As the number of people keeping a horse increases, the number of questions that we see being asked by the horse keeping community also increases too.
It seems that with each month that goes by, the number of questions that we see people asking about keeping a horse constantly increases.
In the last few months, there has definitely been an increase in the number of people reaching out to specifically ask why their horse hates them as well as how they are able to get their horse to like them more.
How Can You Tell If A Horse Hates You?
There are a few key things to look for if you think your horse may hate you.
The first is if they show any signs of aggression when you are around them or try to approach them. If your horse tries to bite or kick at you when you get close, then this is a pretty clear sign that they do not enjoy your company!
Another big sign that your horse hates you is if they constantly try to get away from you when you are around. If your horse is constantly trying to move away from you or run off when you approach them, then this is another sign that they are not too fond of you.
The last big sign to look for is if your horse seems generally stressed or unhappy when you are around them. If your horse seems to be constantly tense and on edge when you are near, then this is another sign that they may not enjoy your company.
What Can You Do If Your Horse Hates You?
If you think that your horse may hate you, then there are a few things that you can do to try and improve the situation.
The first thing that you should do is to try and spend more time with your horse. If you can, try to groom them or spend time just hanging out with them in their paddock.
It is important to build up a bond with your horse so that they start to see you as a friend rather than someone that they need to be afraid of.
Another thing that you can do is to try and make sure that your horse is getting enough exercise. If a horse is bored, they can often become stressed and this can lead to them lashing out.
If you are able to ride your horse regularly or turn them out in a paddock to run around, this can help to relieve their boredom and stress.
Finally, if you are having trouble bonding with your horse, it is always a good idea to reach out to a qualified professional for help. A qualified horse trainer or behaviorist will be able to assess the situation and give you specific advice on how to improve the bond between you and your horse.
Horses are amazing creatures and forming a bond with them can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.
How To Improve The Bond You Have With Your Horse!
Although the personality of your horse will come into play, you can try this tried and true method of quickly building up trust and a bond with a horse, even if it hates you at the start of the process.
Start By Building Trust
Horses are prey animals and as such, they need to know that you won’t hurt them before they can form a meaningful bond with you. Spend time getting to know your horse and let them get to know you.
Be Consistent In Your Interactions With Your Horse
If you want them to respect you, you need to be consistent in the way you treat them. If you are fair and firm with your horse, they will learn to trust and respect you.
Be Aware Of Your Body Language
Horses are extremely attuned to nonverbal cues and can often tell how you’re feeling just by looking at you. If you’re feeling tense or nervous, your horse will pick up on that and may react accordingly.
Be Patient
It takes time to develop a bond with a horse, so be patient and don’t expect miracles overnight. If you put in the time and effort, you’ll eventually develop a strong relationship with your horse.
Don’t Be Scared Of Treats
The majority of horses have a weak spot for some sort of treat so you are able to use this to your advantage.
If all else fails, try your horse with a number of different treat options and then reward your horse with positive reinforcement for desirable interactions.
Conclusion
That brings our article going over what you should do if your horse hates you to an end. In the vast majority of cases, you should easily be able to get your horse to like you provided that you stay consistent with the bonding activities that we covered above.
As with most things in life, time and consistency are key so try not to let yourself get down with minimal progress within the first couple of days, once the bond is struck, progress will come quickly.
