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Horse Safety When You're Working With the Horse

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When working with a horse, take extra care to make sure that they stay calm and you stay safe. Here are a few tips to follow to help with that:

• Request permission from the owner of a horse before trying to pet or play with a horse. You are not familiar with any fears the horse may have.
• Don’t pet the horse’s face unless you know that he likes that. Put them gently; whisper and blow on them until they give you permission to get friendlier.
• Never sneak up on a horse. Let him know of your presence with your voice and touch. If you are walking behind him, continue to touch him and let him know where you are.
• Speak in a calm and comforting voice. You should soothe him rather than scare him.
• Lead the horses into the barn rather than letting them run in together. It may take more time, but it will keep all the horses safe.
• Lead the horse by a rope rather than the halter, in order to prevent them from getting away.
• Teach your horse the proper way to load into a trailer; and don’t get into that trailer while he’s loading.
• Hold the horse’s leg up in a position that will be comfortable for him while cleaning the hooves. Don’t pull it to the side.
• Set the hoof back down rather than dropping it, in order to avoid injury. Carelessness can not only hurt the horse; if the horse then gets scared or angry, he may also hurt you.
• Keep your feet out of places where they could get stepped on. And once again, you should be wearing strong, enclosed shoes.
• Either stand or squat so that you can move quickly if you need to get out of danger. Sitting and lying should never be an option.
• Make sure that there is plenty of room in between the horse you are working with and any other obstacle. Never pass between the horse’s head and a very near wall.
• Don’t make any sudden movements or sounds that will startle the horse.
• Offer a carrot or other treat with a flat palm. This can keep your fingers intact.
• Watch the ears of the horse to see whether he becomes angry or upset. Being aware of the horse and your surroundings is the first step to staying safe.

Next Page: Safety for the Horse Itself

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