[monique09]

Hey everyone, just thought i would ask the question how do you know if you horse likes you? I bought sunshine about 3 months ago and i do everything for her, i buy her everything she needs i see her twice a day she has everything and more but she just dosent seem to be that intrested in me all she see's me for is the lady who brings the food and makes me work. Is it to soon to be expecting something or do some horses just have no heart? I love her to pieces but she just dosent want to know me. Has anyone else had this problem? dose it get better? I have never had this my other horse is full of love and loves to play games with me but i have had him his hole life so we both dont know any other way. Is there any suggestions anyone can give me to change this that would be a great help.
thanks everyone
Monique.

[Buckshot]

You're trying to humanize your horse, which doesn't work.

Horses don't have human emotions the way we do; this is the way most animals are.

What do you mean by, "She doesn't want to know you?" I have a mare that is much the same way, and I really don't care. She's a great ride, and I don't care if she's the most loving thing in the pasture.

Marrker, my gelding on the other hand, is the most personable horse I could ask for!

I don't think your horse DISLIKES you, she's just not showing affection for you, which isn't all that uncommon.

[Chester]

Sorry to say this. Your horse is being a horse. Mostly as long as they have food, water and shelter they are happy. They don't give 2 hoots if your tack matches, if you are using the same brush you use on the dog or a brand new $200 one.

All horses have differing personalities. Whilst some would happily live in your pocket others are happy just to be a horse. Your new horse sounds like the latter.

[Reitpferde]

I always laugh, when my horse nickers as I enter the barn and someone says: "Wow! He really loves you!" YEAH, I respond, when I know fully well he LOVES my treats! Try not to worry about it. Cats are usually not as affectionate as dogs either. They are so aloof. I think one of the very few animals that really bonds with people are dogs. Maybe we should start moving our horses into the living room with us....lol.

[SweetIron]

Well.. one of our mares and I had a rocky relationship. She always seemed afraid of me. I saw no bond there nothing.. until I put on my thinking cap. Turns out, she was backing away from me out of fear and maybe a little respect.. she did not think that I wanted her to stand there while I approached her. I worked on Join-Up exercises with her.. now she understands our roles together. out in the pasture, she'll stand and wait for me to approach, unless I cue her to back off; then she will. When I work her on the ground, and leave for the evening to go in the house, she hangs her head over the gate almost pathetically So I think that maybe a horse that seems to dislike you, just might not know the roles you two play together.

[PaintedRocket]

Sometimes it takes a longer time to bond with your horse. It depends a lot on their personality.

I've had my horse since she was 6 months old (she's almost 11 months), so it made the bonding easier since she was younger. Although it did not happen right away.

I remember when a member here first got her horse, Tiffany (HeavenlyJumper's mare) in foal. This was, what, a year ago or so now? It was a slow process for them but now, you can definately see their bond and the affection the horse has for her misstress. When before, it just wasn't there. I know the member was very frustrated about this and it hurt her... but with time, it is now there.

You've only had your horse 3 months..give it time, spend time grooming and talking with it..going on walks. It helps with the bonding. BUT, you must remember--the horse still may not bond with you. Not all horses create bonds with their owners. So do not have an expectations that she will be affectionate towards you at all..

But I do hope things work for you

[dixygirl]

I certainly did not have a good bond with my horse either after 3 months. I remember feeling exactly what you are feeling now. I would go to see other strange horses and they seemed more affectionate with me than my own horse!

After a year, I finally feel that connection has grown significantly. I also spend a great deal of time with my horse through out each day. Even so, it still took almost a year to feel her come around. So don't give up. It takes time to develop a friendship or partnership with your animals. It doesn't happen over night or even in 3 months. At least not for me.

[Eeyore95_99]

I can totally relate, my filly Dakota treats me the same way, if she sees me coming she goes the other way. what has helped me alot is, I've turned her out with my very loving, affectionate geldings. She doesn't like to get too far away from the boys, so, if they come up to see me, then she will also come to see what's up, even if she really doesn't want to. I've only had her a month so I think that there's a chance for things to change. I wish you all the luck, please keep us posted.

[mamaalwaysrides]

I do believe some horses are just more affectionate then others. maybe you just need to be her leader. I know my first mare couldn't care less if I was there or not. she did her job but as far as affection, it just wasn't there. good horse though

[horseyfrk145]

As stated, horses don't have the same emotions as humans - which can be something hard to be with, but it's just a fact of life.

With my horse, I thought the same thing for the first few months I had him, but our bond has really grown. Some horses just don't connect with people, others are very happy with humans.