You have just bought your new horse and brought him home. But, how do you go about getting to know your horse better?
The answer is simple. Spend time with him. It is just like getting to know a person. The more time you spend with him, the more you learn about him. That's easy, but what do you do to get to know him? Horses don't talk. Quite the contrary. They have their own language, which you need to learn. The main thing is to watch and listen.
There are several things you can do to get acquainted with your horse. Start off by grooming him. Horses love to be groomed. As you groom your horse, you will find out where his ticklish spots are, which are his itchy spots, etc. Sometimes you will also find out some of their quirks. A couple of quirks, for example, may be that he doesn't like to be touched around the ears, or, he doesn't care to be touched around the flank. Does your horse tend to be nervous, or does he fall asleep while grooming? These are all little things you find out while grooming a horse. 
Another thing you can do is to hand graze your horse. This is a relaxing time for both of you where you can enjoy each other's company.
If you want to learn about his normal behavior, turn him out, then sit back and watch. See how he socializes with the other horses. Watch what things he likes to do. Is he playful, or is his main interest just food? Does he like to mingle with the other horses, or would he rather be by himself? If you find out what his normal behavior is during a relaxed setting, then when his behavior changes, you know something is wrong.
These are all little things you learn about horses when you take the time to get to know them better. Wouldn't you want to get to know your equine friend better? You will be spending plenty of time together riding. So, take some time out of your busy schedule and get to know him better like you would any friend. In turn, he will get to know you better and you will have a great partnership that will last a lifetime. After all, your horse is a part of your family.
Thanks, Janie!
I have photographed horses over the years and have tons of photos. Some I haven't even uploaded to my computer. More photos to come on my "horsey" posts.
Karen:
Your equine friend needs you. So, get out there and take care of his leg. I'm sure he'd do the same for you if he could.
with my horse she's a little frisky and sometimes i get scared like yesterday when i went to go get her and lead her around well i was walking her and she slid in a pile of mud that i was trying to avoid andand she totally slid and you can she the tracks wear she slid but when she slid i let go of the rains and she took of and almost cicked me in the face and by the way i am only 9 years old and my horse is 7 or 8
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kendra:
What you need to do is get an adult horseperson, one who has worked with horses for many years, to help with you and your horse. A good place for you to start would be your local 4H horse club and/or US Pony Club in your area. Both will teach you a lot about safety and many things about horses that you need to know. I have taught both and still am a 4H Leader. Right now I am working with one of my 4H members who is using my horse as her project. She has learned a lot under my guidance.
Another thing you might consider would be to go for riding lessons. Here, you will be riding different horses and get a hands-on experience with many different situations.
If you need any more help, you or your parents may contact me. I want you to be safe around horses and enjoy them.
Brigita
my horse is lazy it takes me 20 tries sometimes to get him to canter for 2 strides i have spurs but im a little scared to use the whip what should i do
sometimes my horse gets really excited when i jump cross country. how do i keep him calm without hauling on his mouth
Kallie:
Sounds like your horse has tuned you out. What you need to do is go back to basics and lots of ground work. Ground work is so important and is the least used method to keep your horse in tune. I suggest getting help from a knowledgeable trainer or riding instructor.
Good luck!
Brigita
Natasha:
A good thing to do would be to take lessons from a knowledgeable riding instructor to help you. What you should do on your own is go back to basics and practice jumping one fence or 2 in your schooling sessions. Basics are so important in riding and should be practiced a lot. We all get rusty and need to go back to the basics.
Wishing you the best in your success!
Brigita