When is it ok to be close to your horse?

I have gotten this question a lot! Mainly because my students see how I am with my horse Jazz and we are very close, very cuddly. He loves to play with my hair, nuzzle into my arm or my lap, fall asleep on my shoulder, and we both enjoy being near each other. I trust him explicitly and he trusts me the same.

Just because I trust him with my life, does not mean that I stop paying attention, stop being safe, or stop being aware fo everything around me just like I do for all horses. It means that we know each other very well and if he is grooming my neck and he hesitates ever so slightly and I “feel” that thought going through his head.

I pick up my finger and he instantly stops and goes back to a relaxed state. I know, because I have owned him for 32 years, what he is thinking and what is about to do. We understand each other’s body language to the slightest movement. He also in turn knows me just a well.

His hesitation and slight pause with a bit of tension are, “hahaha I can just take a little nip because mom isn’t paying attention and….”. But that is when I pick up my finger and by that, he knows, “oh I can’t do it because she IS paying attention”. You can just see it in his eyes. ????

It’s just what horses do and how they think. I’m in his world, not the other way around.

So, to be close to your horse, get to know his mannerisms, get to know his “looks”, his attitude, his tension spots, his personality, his ticks, and what motivates him.

You can be close when and only if you feel safe. But again, feeling safe doesn’t mean that you let your guard down. Never do that! Always be in a state of Calm Alertness. Be relaxed and comfortable, but watch everything.

With practice, patience, and time you and your horse will get to the same place Jazz and I are and we love to be close. My other horses are the same way, but each one is different and has different tells, different ways of doing little things. It’s like waiting for a child to try to outsmart you and “play” with you.

Be careful, be positive, and be smart, but also have fun and enjoy building your relationship to this level.

You have seen in many of my videos how close Jazz and I are and even how funny he can be in some of my Q&A videos on my Facebook posts. But, this video shows how my two younger horses also have a great relationship with me and feel comfortable, safe, and trust me to be close to them. They even feel comfortable being close to me when they are frisky, playful, and full of energy. However, you will see that they are also very conscious of my safety and so am I. I hope you enjoy the video.

Body Language – Being Close is OK

You must be logged in to access this course

Teddie's Fundamentals

Training Lessons (TF)

Bonus Lessons (TF)

Foundation Of Trust

Introduction to a Foundation Of Trust

The Concept Stage

The Introduction Stage

The Proximity Stage

The Nourishment Stage

Bonuses (FOT)

Beginning The Connection

Introduction to Mark’s Journey

The Stallion Series

Kit’s Training Lessons

Danny Boy’s Training Lessons