Franklin Levinson's
Horse Help Center
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Joining up with horses
Hi,
I read in a book about "Joining up" with horses. It was to gain a horse's trust. And I'd like to know how to " Join Up" with the horses at the stable that I work at. They seem to like me but not really have the trust I'd like. They are very watchful of me and don't like me to get all that close. So I'd like to know how to gain their trust. And in this book I was reading it said that there are like 2 or 3 signs to know that its working. 1 is that their ears turn toward the person. And the 2 is they start to almost chew, but nothing is in thier mouth. And then you are supposed to turn around and have the horse's head come up behind you and then they should follow you around. But I need the spacific instructions so I can attempt it with these horses. Thank you. I don't know if you know anything about this but i thaught i'd give it a shot.
Thanks, Alyssa
P.S. The book i'm reading is called Heartland (its a series)
Hi Alyssa,
Sounds like a good book series. It is all about trust. It is about becoming the trusted great leader for the horse. You can begin to do this with all horses you encounter by being conscious, not assuming anything, making clear requests and saying thank you (Good Boy). You begin to lead the dance by asking the horse to do something simple. If the horse is on a lead line, simply asking for a few steps forward and then asking for a stop (HO!). Then giving a 'Good Boy' when the horse tries to to as you have requested tops off that particuar little dance step and makes the whole experience one where the horse has compled with your request and is acknowledged and respected by you saying 'thank you'. Just this begins to establish you as the leader. If the horse or horses are lose in a paddock, gently but firmly ask him/them to move away from you around the paddock. Ask that they make a complete turn around the paddock and then say HO!. Then do it again. After 3-4 times doing this, most of the horses will stop and face you. You want this. Then give a Good Boy and go and pet a few (on the neck or withers). Those horses may start to follow you around. If it is one horse, it will begin to follow you. Once you begin to interact this way the horse's inside ear will be on you most of the time.
You see, if you make simple requests, go, stop, turn, back, the horse complies and you say thank you, you ave set yourself up as the good leader. The horses will begin to gravitate to you if you do this. Look for a licking and chewing motion with their mouths. This means they are accepting you as the leader and showing comfort and compliance. Good Luck and keep me posted.
Sincerely, Franklin