How can I build a stronger bond with my pony?

beccaandflash: How can I build a stronger bond with my pony?
I got my pony over a year ago now, and it seems that he only does things for his food. He will take very little notice of me if his haynet is up or he has his dinner.
How can I build a stronger bond?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Stoichiometry T
ride her

Answer by Ria
Groom him
Take him on a walk in a halter and lead
Trail ride with other horses
Talk to him while he’s in his stall, even if he’s eating

It’s a bit typical if the horse only pays attention to his food when he’s out. Just talk to him and groom him more often.

Answer by TimeBaby
spend time with him other than just riding. go out and just brush him and love on him and give him treats. also, try doing some natural horsemanship ground work. this really helped me and my mare bond more. hope it helps you!

Answer by Whitney S
Riding him will help. A bond with your horse has a lot to do with respect. Teaching him new things will get him focused on you and trusting you. Try doing groundwork with him, things like showmanship. And just love on him, brush him, spend time with him, etc.

Don’t worry if he doesn’t pay much attention to you when he’s got food in front of him. All horses are like that. I’ve had my horse for five years and we’ve got a very strong bond, but when he’s got grain or hay in front of him he’ll give me a once over for a treat and then ignore me!

Answer by life is sh☮rt, hug your h♥rse
I know how you feel, my horse is the same way here are a couple of ideas. This isnt really completly true but generally geldings dont bond as well as mares….
1) Grooming-It will make him happier and he will notice you! Great bonding activity
2) Put him in the round pen for a little bit and see if he will follow you.

Answer by …
Spend a lot of time grooming… slowly be able to touch your horse anywhere, so that they aren’t nervous if you are brushing out his tail, ect.

Make sure you aren’t working or riding him every time you visit.. just come along, give him a treat and a pat, and go your own way…

Spend time out in the field, get to know his body language and mood. Try to get him to follow you (of his own free will) but don’t force him to.

Walk around on a lead line, get him to trust you as you pass ‘scary’ and unfamiliar objects (if your horse isn’t nervous of anything, this will still be bonding time).

Look into natural horsemanship, and stuff like that. I’ve read about it, and have incorporated some into use, and really like the idea of it. Also try free longing in a round pen if possible, as well as some regular longing.

Good article:

It’s really all about TIME, and CONSISTENCY, ….. and some treats never hurt either. 🙂 Good luck!