“The Only Horse You Can Trust, Is The One That Trusts You”
I had started a post on that quote when I first heard it, but I dumped it. It became a very big teaching lesson on how to get a horse to trust you. In trying to explain how I do it, I thought that this is a law suit waiting to happen, but I do want to talk about how important trust is. I know I’ve spoken on this before, but it is so important I’m going to do it again.
Trust has to be a mutual thing. It’s elusive with some horses. Why should they trust you? Have you given them reason to believe that you are trustworthy? Oh sure you feed them, groom them, ride them, but seriously, why should they trust you? Their natural instinct is fight or flight. We all know that. We probably experienced it several times. How do you override something that is hardwired into their brain.
It’s not easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work and patience.
First you must be confident in yourself. They will sense if you are truly confident or trying to fake it. You can’t fool them.
Then you must show them that you will take care of them. Once again if you are hesitant they will feel that.
You must keep their focus on you, and not the scary situation or object.
If you make a big deal about it, they will make a big deal about it.
Never rush things. If you only have a short amount of time, either don’t start something or make it a short lesson and always reward progress.
Don’t ask for the world, just one step at a time.
If they falter go back to something that was successful and praise them.
Always quit on a positive note.
A lot of times we don’t know what happened in their previous life, but we can usually overcome whatever it was, if they believe that we will take care of them, and keep them safe.
The only thing we must remember is to make sure there is no underlying health issue involved. If they have bad sight, it can create a problem. With this said; I’ve seen blind horses, who in trusting their riders, do amazing things.
If that trust and bond is there, there is nothing the two of you can’t do.
If you believe in yourself, he will follow.