If you have recently acquired a horse, it doesn't matter if he's from an abused or neglected background or raised in the lap of luxury, you'll still have to prove you're worthy of his trust and affection.

A great way to help win a horse over is through grooming. Horses are very social creatures and spend a lot of time touch each other, you can take full advantage of this "need" that horses have for feeling touches and help your new family member get comfortable with your presence through grooming.

Start off by showing your horse the brush you're going to use. Let him sniff it and even taste it - as horses test a lot of objects out with their lips in order to ascertain if he can be eaten and if not, can it hurt them? Once your horse quickly discovers the brush can not be eaten and won't pose any threat, you can brush him.

Stay where he can see you to begin with. Work on his sides and talk to him the whole time. Brush downward in one direction only and when you get towards the rear of your horse, watch for muscles tensing up. Right before a buck or kick his rear muscles will grow tight, you will only have seconds to move and in many cases almost no audible warning. If you aren't sure your horse trusts you completely to walk behind him at this point, don't do it. Brush him several times a week, every day if you can afford the time; and your horse will associate you with things that feel good and he will allow you to walk behind him without fear or tension.

Grooming your horse is a magnificent way to bond with your equine companion as well as earn his trust!