Always keep these safety tips in mind when dealing with horses.
- Never walk under a horse’s neck or belly. While some horses are quiet enough not to mind this, these moves will frequently spook a horse and can end in injury.
- Horses may kick, bite, strike and/or run off if startled. It’s always best to approach a horse at his shoulder, talking in a calm voice. If he is turned away, talk to him until he turns to face you, or circle him at a safe distance until he sees you.
- When you pet a horses nose or forehead your hand is in their blind spot, so your touch may scare them. Move slowly and while talking in a calm voice.
- Fold your lead rope rather than rolling or looping it, and use two hands on the lead rope when leading a horse.
- Never pull on a horse, as this tends to make them struggle against you. When leading a horse, lead them from the side. When handling their head, try resting your palm on the bridge of their nose and encouraging them to lower their nose.
- If a horse pulls back, go with him rather than try to hold him where he his. Say “Whoa” to encourage him to stop moving.
- When moving around the back of a horse, always walk body-to-body, running your hand across his rump or cross far enough away to avoid the range of his leg if he steps back and kicks.
- When you’re removing the halter, turn the horse slightly to you. Pet him and talk calmly to him until he is still. Then slowly remove the halter.
- Always make sure gates and stall doors are closed before turning a horse loose.
- When removing tack, never leave it on the floor where you or your horse can get tangled up or trip on it.