After haltering the horse, immediately bond with him before asking any more of him. Rub on the face, behind the ears, in the hollow under the neck, all the places that might be itchy. Don't "pat" a horse; they prefer to be rubbed, stroked and scratched. Patting is a man-made gesture, not part of a horse's natural language. Rubbing they recognize in their own language, especially on the neck, since a mother horse constantly licks her foal on the neck for comfort, reassurance and bonding. Rubbing/stroking is translated as licking and affection to a horse. Patting is nothing they recognize, though most indeed learn to tolerate it; it's just not their favorite gesture of affection or reward. So, rub, don't pat. During bonding, love on him bigtime! This is about giving before requesting anything. A horse is far more willing to work (play!) with you if you start every lesson with bonding, and you will make an excellent first impression (every day!).

Most horses love to have their eyes rubbed! Cup your hand over an eye and rub gently (much like you would rub your own itchy eyes, and you know how good that feels!). Horses can't rub their own eyes and most are delighted to have this done for them, and often it's a first-time experience for them. This bonds them even more deeply to you. You can also rub inside or behind their ears if they like that and inside their nose, which is often another new-to-them place that feels good. These are all places they can't reach themselves to scratch and they usually welcome the feel.

Beside the eye, on the cheek is another favorite place to scratch/rub on. Note the relaxed pleasure in Doc's eyes here as he "let's down," and he releases all tension. Relaxation and gratitude is a typical response to this bonding method and a great way to start every lesson!

As you bond, take mental notes of all the horse's favorite spots (each horse is a unique individual!) so that you can always return to those particular spots for re-bonding if the horse is ever frightened, confused, or generally upset about anything. Bringing them back to bonding, that safe and loving place, whenever needed, is bringing them back to a comfort zone where they feel protected and nurtured, and trust builds tenfold via this route.

As you bond, you'll notice the horse beginning to relax more and soon ready to give back, and he will try harder to learn what it is you want him to learn.

After you've bonded, slowly move the horse's head so that he softens and gets ready for learning to yield his neck.

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