| It is far more enjoyable to ride a horse that trusts | | | | hurdles. This way he develops trust in you. Never |
| you rather than one who does not. But getting a | | | | make him do anything which is beyond his capabilities. |
| horse to trust you is a difficult task, especially if the | | | | Gaining trust from a horse which has been previously |
| horse has a history of past abuse. | | | | abused, is nearly impossible. However with a lot of |
| It is indeed possible to befriend a horse who is shy | | | | patience, you may evoke some confidence at the |
| and reticent but does not have a history of past | | | | end. |
| abuse. Make sure that you approach the horse from | | | | Taking to your horse if a soft, soothing voice helps. |
| the left. And always remember to show him what | | | | Do this before you ask him to do any task. Never |
| you have in your hands - even if it is a hoof pick, | | | | make yourself overbearing to your horse, demanding |
| meant to be used on him. | | | | to get his attention. And never try to ride him before |
| The second thing to remember is always to wear | | | | you get his trust. Relieve him of any fright or |
| tight clothes. Loose clothing flaps in the breeze and | | | | mistrust first. When he is used to your presence as |
| may unnerve you horse. And once you have scared | | | | well as your voice, approach him then. Remember |
| him, it is difficult to make him believe you. Its hardly | | | | always that a horse who is scared is very difficult to |
| comfortable both for the owner as well as the horse, | | | | manage, so never force anything on him. On the |
| if there is an element of fear and mistrust between | | | | contrary, offer him some food that he enjoys. Soon |
| the two of you. | | | | after he has relished something given by you a few |
| To put it simply you should not make the horse do | | | | times, gently stroke his muzzle to befriend him |
| any activity, which he does not feel confident to do. | | | | further. |
| The horse has to have full confidence on you, when | | | | You know you have reached some understanding |
| you ask him to jump or trot down an unfamiliar path. | | | | with your horse, if you find that your horse is letting |
| If you ask him to take a jump and he fails to do so, | | | | you stroke him. You must however never ride an |
| he will lose the confidence he has in you instantly. He | | | | abused horse, without the help of a horse trainer, |
| will be frightened to take any command from you | | | | who has had some experience with abused horses. |
| the next time. So, instead try and build his confidence | | | | These horses are calm when you are on the ground |
| in you slowly and gradually. Practice with him, going | | | | but starts panicking when you are trying to ride |
| down a wide and easy road or jumping over easy | | | | them. |