Bonding with your horse

I haven't read all the replies so this may have been covered but I thought I'd share what I did.

I spent a lot of time doing nothing at all. I would be in the stall sitting on a bucket and I'd just read. Sometimes I read out loud. At first my boy completely ignored me. And when he saw I paying no attention, he started coming over and standing by me.

When he would go to his turn out pasture I did the same thing. I sat on the grass in the middle of the field and read. Ignored him completely. Same thing happened. He would walk over and sniff at me, walk away and eat, then come by again.

I also took him on walks. Or I would let him eat grass and I'd hold the leadrope and just brush him.

We did a lot of ground work together and we spent a lot of time just being in each other's company. I think it made all the difference. A lot of people at the barn comment on the bond we have.

It takes time. Don't rush it. It'll sure be worth it.

I know I have bonded with our horses when they look to me for leadership in every situation and respond promptly to my requests. Those little head rubs and kisses are great too.

For the most part, I think everything I do with my horse is a bonding experience...
You're still spending time with him, thus you're getting to know him, and vice versa...

Bonding is a journey that evolves over time. There's really no set destination. Just enjoy the journey!!!

great advice!