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The Love of Touch
Physical Touch Can Build Trust between Horse and Rider
By Diane Ursu

I am currently training a three-year-old filly on the basics of riding. Unfortunately, she is rather shy of the saddle and gets nervous every time I approach her with the saddle. As usual, I decided to go to the bookstore to find ideas on how to remedy this problem. I already knew that it was simply a matter of developing a relationship of trust with her. I had to show her that I would protect her from her fears (this is, after all, the ultimate goal in a relationship with a horse). I found a book on equine massage and realized that this is truly the key to a horse's heart (beside food).

This book tells not only how to massage a horse, but it explains the anatomy and physiology of the horse as well as body language (which is usually a side note in the text). Although I haven't gotten around to massaging my horse, I took the deep hidden meaning of touching the horse out to the riding arena with me.

I tied Dawne to the hitching post and groomed her as usual. Then I placed a saddle pad on her back and made a big fuss about it. I scratched and pet her (which she totally enjoyed) and let her know that staying calm and relaxed was the right thing to do. I then placed the saddle on her back. No, it wasn't as easy as it may sound. She was a little skittish and I had to verbally reassure her that everything was okay. I quickly cinched the saddle up and made a big fuss about her being good by allowing me to saddle her up. Again, I scratched and pet and pampered (and you could really tell she was loving it). Dawne immediately buried her head in my chest for a hug as she often does.

It was now time to mount. I got on her and made her stand still for a minute. My mother, who rides my twenty-year-old mare, and I then proceeded down the road atop our mounts. For the first time, Dawne moved at a smooth slow trot with her neck stretched out and relaxed. She looked at everything with interest as usual, but she didn't shy. She proceeded down the road with no problem. In fact, she enjoyed the ride so much, I had an argument with her when it came time to turn around and head for home. For the first time, my horse wanted to go further! I was completely amazed with her behavior that day. She was an angel.

I have yet to read the massage book. That is my goal for the fall. I would like to start massaging her very soon. That would only strengthen the bond. It goes back to the concept of mutual grooming. So, if your horse decides to nuzzle you back, don't scold him like he was attacking you. Instead, tap him on the nose and say no. Just let him know that it is an undesirable behavior. After all, you're supposed to be pampering him, not the other way around.

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