How To Get Acquainted With Your Horse
Topics: horse health, horses, horse
Before anyone can become a successful horseman there must be an understanding between owner and animal. The horse is in many ways like a child. He forms habits readily and whether they are good or bad is up to you. The good habits must be developed and the start of bad ones stopped at the first sign. You must build confidence. Establish in your horse’s mind your method of approval and whenever he does your bidding always use the same manner of compliment whether it be reward or voice.
The horse’s upper lip is his finger. He uses it to examine everything. Before presenting something new to your horse, let him feel it with his lip. Don’t rush him. Let him take his time. You will be surprised how quickly he will accept what is requested. A horse and rider work best as a unit.
Because the main quality of this unit is understanding a rider will get the most from his horse if the animal has full confidence. He fears disfavor, so we work on his craving for approval. The best way to become acquainted with a horse and to discover his little idiosyncrasies is by grooming. Take much time at this, and stop to talk and pet him. He will not understand the words, but it will accustom him to the tones of your voice.
Have a few pieces of carrot in your pocket so he will look to you for tidbits. However, don’t feed him sugar. The animal becomes so fond of it that he will get overanxious and be apt to nip at you in an effort to get more. Make your horse feel you mean him no harm when you approach him. You will notice how alert he is at this time because he does not know what to expect from you. Horses often sleep on their feet. Be cautious until you get to know him well.
When you approach him in the stall, be sure he knows you are behind him before entering. Be sure his weight is on the side on which you intend to enter. If he is inclined to kick or if you startle him, you can be safely out of the way before he can change position and kick with the leg on your side. You will find that your horse will relax around you as soon as he is used to your presence and knows how you will act around him.
Take every precaution with a new animal until you thoroughly recognize his likes and dislikes. When walking around his rear, stay close to him. If he should kick, he will only be able to shove you, but if you are two feet away you could receive the full impact of the kick.
An animal likes the feel of a hand. Run your hand along his back when close to him. Examine your horse thoroughly to see what condition his coat, head, and feet are in. A rough coat may indicate worms or improper feeding. Examine his feet for small rocks and need of trimming.
Sometimes a new horse is hard to catch in a pasture. If you carry bits of carrot or apple when you go to catch him you will find he will come to you as soon as he sees you. Don’t approach in a hurry.
A horse who thinks you are not interested in catching him will soon approach you with the hope of a “handout.” If you have taught him to “come,” then stop and wait for him. Some like to run a little, to tease, before they decide to come to you. Let him have his fun; it is quicker than chasing him. Don’t leave your horse tied for hours at a time. Always tie him while grooming or cleaning his feet.
If these guidelines are followed, you and your horse should become acquainted in no time.
Who Else Wants The Best Horse Guidance And Information Online - From a True Horse Lover?
Click here for FREE online Ebook
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Showing Your Own Dog (1)
Many people when they are buying a dog ask for "just a pet," thinking they will get the animal cheaper. A good breeder wants his stock shown and does not want to be embarrassed by having a dog of his breeding with a serious fault show up at a show, and by the same token he does not want to sell a top dog to someone who will never show him as for all practical purposes he would be lost to the show and breeding world.
How To Select Your Aquarium (2)
Your own taste will dictate the tank you want to fit your location and size. Keeping goldfish in small glass bowls is a form of cruelty which should be beneath the dignity of all people who call themselves civilized.
Learning The Basics Of Hockey (3)
Starting fast, changing pace and direction, bursting into top speed, and keeping good balance are common to both games. The blades on hockey skates and the cleats on football shoes provide gripping and braking surfaces which allow short, digging, breakaway steps and sure-footed, sudden stops.
Breathing: The Key To Speaking (4)
Repeat, clasping the hands above the head and swaying from side to side. Walking. Relax the entire body and walk in imitation of intoxication. The body. With head and neck thoroughly relaxed, shake the body vigorously.
A Traveller's Guide To Barbados (5)
For those used to the frantic pace of life associated with Britain, Barbados will come as quite a surprise to many. Bajans (as the locals call themselves) are well known for their incredibly laid back, easy going attitude and an infectious aire of optimism.
Volusia County Florida: Not Just A Tourist Destination (6)
Deltona is the largest city in Volusia County, home to more than 90,000 people. Long considered one of the most livable cities in North America, Deltona is well-known for its safe and affordable communities and overall low cost of living.
Camping, Caving, And A Scenic Drive At Ozark National Forest (7)
This Scenic Byway is about 25 miles of highway (mostly Arkansas State Highway 309) in the western/central portion of Arkansas on the south side of the Arkansas River Valley. You have to drive slowly for much of the way, especially through the section that leads to Mt.
Will The New Home Run Record By Barry Bonds Be Tainted? (8)
The home run was just like any other home run. It cleared the fence and landed in the stands. It looked no different than the thousands of home runs hit in major league history.
11 Steps To Making Original Gel Candles (9)
Once it has set, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch. I am sure you will agree that these eleven steps to candle making are simple and easy to do.
Refreshing N F L Moments (10)
They want to relay to them what it took to take the brunt and punishment that was dished out at each NFL game that they had the opportunity to play in over a long career.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Understanding The Basics Of Tennis (1)
The reader is expected to use his common sense in working out the type of strokes which suits him best. Tennis is an individual game and skill is dependent upon the type of physique, mental, and emotional make-up of the player.
Brevard County Florida: Home Of The Astronauts (2)
While surfing and fishing remain intensely popular in Brevard County, the area's proximity to many of NASA's major launch sites also make it a prime destination for the scientific minded.
The Truth About Fresh-Water Game Fish (3)
Bass fishing during the day, when the sun is high and the Bass are deep, usually mystifies anglers. They don't know how to find Bass in deep water! And even when they find them, they can't get them to strike!
Boating Terms Explained (4)
QUARTER ROUND: A narrow, triangular piece of wood with one face rounded; used for trim along the edges of cabins. REEF: To reduce the area of a sail by lowering it, making fast the reef points, and hoisting again.
The Accessories You Need In Travelling (5)
Never forget your digital camera, binoculars, mp3 player, toiletries, some travel appliances like electric razor, hairdryer, and a first-aid kit, just in case you or somebody else gets hurt. You should also take a nice neck pillow and a small blanket if your trip is longer.
Cancun Weather - Always A Bright Day (6)
That's why you chose Cancun Mexico in the first place, because you thought that you could escape from the problems that generally beset your vacation getaways. It doesn't look like you're going to have any such luck this time either, and all you can do is to wait and see.
How To Build Your Own Deer Hunting Blinds With Prefab Sets (7)
But most of these blinds are permanent blinds erected in specific, highly commercialized, deer hunting grounds. These grounds are part of a deer farm or preserve where hunters pay to use the land.
How To Find The Best Golf Gifts For The Women Golfers In Your Life (8)
If you don't try then you don't succeed so just try and make it special for her when you try and buy something that will help here. Anything that will help her on the course she will most greatly appreciate.
Do You Know What One Of The Highest Selling Automobile Components Is? (9)
In fact if you didn't have these items on an automobile you would not be able to even sell the automobile. Well you want to know what I am talking about don't you?
What You Need To Consider Before You Shop For A Home Treadmill (10)
It isn't going to be nearly as costly as a car or a house, but you can count on spending around $1000 of your money on a hunk of metal and electronics that might break down and not be able to be fixed unless you spend another 500 dollars on it.