Letting your horse graze outside of their paddock is one of the ways to bond with them. It helps you let your guard down, and theirs too. Sometimes I perceive horses as very large dogs, not always, but sometimes.

Your dogs may love their garden but still get extra excited when you end up taking them to the park. Similar concept with horses. They may not show excitement in the usual or common sense, but gratitude will shine through while peacefully grazing outside their paddock.

Once you feel comfortable enough around your horse, you can begin to sit down while holding the lead of the halter and letting them graze by you. This proves to them that you are letting your guard down as well, by making yourself smaller, lower than them. You show them that you are learning to trust them as well.

I enjoy grazing time as much as my horses do. The other day I shared the most special moment with Da Vinci, the horse who is also coming home with me. After a great lunging session with him, he was quite happy to graze on the green grass outside the ring, and I was just as happy to let him. Watching him eat filled me with a sense of peace. The simple act of him grazing with me told me that I was a safe space for him, that there was nothing to be on high alert for.

He eventually came closer and closer to me, to the point where I was able to touch the soft part of his muzzle and stroke his face. I got up on my haunches directly in front of him, kissing his face and basking in the glorious moment of bonding. I knew he could step on me at any moment; I was aware he could have trampled me, but I was also insightful of the fact that I needed to show him the trust that I am willing to put in, despite the danger of being so vulnerable.

Anything we do in life is risky, dangerous or scary. Do not let your fears stop you from reaching an impeccable level of trust between your horse and yourself, for if they love and trust you, they will never intentionally try to harm you.