next, give the horse a rub or scratch on the nose, side of the face, or neck. Avoid any sudden movements that might startle the horse.
Horses are very food-orientated, and an easy way to get a horse to like you is by giving him snacks and treats! However, this can make the horse become quite pushy, and some horses will nip at clothing to try and get to food. A better way to get a horse to like you is by bonding with him in other ways.
One of the best ways to do this is by spending time grooming your horse. Take it slowly and find out what he enjoys. Many horses like a good scratch around the withers or on the chest, and many horses will appreciate a massage with a rubber curry comb!
Horses also like to have fun, so take the time to do fun things with your horse. We sometimes expect our horses to do a lot of intense and technical training, so don’t forget to take some time out every now and again to do something a bit more light-hearted!
How To Get A Horse To Trust You
If a horse is nervous around humans, it can be hard to get him to trust you. He might be wary because he has been ill-treated in the past, or perhaps because he has not spent much time around humans. Getting a horse to trust you is a long, slow process, but is worth the time and effort.
The best place to start is by just hanging out with your horse, without attempting to do anything with him. Make the effort to pop by his stable or paddock as often as you can, just standing near him and letting him sniff you. Scatter treats near your feet to teach your horse that humans are associated with nice food.
101 Ground Training Exercises for Every Horse & Handler
There are some training techniques designed to help a horse learn to trust you. These are based on working with the horse as if you are a member of the herd, helping to create an emotional bond with the horse. One of these methods is called ‘joining up‘, and is an effective way to teach a young or nervous horse how to be calm around humans.
One of the key factors in getting a horse to trust you is consistency. The horse needs to know what to expect from you in order to be able to feel calm and confident in your company. You need to avoid sudden movements and loud noises that may startle the horse.
How Do You Know If A Horse Likes You?
Horses will develop a strong bond with their owners or carers, and it can be easy to tell if your horse likes you. Here are some common signs that your horse is happy to see you:
- He comes to you when called
- He whinnies or nickers when he sees you
- He follows you around the paddock
- He is calm and relaxed in your company
- He tries to groom you during your daily pampering sessions
It is important to remember that some horses just don’t like being around people as much, and they may not show any signs that they like you. With these horses, it can be difficult to earn their trust and create a strong bond, but it is all the more rewarding when it does happen!
How To Get A Horse Summary
So, as we have learned, when figuring out how to get a horse to like you we need to learn how to get the horse to trust you. This will help you to create a bond with the horse, and help you to form a friendship. Horses are very loyal and will reward your efforts with a lot of affection.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on how to get a horse to like you! Do you have a horse that seems grumpy with everyone except you? Or maybe you’re struggling to bond with your new horse? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
How To Get A Horse To Come To You?
Most horses can be trained to come to you when you call them. To do this, you will need to create a bond with your horse, and also teach him a signal that means you want him to come to you. Most horses respond best to reward-based training, where a treat is offered in return for obeying a command.
How To Get A Horse To Lay Down?
Teaching a horse to lay down is a complex training exercise, and should not be attempted until the basics of training have been mastered. This enables the horse to understand how to respond to signals and pressure, helping us to get him to lay down.
How To Get A Horse To Trot?
To get a horse to trot, give a gentle squeeze with the inside of your lower leg. It may help to click your tongue or ask the horse to 'trot on' at the same time as the leg aid is given.
How To Get A Horse For Free?
The best way to get a horse for free is by adopting one from a rescue center, or by rehoming a horse that has retired from its competitive career.
