Your Horse and You-Creating a Good Bond

When it comes to bonding with your horse, don't cut corners.
It's like a good foundation. If you start building on a solid, stable foundation, your house is going to be solid and stable as well. But if you cut corners, the next wind storm you have your house is going to blow over!
When you get a new horse, or even just keeping a strong bond with an old one, spend a little time just hanging out. Go lay on his hay bale. Sit in his stall. Brush him off. Take a day off from your showing and training and take him some extra treats to munch on, I'm certain he'll appreciate it.
Horses are dependent on their humans. If your not there but an hour a week for a lesson and then you go home, he's going to start second guessing your relationship. You'll get wobbly, and your house will crumble.
If you never have time for your steed, you may consider loaning him out to a single person during the week. It's not fair to keep a horse locked up in a paddock or stall all day and night and never get attention just because you don't have time.
You see, horses don't know the little thing we humans call time. They have it all! So consider your horse, is he standing out in a pen alone? Is your bond suffering?
Make certain you are doing whats best for you and them. They are just as important in this relationship as you are!

 So in conclusion, build a strong foundation, and your bond will be as healthy and happy as the two of you are

Stuck in a Rut?

I find myself stuck in a rut occasionally.
Brush off.
Tack up.
Warm up.
Ride on road.
Canter in fields.
Return home.
Cool off.
And the list goes on! I do the same thing each time. I'm trying to get out of this RUT! 
So I'm going to give a few tips right now.

• Ride a Different Discipline.

I always ride western. Western. Western. Western! I'm a cowgirl all the way :)
Try riding english if you always ride western. Enlist in a trainer, or, be self taught. Try Jumping, Dressage, Hunters, or just trails in a different saddle! 

• Go Bareback and Bridle-less!

Forget the saddle! Forget the bridle! Throw on a halter, hop on and hit the road ;)
Its also easy and quick this way, no heavy tack to lug around, and it takes less time to cool your horse, since he didn't have a saddle and pad on his back.

• Pack a lunch!

Get a sandwich, chips and a drink, throw 'em in the saddle bags and go! Stop on a grassy lane or nearby pasture and let your horse eat while you do too! It takes off any tension and lets you relax and talk to your horse. 

• Talk to him!

Silly? Not in the least bit! Converse with your horse. About what you did that day, barn drama, something new you learned about horses, anything. He will listen and understand, even if you don't think so.
Horses are very good listeners, and will never tell your secrets!! Just don't forget to ask them to promise ;)

• Take Some Time To Relax!

Forget that weekend show for a second. Forget the fact that you have to train for those barrels for an hour everyday. Forget those jumps for just a second. Just relax.
Brush your horse down, talk to him, take him for a simple walk. Do something out of the ordinary to make him feel extra special, instead of the training he's doing.

• Have FUN!

Whoop it up a little! Take some friends with you, hold a race, set up a funny costume party for you and your friends horses. Just be silly for a day and do something fun!





Always try to mix things up and do things different for a change.
Remember, have fun with it!
Your Horse and You, signing out!