I thought that I would share with you my own thoughts on horses and what I have learnt over the many, many years that I have been lucky enough to have one of these wonderful amazing animals in my life! 

We have domesticated horses and they rely on us humans for their care, food, water, farrier and the vet when they are ill. We have to make sure that they have all that they need to be able to have a good quality of life. Horses do need a lot of looking after and cost a lot of money...... but never do I regret having our two!

I can honestly say that there is a bond between ourselves, Caddy and Dimby. I know most of the time when they are ill, contented, bored or just plain mischievous. I know they do not behave with other people as they do with me....... after all I am the person that they trust, they know I will never hurt them.

The trust took a long time it didn't happen overnight when I look back I would say it took a year or more for me to get used to them, so I don't know how long it must have taken my two to get used to me!  I still do not know them fully as every now and then they will show me something new, I am sure this is to keep me on my toes though and I can see that look in their eyes as if they are saying " Ah! you didn't know I could do  that now did you " 

The joy and fulfilment that a horse can add to your life is amazing. I still to this day, when I watch our two playing or when they come to me for a cuddle cannot believe that these amazing  beautiful animals can give so much, and yet they are so powerful.

Horses learn our body language and understand a few basic words, they also understand by the tone of our voice....... they love affection and react positively to us taking the time to get to know them and talking to them. They don't like to be rushed as this can frighten or confuse them. Give him time to understand what you want from him or this will also confuse him.

If your horse becomes lazy or uncooperative and just refuses to do as you ask, something might be wrong that you are not aware of. If your horse is not behaving as he normally would, he could be ill, have something wrong with his teeth, hooves, tack you are using or it could be something else.

Horses pick up on how we are feeling, if we  are stressed or worried they can sense it. Same as when we are riding and if we are nervous your horse becomes nervous and edgy, because they think we can see some danger  that  they can't.

Sometimes going back to basics with your horse to gain trust is all that is needed. We are not able to read horses minds...... if something is not "quite right" with your horse always seek advice...... I still do, always will and call me vet when needed. 

Spend quality time with your horse, groom him even when you are not going to ride ( this is also a good way for you to find any cuts, lumps/bumps or tender points). If you are on a busy livery yard find some where quite, put his head collar on and tie him up using a quick release knot.

Talk to him while you are grooming him in a low soothing voice. Try running your hands softly over his body don't rush this take your time, remember to keep talking to him! When I do this to Caddy he falls asleep! :-)