Getting to know your horse takes time because your horse is new and they are at a new place. They have a new surrounding and they are probably scared. When you approach your horse, let them know you are there. You approach the side and stroke their neck. Once they know you are there, you can move on to the side of the face. Then the horse is certain you are there. You can go anywhere at the body now. BUT be careful, because a horse could KICK YOU.  When you walk behind a horse, put your hand on their butt.  Stay as close as possible and talk to them.  Walk around behind and you will probably not get kicked.

When you approach a new horse, talk to them. It is probably a horse you’ve never handled before. Stroke them for a while, and they’ll get used to you gradually. Now remember what I said is that it takes time for a horse to get to know a person. Every time you move up a level, you should go through this same process, no matter what horse you have. If you have a difficult horse or an easy horse, it will always be the same, because horses don’t change the way they get scared and they know you.

Here is a good book for all ages. It will help you follow these simple steps to help you get to know your horse, and it will get to know you.