How you approach a horse sets the tone for your entire interaction. Horses are prey animals with keen senses and a flight instinct that has kept them alive for millions of years. Understanding how to approach them safely builds trust and prevents accidents for both you and the horse.
Why Approach Matters
Horses have nearly 360-degree vision, but they have blind spots directly in front of their nose and behind their tail. Approaching from these blind spots can startle even the calmest horse, potentially triggering a defensive reaction like kicking, striking, or bolting.
Additionally, horses are highly attuned to body language. They can sense tension, fear, and intentions through subtle cues in your posture and movement. Approaching with the wrong energy can make a horse anxious before you’ve even touched them.
The Correct Approach
Follow these steps for a safe, horse-friendly approach:
Approach at an angle: Come toward the horse’s shoulder at roughly a 45-degree angle. This keeps you visible in their field of vision while not coming head-on, which some horses find confrontational.
Make your presence known: Speak calmly as you approach so the horse knows you’re coming. A simple “hey buddy” or using their name alerts them without startling them. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
Keep your body language relaxed: Walk with soft, relaxed shoulders and avoid direct, predatory staring. Horses interpret tension and staring as threatening behavior.
Let them see you: Pause a few feet away and let the horse acknowledge you. A relaxed horse will turn an ear toward you or turn to look at you. Wait for this acknowledgment before closing the distance.
Offer your hand: Extend your hand slowly, allowing the horse to sniff and investigate. Avoid reaching directly for their face – many horses dislike this. Let them come to you.
Reading the Horse’s Response
Before and during your approach, watch for signs that tell you how the horse is feeling:
Positive signs (proceed):
- Ears forward or relaxed to the side
- Soft, blinking eyes
- Relaxed posture
- Head at normal height or lowered
- Horse turns to face you or walks toward you
Warning signs (pause or back away):
- Ears pinned flat back
- Wide eyes showing whites
- Raised head, tense neck
- Swishing or raised tail
- Pawing at the ground
- Turning hindquarters toward you
If you see warning signs, stop your approach, speak soothingly, and give the horse time to relax. Never force an interaction with an anxious or defensive horse.
Approaching Horses in Different Situations
In a stall: Speak before entering and wait for the horse to acknowledge you. Enter calmly and approach their shoulder. In a confined space, always stay aware of your exit path.
In a pasture: Walk calmly toward the horse’s shoulder. If they move away, stop and wait or try again later. Chasing makes horses harder to catch over time.
In a group: Be aware of herd dynamics. The horse you’re approaching might move suddenly if another horse comes near. Never walk between horses that seem tense with each other.
Unknown horses: Always ask the owner before approaching unfamiliar horses. Some horses have histories that make them reactive or have specific handling requirements.
Catching a Hard-to-Catch Horse
Some horses run when they see a halter coming. To improve this behavior:
- Approach without a halter sometimes, just to pet them and leave
- Bring treats occasionally so approaching humans is rewarding
- Avoid only catching them for unpleasant activities like vet visits
- Work on approach training in a smaller area before trying in large pastures
- Never chase – this reinforces the escape behavior
Teaching Children to Approach Horses
Children should learn proper approach techniques before interacting with horses. Supervise closely and teach them to:
- Always approach with an adult present
- Walk, never run, around horses
- Speak softly and avoid sudden movements
- Never approach from behind
- Ask before touching any horse
Proper approach skills become second nature with practice. They’re fundamental to safe horse handling and the foundation for building a trusting relationship with any horse you meet.
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