When we talk about horse-human relationships, trust is a crucial element. Without trust, neither the horse nor the human will benefit from the relationship. It can be difficult to tell if a horse trusts you, as horses do not communicate in the same way humans do. However, there are certain signs that indicate that a horse trusts you, which you can look out for. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if a horse trusts you.
The Human-Horse Relationship
The relationship between a horse and its human is a special one. A horse’s trust in its human can take time and patience to build, but it is worth it. Horses are highly intelligent and sensitive animals, so it is important to keep a connection with them. When a horse trusts its human, it can make the relationship more rewarding and enjoyable for both parties.
Signs a Horse Trusts You
Once you have built a relationship with your horse, there are certain signs that indicate that it trusts you. Here are some of the most common signs:
1. Eye Contact
When a horse trusts its human, it will make eye contact. This can be a good sign that the horse is comfortable and relaxed around you.
2. Following You
Another sign that a horse trusts you is if it follows you when you move. This shows that the horse is comfortable and relaxed in your presence.
3. Taking Treats
If a horse is willing to take treats from you, it is a sign that it trusts you. Horses are naturally cautious creatures, so if they are comfortable enough to take a treat from you, it is a good indication that they trust you.
4. Relaxed Posture
When a horse trusts its human, it will have a relaxed posture. This means that its ears will be perked up and its head will be held high.
5. Lowering its Head
If a horse lowers its head in your presence, it is a sign that it trusts you and is comfortable in your presence.
6. Allowing you to Touch it
When a horse is comfortable around you, it will be more likely to allow you to touch it. This is a sign that it trusts you.
7. Grooming
If a horse is willing to let you groom it, it is a sign that it trusts you and is comfortable in your presence.
8. No Fearful Reactions
If a horse is not showing any fearful reactions when you are near, it is a sign that it trusts you.
9. No Flight Response
If a horse is not showing any flight response when you are near, it is a sign that it trusts you.
10. Playful Behaviour
If a horse is showing playful behaviour when you are around, it is a sign that it trusts you and is comfortable in your presence.
Building a Relationship with Your Horse
Building a relationship with your horse takes time and patience, but it is worth it. Here are some tips for building a relationship with your horse:
1. Spend Time with Your Horse
Spending time with your horse is the most important part of building a relationship. You can do this by spending time grooming, riding, or just being with your horse.
2. Speak to Your Horse
Speaking to your horse is a great way to build a relationship. Horses can recognise certain words and phrases, so speaking to them in a calm, gentle voice can help them to feel more comfortable and relaxed.
3. Show Respect
Respect is an important part of building a relationship with your horse. Showing respect to your horse by listening to it and being gentle can help to build trust.
4. Don’t Push Too Hard
It is important to take things slow when building a relationship with your horse. Don’t push too hard and take the time to get to know your horse.
5. Reward Good Behaviour
Rewarding your horse for good behaviour is a great way to build trust. You can do this by offering treats or giving it a pat.
6. Be Consistent
Being consistent is important when building a relationship with your horse. You should aim to be consistent with your instructions and rewards so that your horse knows what to expect.
7. Be Patient
Patience is key when building a relationship with your horse. It can take time for a horse to trust its human, so be patient and take the time to get to know your horse.
Conclusion
When it comes to horse-human relationships, trust is an essential element. It can be difficult to tell if a horse trusts you, as horses do not communicate in the same way humans do. However, there are certain signs that indicate that a horse trusts you, such as making eye contact, following you, taking treats, and showing relaxed posture. Building a relationship with your horse takes time and patience, but it is worth it. By spending time with your horse, speaking to it, showing respect, rewarding good behaviour, being consistent, and being patient, you can help to build trust and a strong relationship with your horse.