Remember that when offering a new experience to your horse, it is the release that teaches! The instant he tries for you, release him and take all pressure off. When stepping on or over something new the rule is nose, neck, and maybe the feet. If he gives the slightest try release him instantly. Don't push him when he has tried for you. Approach and retreat until he says "my leader says it wont hurt me and it is ok".
See our challenges on the playground. Each one test your horses trust and security in you his leader.
Weaving in and out, frontwards and backwards.
We hung a tarp between trees and cut slits in it. Quite challenging for some horses to go through. Really gets them use to flapping things when on a trail ride. Takes a lot of trust in you from your horse to understand that this is ok. Use a lot of approach and retreat until he sees it is ok and you aren't going to let anything hurt him. A good relationship builder.
Nothing to it Mom! Just checking it out.
If your horse is scared of something like this
just drag it away from him rather than pushing it at him.
They will follow something out of curiosity.
See what we accomplished with patience?
The above shows Mecca, asking me a question. If you give your horse a chance without forcing him into something he will ask you the question of what do you want me to do. You can very plainly see he is asking.
If you have pictures of your horse playing please send them to me and I will post them on the "Our Pack" page. All this playing is fun for you and your horse and is a great relationship builder! There are thousands of things you can do to "play" with your horse. Just use your imagination and let the relationship begin!
