Building a Healthy Trust Relationship

QUESTION: What are the most important aspects of building an initial healthy trust relationship?

ANSWER: Consistency/congruency in attitude and consideration of the horse. Consistency of your attitude in such that the pony will know that you will NEVER cause it to fear you or feel threatened by you or when with you - that you will always be there for him. Congruency in not trying to "hide" your inner self from the horse. The pony KNOWS what's in your heart; pay attention to how you USE whats' really in your heart. You just can't fool 'em! *grin* Be HONEST with the horse. NO LIES! Not in your heart - not in your actions. Say/ask what you mean and mean what you say/ask.
Consideration ... Always, always remember that ponies and horses have good and bad days just as we do. They don't, as a species, change their "moods" or "behaviors" without GOOD reasons. In other words, they don't go along fine for months and months and then decide one day NOT to go along with you. If so, then that pony/horse has an immediate issue that needs attention from you. Pay attention to what they try to "say" to you ... And they DO try to tell us things. They can't change the way they communicate so its up to the US to change the way WE communicate to the pony/horse. That's just simple consideration. THINK of the animal's comfort level ... Mentally and physically. Don't ask them to do things that are beyond their capabilities thereby frustrating them. Always keep things on the side of pleasant and safe -- don't cause them to "shout" at you (buck, rear, bite, bolt or other aversive behaviors) ... Try to listen carefully to what they are saying and in doing so you may well be able to avoid a very unpleasant situation for both of you.

Horses and ponies have social laws that state they HAVE to have a leader ... One who is safe, encouraging, thoughtful, considerate yet assertively strong and calm. CALM. :) Even in the face of the most dire circumstances one needs to assure the horse/pony with calmness. Those are some attributes of a good leader. Be good leaders. If the human does not step up to the plate for leadership, the equine MUST ... By design ... Step up and take over the position of leader. Good leaders determine that which is beneficial for the TEAM ... The HERD; not just for him/herself individually (as a "boss" or "alpha" would do). Think in terms like these and your ponies will look to you for guidance and safety in almost every situation.