I just got a new horse! (read more)?

I'd just sit in a paddock/pasture with her, allowing her to come see what you are doing. I'd also work with her on the ground doing things like walking over tarps, backing, having balloons around, etc. If she gets nervous with something you can take her away from it and bring her close again until it no longer bothers her. This would build up her trust in you and help build that bond.

Best of luck with what sounds like an awesome horse!

Feeding and working with the horse ARE the best things to do. The horse will bond with you, not the other way around. She will look to you for strength in your training, just as an alpha would be to her. So just do the things you do and talk with her and lots of hand contact. The neck and shoulders are good places to touch and also patting the top sides and such so that she builds trust in your touch and in you. BTW Congrats on the new horse!

The Parelli games are fun, so is playing tag (like in an arena). I found that my mare and I did a lot of bonding just through hanging out in her stall. I'd pet her, rub her ears and play with her (she had a really fun nose) - pretty much just hang out and chat. I also took her for lots of hand walks and we'd just amble around, take the occasional snack of grass, look at the ponies across the road. My mare was a big suck though so it was easy to develope a bond with her.

Tricks are also fun, but I'm firmly against teaching them how to bow...too many close calls thanks to that one. Kisses and shake a hoof are good though...Good Luck and have fun!!

You should definitely play games with her! I have a horse and he is so cute when we play games. I got him about five months ago and have greatly improved my bond with him by doing groundwork and playing with him. And treats never hurt anyone

;D. Plus having a fun day every now and then won't hurt either. Just going on a trail ride or riding bare back!

Groundwork is fun and both beneficial. I'm not a parelli fan, but the 7 games are pretty fun and create a well rounded horse. Maybe try to trick training? I enjoy playing tag with my horses and he loves it too. Congrats on your new addition!

Congrats on your new addition, i had a new baby deliver today myself. I play with my horses, i look really silly but they love this...I also sometimes just go and sit in the corrals with them, read a book or just soak up the sun. I have a mare that loves sunbathing, she is a true dive. And i will sit on the floor and lay against her belly. Just spending time with them is what i do.

my daughter got her 1st pony last year, we've had her for about a year now.. when we first got her emma would sit in the paddock with her and read & do her homework & the pony would come over & sniff her & see what she was doing

then they started playing chasey and played with one of those big exercise balls.. they have the greatest friendship now.. all i can say is time.. good luck

my daughter plays with her horse,they play hide n seek,and with the horses ball toy thingy,and she sits out there with him while she does her homework they go for walks he's sorta a really big dog

i never owned a horse but dreamed and wished of one. i know that talking to him/her in a soothing tone lets him see that you mean no harm. while riding him take it easy for the first few weeks. if he/she does something wrong in the beggining just try again and if he does something right give him a treat like a sugar cube or carrot. if you talk to him/her stroke his maine and nose.

There are balls you could buy and play with her, or give her treats.