Every start can be nerve-racking, and when it comes to horse riding or handling, it can be even more as you’re dealing with an animal.
Horses are amazing and mostly friendly creatures, but they can also be dangerous when you handle them without the knowledge or don’t take precautions, and knowing how to approach horses is one of them.
As passionate riders, instructors, and long-time horse owners at Touch of Chrome Paints, we want to help everyone have a wonderful equine experience, whether they’re just starting their journey with horses or have years of practice.
Below, we’ve shared the essential steps on how to approach a horse, whether for experts or beginners, for horse riding. Read on!
Steps to Approach a Horse for the First Time:
When people visit our horse ranch, we always prioritize giving horse handling instructions for their safety. How to approach horses is part of that, and you’ll be delighted to know it is easy, which is why our rides are fun for all ages. We’ve summarized that knowledge in four easy steps, which are the following:
1. Assess the Horse’s Body Language:
Similar to how we avoid talking to someone who appears irritated, it can be unsafe to approach a horse when it is anxious. You want to assess the horse’s body language before attempting to approach it. Make your move when the horse is calm, and refrain from getting close when you notice signs of defensiveness. Below are some of the horses’ mood indicators:
Signs of a Relaxed Horse:
- Lowered head
- Relaxed ears
- Soft eyes
Signs of an Aggressive Horse:
- Pinned-back ears
- Tightened or arched neck
- Bob their head
- Tuckened hind
2. Stay in their Field of Vision:
When we look at the strong and huge size of horses, we do not tend to think of a horse as prey animals, but they are. That factor gives them distinctive physical traits, which are key to understanding how to approach a horse.
Horses don’t have eyes in the front of their head like other animals that are predators, but rather on the sides, which creates blind spots. There are three of them: below the neck, directly on the back of the horse, and at the front. Standing in these blindspots may be dangerous, which is why we should always maintain eye contact, staying in their field of vision at all times.
The best way to implement the above is to approach the horse from an angle. Make sure it always has an eye or an ear looking at you.
3. Approach the Horse from the Safest Spot:
Once you’ve made sure your equine friend is aware of your presence and knows where you’re at, you can finally approach it. Establishing contact before riding a horse is key for a safe and smooth riding experience, and when you do so, you want to do it as gently and confidently as possible.
When you touch a horse, you should always start from its shoulder area. This is the safest spot because it allows the horse to see you clearly and is less likely to trigger a defensive response. When you touch the horse, do it with your two hands at all times, which serves as protection if you need to push away from the horse.
As you touch the horse, make sure to speak softly with it to reassure it of your presence. Horses can get startled by loud noises. Keeping a low voice is best. Additionally, if there will be movement from your part around the horse, try to keep a hand on him softly at all times so that it knows where you’re at.
4. Leaving the Horse:
It’s important to know not only how to approach horses but also how to leave them. To depart from the horse, gently push off with both hands, taking care not to startle or upset the animal. Then, take two steps back to create distance between yourself and the horse. This gradual departure allows the horse to understand that the interaction is ending without feeling threatened.
Now You’re Equipped with Safe Horse Handling Practices!
Next time you meet or approach a horse, you’ll know exactly what to do. Having that confidence is not only great for your safety but also for the horse, as it establishes trust between both.
If you want to test your new horse-handling skills and meet some of the friendliest horses out there, we invite you to visit our ranch at Crowley, Texas. At Touch of Chrome Paints, we offer an amazing trail riding experience that prioritizes your safety.