Things You'll Need
- Feed Buckets
- Carrots
- Cookies
- Grooming Brush
- Halter
- Lead Ropes
Instructions
Go out into the pasture to pet your horse. Leave the halter and lead rope behind. The trick is to make your presence in the horse's domain a pleasant one. Bring a grooming brush and brush your horse. If your horse knows that every time he sees you it means work, then he might not be as anxious to greet you. Do this as often as possible where the only action and association created is petting the horse and creating a pleasant experience.
Spend time sitting on the fence or railing. Bring a bucket of treats. Shake or rattle it to get your horse's attention and feed your horse from there. What you are trying to accomplish is associating your presence with something enjoyable. Don't try to catch the horse, just let him come to you out of curiosity.
Bring a bucket of your horse's favorite feed. This is flat-out bribery and, if the horse isn't hungry or if the horse is ornery, it won't work.
Walk up to the horse without your lead rope and halter. If you can get close enough, rub the horse on its head. When you stop and turn to walk away, the horse may follow you. If he stops, rub the horse's face again, and repeat.
Put your saddle and tack out on the railing where your horse can see and smell it. Your horse will be less afraid of something he is familiar with.
Catch the easiest horse first. If there is another horse in the pasture that is easily caught, catch it, and your horse may follow, especially if he is the only other horse out there.
Have patience!