There is no point in lying; horses can be intimidating to those not raised around them. Horses are large beasts that harness incredible power. To an outsider, it can seem outlandish that such a large creature can be so incredibly gentle. These majestic animals require the same love and affection as our house pets but must be approached with caution and good intentions.
I remember the first few times riding a horse thinking to myself, "this thing is so high strung! Better hold on tight!". I found out that was silly… Horses have such a fantastic ability to sense fear and danger. So while we are sitting on top of these half-ton beasts clenching our legs, they feel every tense muscle twitch, making them anxious.
The same goes for grooming our horses. A well-groomed horse requires brushing, trimming, bathing, and among other things, love. This can be the best time to create a lasting bond with our horses. Rarely do we get to have such intimate moments with them, and they are putting all their trust in us to take proper care of them. Whether we are pulling burdocks out of their manes or rinsing them off after a quick bath, we have to remember that this is not how horses lived for eons. We must respect their size and be mindful of their surroundings because your horse is tuned into you just as closely.