Instructions
Devote 20 minutes for each 10-minute task with your horse. If you are short on time, wait to perform the task when it is more convenient. When you enter your horse's stall, stand inside the door for a few moments until your horse indicates it is comfortable with your presence. When your horse wiggles or moves its lips or lowers its head, it is relaxed and you can approach. Make a habit of proceeding this way every time you enter your horse's stall.
Respect your horse̵7;s natural fear. A horse̵7;s foremost instinct is to run from trouble when it senses it, so avoid standing directly in front of your horse. Always make it clear to your horse that it has an open path ahead in the event of trouble. If you̵7;re holding something in your hands, extend your hands so the horse can view the contents. Do not try to prove to your horse that it has nothing to be afraid of; it won̵7;t believe you. Accommodate your horse's concerns instead.
Speak quietly in a modulated tone at all times. When you raise your voice or talk sharply, this tells your horse you̵7;re upset. If you are upset, your horse may believe it has something to fear. Always speak before you approach your horse, so it knows instinctively that nothing is wrong. Only then should you ask your horse to respond to you.
Reward your horse for calm behavior. Bad behavior is usually the result of fear. Never shout, ̶0;No!̶1; to your horse when it acts up. Shouting can alarm a horse, resulting in even worse behavior. Use a hushing sound instead. When your horse quiets, immediately reward it. If your presence is alarming your horse, leave the stall. If something you̵7;re holding is causing the problem, put it somewhere out of sight.
How to Get a Horse to Trust and Have Confidence in Its Owner
Horses are the most intuitive of creatures, according to trainer Frank Levinson. If you̵7;re confident, your horse will also feel confident, trusting in your ability to control any bad situation that might arise. The trick is to exude that confidence whenever you are around your horse. What you feel, it senses. The more it senses your capacity to deal calmly with issues, the more it will put its trust in you to protect it and keep it from harm.