Instructions
Greet the horse from a distance so you don't intrude on its personal space. Face it with your profile, rather than being square on.
Act calm, confident and relaxed and breathe naturally. Horses are very conscious to how a person is feeling and will mirror nervous emotions.
Wait for the horse to invite you to decrease the distance between the two of you. Stand at its shoulder and keep your hands down.
Speak to the horse in a calming and assertive manner. Approach the horse for a few seconds and then retreat.
Continue the sequence of approaching and retreating. The horse will become interested in you and will begin to feel safer in your presence. Touch the horse gently on the shoulder when it allows you without being afraid. Avoid touching its face.
Pay attention to the horse's body language. Only prolong physical contact when invited and when the horse is enjoying your touch.
Be patient, particularly with nervous horses or those who have experienced abuse in the past. It may take some time for them to see they can trust you.
Greet the horse as soon as you enter the yard, even if you don't intend to ride it. This will show the horse that you care about it and want to spend time with it.
How to Build a Relationship With a Horse
In the past, trainers exerted fear over horses through dominance, power and intimidation. While this leads to obedience and submission it doesn't create a mutual relationship. It is important to define rules and set limits, so that the horse knows what you expect from it, and both of you stay safe. Communicating and guiding the horse through voice and body language, instead of punishment, builds trust. Equally, the trainer needs to understand when the horse communicates with her, to retain the trust, or the horse will stop trying.