Comfortable signs (if you see these, proceed): Having relaxed, “soft” eyes that aren’t staring at you Turning his head or front quarters toward you Licking his lips Ears pricked towards you. [3] X Expert Source Kate JutagirEquestrian Specialist & Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2020. Having a peaceful, relaxed overall body position Uncomfortable signs (if you see these, back off and do not approach): Moving or running away from you as you approach Having intense, wide eyes or eyes that are staring at you[4] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Pinning his ears (moving them back against his head)[5] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Tense muscles[6] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Bearing his teeth or trying to nip at you[7] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Rearing up on his legs or kicking[8] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Flicking tail repeatedly in aggressive fashion, often with back legs stomping.
It actually is a myth that horses prefer one side over the other. It is us humans that over the years have developed a habit of doing everything from the left, training and desensitizing to the left, but forgetting about the other side. A horse will approach one another in the wild without a care in the world about which side they are approaching. You do, though, want to make sure you are setting both you and the horse up for success. Use a gentle, even walking pace. Try to stay relaxed, as horses are good at picking up on subtle signs of tenseness. Make no effort to hide yourself or the noise of your feet. Don’t stare the horse in the eyes. This can be interpreted as a threat. Instead, look at its knee as you approach.
It actually is a myth that horses prefer one side over the other. It is us humans that over the years have developed a habit of doing everything from the left, training and desensitizing to the left, but forgetting about the other side. A horse will approach one another in the wild without a care in the world about which side they are approaching. You do, though, want to make sure you are setting both you and the horse up for success. Use a gentle, even walking pace. Try to stay relaxed, as horses are good at picking up on subtle signs of tenseness. Make no effort to hide yourself or the noise of your feet. Don’t stare the horse in the eyes. This can be interpreted as a threat. Instead, look at its knee as you approach.
As mentioned above, the horse’s left side is generally preferable to the right.
As mentioned above, the horse’s left side is generally preferable to the right.
You should do this no matter what direction you approach the horse from, but it’s even more crucial if you’re forced to approach the horse from a direction besides the front. Since the horse may not see you right away, it’s important to let it know you’re coming with your voice.
If the horse doesn’t seem to want to smell your hands, don’t continue to bother it. Instead, just withdraw your hands and continue to the next steps.
Apples, carrots, and horse treats are all great options. [11] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Bloat can be created by several factors, some of which include even small amounts of foods that horse is not used to eating, foods that the horse could be allergic to, or, foods that are eaten at the wrong times. A few processed foods, or even some wild plants growing in the area, can be poisonous to horses too. Another consideration is that the owner may have the horse on a specialty diet or medications, and some treats can interfere with with absorption of certain medications or supplements. These are all good and valid reasons to check with the owner before giving their horses a treat. Offer your treat to the horse by placing it in your palm, keeping your fingers completely flat. This keeps the horse from accidentally biting your fingers. Let the horse take the treat from you. Don’t insist on giving it the treat if it doesn’t seem to want it. Note that treats make some horses snappy - some will become rude very fast if they get treats for no reason, it has to be given immediately after a desirable behaviour AND accompanied by the verbal cue to eat it. It can also lead to horse’s refusing to go with you unless you have a treat, not great. Small amounts of many common fruits and vegetables make great treats for horses. For example, most horses will enjoy a carrot or a few apple slices. [12] X Research source
Use a rubbing or a gentle scratching motion — never a slapping or patting motion, which most horses do not like. [13] X Research source
Most halters have a small loop that slips over the horse’s muzzle with a larger loop that latches either behind the horse’s ears or underneath its jaw. Slip a lead rope around the horse’s neck before you get started so you’ll have something to hold on to if it won’t cooperate.
There are two popular styles for saddling a horse: Western and English. See the link above for directions on both.
There are two popular styles for saddling a horse: Western and English. See the link above for directions on both.
Have an elevation above the ground for new riders when getting on the horse, like steps or something of the sort.
This guide is also a great place for beginners to start.
Staying a generous distance away when they are behind or to the side of a horse. Depending on the size of the horse, this “safe distance” can vary, so give the horse plenty of room, especially when directly behind it. Staying close to the horse and maintaining contact. Keep a hand on the horse and speak to it with a gentle tone of voice. If you are very close to the horse, it will still be able to kick you, but it won’t have enough space to use its full force, so the potential for injury is lower.
Thrusting anything into the horse’s face (remember that it has a blind spot in front of its nose) Running towards the horse Slapping or striking the horse in any way
Loud clapping, yelling, or screaming Guns being shot Loud music Loud machines (chainsaws, dirt-bikes, etc. ) When possible, loud natural noises (e. g. , thunder)
