Horse and Human Connection
their family group, but they also interact temporarily with members of other groups when forming herds," explained Carol Sankey, head of a reasearch group on this topic.
Even though horses cannot communicate verbally with humans, they communicate through body language and behavior. Through positive reinforcement and consistancy, horses can not only learn tricks but can learn to trust you and associate you with positive things, such as food. Food
is one of the keys to the horse and human bond.
Daily routines with horses help form this bond as well. Horses are non-judgemental and offer unconditional love. They cannot and have no need for criticism but instead help people overcome difficulties such as post traumatic stress. In the everyday activites with horses we learn responsibility and develop empathy and compassion for others. Self-esteen is also boosted just being around horses and leading them places. Just the fact that tame horses respond to you and will follow your lead allow for you to feel in control and feel a sense of pride.
Riders have a great chance to form a bond with the horse since they get to know their personalities through training and riding. This includes the whole process of tacking up and grooming.
Overall horse and human bonds take patience and work but once achieved are very rewarding. However keep in mind that "Horses can be very forgiving, but they never forget." (Quote by Jill Starr, president and founder of Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue)
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The horse and human relationship goes further than what might meet the eye. Today trusting bonds are common as well as benificial to both the human and horse. Horses have evolved to not only see us as their leaders or owners but as their companions and friends. Horses are loyal to people they have met in previous encounters. Domesticated horses depend on us for their well being. Those who have experienced a bond with their horse can truly appreciate how intense this bond can be. Horses are open to forming acquaintances with people as they would with other horses in their herd in the wild. "Horses maintain long-term bonds with several members of