In the wake of a pandemic like Coronavirus, it can be hard to find things to fill your time with that follow safe social distancing regulations.
Spending the extra time with your horse that you would normally be spending doing your social activities is a great way to create a stronger bond with your horse while also keeping you out of the house.
If you usually spend your free time horseback riding, now is the perfect time to spend even more time creating a stronger relationship with your horse.
Time And Consistency
Creating a bond with your horse starts with how much time you are willing to dedicate to your horse, and what you spend that time doing.
When you spend time with your horse - whether you’re riding or doing a thorough grooming - you are showing your horse that you care about them. It’s also a great way to emotionally connect with your horse.
Horses can feel the energy we give off to them; they can feel when you are upset or angry, as well as when you are happy or sad.
If you’re like most equestrians, spending time with your horse is often your best stress reliever, allowing you to go to your happy place while also dedicating energy and time to your horse.
Going to see your horse daily - or every other day - and keeping that consistency allows your horse to see your dedication to them. The way horses feels emotion is very similar to the way we, as humans, feel emotions.
If your horse feels your consistency and dedication, he or she will be much more likely to bond with you while riding, training, and grooming.
When your horse knows you, your touch and your scent, your horse will become excited when seeing you, much like our dogs or cats are when we return home after a long day away.
Grooming Your Horse To Create A Bond
The horse grooming process is one of the best ways to create a strong bond between you and your horse.
In the wild, horses groom each other as a way of caring for one another. Taking the time to wash them, brush them, and pick out their hooves not only makes them feel better, but it gives them the sense of your love.
When taking the time to groom your horse, remember to talk to them.
Talking to your horse about how good training is going or how much you enjoyed the ride you took together that day can help to create a strong bond with your horse.
This allows them to clearly recognize your voice, as well; this is crucial for developing a strong bond and working together as a team in the ring.
No matter how you decide to spend time with your horse bonding, creating a lasting bond is important for not only the health of your horse but also for your training and riding time together.
Bonding with your horse can become therapeutic for you, taking time riding your horse or doing extra training can help create a lasting bond as well. It’s also an excellent way to bond with your horse while socially distancing and keeping yourself - as well as other riders in your barn - safe and healthy.
Speak with your barn manager or barn owner to learn how you can safely continue to visit the barn as much as possible while following COVID protocols.
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