Hello all horse Lovers out there.

Everything is happy and dandy, the sky is blue the grass is green and

horses are marvellous creatures.  (I'm sorry, I had to say something random)

I recently got this book call "The Horse" by Elaine Walker. It has so many tips for looking after and bonding with one's horse, I took the liberty of writing some down in my own words they because I think that they are wonderful and pretty accurate:(Disclaimer(because some people out there are much to picky): I do not own any of this information, the works of Elaine Walker are hers and hers only).

Useful Tips for Bonding with your Horse:

* Horses are Naturally herd animals and need companionship. Visit your horse often to let them get used to your presence.

* The muzzle is the most sensitive part of a horse's body. Tender strokes puts your horse at ease.

* In the Horse world, mutual grooming is a significant bonding activity. Grooming your horse pretty much works in the same way.

* More than anything, horses need to feel safe.

* The more one understands the shifting and changing ways in which a herd works, the better one is at developing relationships with one's own horses.

* It is important not to step back if a horse tries to move boldly into your space and push you away- this is not always easy or safe to do though since nearly any horse is far stronger than us. But if we step back it signals that the horse has gained leadership. Never let this happen, number one rule is that you are the boss.

* It is the need for confident leadership that enables us to form a trusting, working relationship and even a long lasting one.

* If one is calm, confident and focused, the horse is more likely to respond willingly to that person as they are showing leadership.

* Every horse needs to accept a rider's leadership willingly if both parties are to be safe.

* If your horse doesn't trust you than it's instinct will be to run away from whatever it sees as dangerous. It is therefore important to be able to handle your horse properly, directing its energy safely and winning its cooperation.

* By nature a horse needs freedom. Let your horse out into a large paddock often if it is kept in a stable or a small yard.

* A horse will sometimes shy at the slightest unfamiliar sound, scent or movement. It may also be reluctant to go into unfamiliar places. this doesn't mean that the horse is being stupid or difficult, its just reminding us that it feels threatened.

And now my own little note for horse owners out there:

* Love your horse: any horse is a treasure. When you show your horse love and leadership you establish a good relationship. But if you have no love for them in your heart, you abuse them. Remember, horses are beautiful and sensitive creatures, each with their own unique personality. Anyone who owns a horse is a very lucky person!

Don't cry for the horses that life has set free. A million white horses forever to be. Don't cry for the horses now in God's hands. As they prance and they dance in a heavenly band. They're ours as a gift, but never to keep. As they close their eyes forever to sleep. Their spirits unbound. On silver wings, they fly. A million white horses against the blue sky. Look up into heaven, you'll see them above. The horses we lost, the horses we loved. Manes and tails flowing they gallop through time. They never were yours. They never were mine. Don't cry for the horses. They'll be back someday. When our time has come, they will show us the way. ~Brenda Riley Seymore