Comments on: Signs your horse trusts you

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 09:32:54 +0000

In reply to kizmet74.

I was reading all the negative posts and thinking about all the comments, when I read Kizmet’s post. I think you have it spot on. I have a spooky appaloosa, which I have been working with a few months and we have built up a trusting relationship. I use a head torch and willspeak to him that he knows my whereabouts and can then move anywhere around him, including standing behind him with both arms around his flanks/but. He will not move, the same goes for grooming. When I am busy at his back legs,flies can sit in his belly, his leg will not move to swish them away – that is respect on his behalf and trust on mine., I don’t think I would have a problem going under him. Yes, horses do spook, but the benefits vs downside are justifiable. It all starts with the trust issue and how well you know your horse. Moving around and dealing with horses is inherently risky business at best – most of what you do revolves around the trust/bond issue to start with.

By: paul stoney

paul stoney — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 08:36:41 +0000

Hi mate – don’t think such a good idea. Would advise not.
Great risk of being injured. Also what is the horse to think of this behaviour?

Unwise advice.

Many of your other suggestions have been gold.

Cheers

Paul.

By: Cami

Cami — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 14:26:53 +0000

All of these comments are people saying that they don’t trust their horses enough to try this, but if you don’t trust your horse enough to not injure you doing this, then how can you trust your horse enough to get on him and not injure you? I have dogs that like to run around my horse all the time, what if one of them decides to run under him while I am riding and I have never gotten him used to it? Then I am worse off.

By: jadzia 11yrs

jadzia 11yrs — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 00:57:32 +0000

I got my first pony 2 weeks ago she is 35-37 years old I have learnt that you must show confidence if you are nervous the horse will pick up on your nerves so if you are happy your horse will be happy;)

By: Bryna

Bryna — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 04:33:34 +0000

As a mother of a young rider I have mixed feelings about this subject. My daughter will be 9 and has been competing and placing in the top 3 of all Western categories with our local riding club. She immediately had a bond with her horse as he did with her. He is 15.2hh, quarter horse/paint gelding and he is a babysitter! She can slide off of him, hang from his neck, hug him from underneath, groom him while under him, do his feet, his tail, etc. She is extremely confident and will walk up to any horse like she owns it, and they do what she says. It scares me! Honestly, I’m still afraid of horses. I love and admire them, but they treat me differently because they can sense my fear. I even try to mimic exactly what she is doing and they can still sense it. So, unless you completely trust your horse, please don’t try this tip at home. Always wear a riding helmet people! I see so many people go to the ER that would have been ok if they were wearing a helmet! Please report abuse and neglect! Speak for these beautiful souls!

By: Gwenda

Gwenda — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 10:08:11 +0000

In reply to Rachel. I can`t wait to try that on my daughters horse who has just come to live with mine.at the moment I would not go under my daughters horse but often do under my own (provided it is not windy!!)

By: Emma

Emma — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 20:55:48 +0000

Even if the horse is safe and unlikely to spook -how would your horse view this in the world of horse? Would he / she still respect you as leader? When do you ever see horses doing this except may be a nursing foal?

By: Presley

Presley — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 07:32:20 +0000

In reply to Jennifer. One thing that is mandatory between horse and rider is trust!! I do this sometimes. It's not doing it that's dangerous, it's the way you do it. I mean, don't just run right under or behind your horse!! Ease your way under your horse and keep your back against its belly the whole time so they know you're there!! I really don't know about walking behind one though!! I was told not to, but if you stay pressed up against them and ease around they can't kick you that hard and they know your there!! I think this is a good idea!!

By: Melody

Melody — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 04:56:51 +0000

well let see here, if for instance you have a gelding and you have to clean his sheath, or say there is an injury somewhere on the underneath of your horse, then would it not make sense to have to work on that with your horse to get him or her used to that area being where you are. I know that when I had my gelding I had to clean his sheath, I mean not the most pleasant think in the world but it has to be done, and he was a 16.1 hand thoroughbread and he had not issues at all with me being under him at all. just saying there may be some circumstances that call for you having to be under there for whatever reason and it you introduce gradually not just all of a sudden then there shouldn’t be any issues, no ones saying just all of a sudden climb under there one day cause you have nothing better to do that startle him, take it little by little and they get what you’re doing, just saying, you may need to at some point in time.

By: Margo

Margo — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 03:20:29 +0000

In reply to early Ferguson. I beleive it could be ill fitting tack.