General Horse Content - General Horse Training Tips

Always approach your horse from his front in a diagonal pattern so that he sees you coming. If you approach in a straight line directly in front of his nose he may not be able to see you as well (remember that unlike ours, horses' eyes are set to the side and monocular). Never approach a horse from the rear as he can startle easily and has plenty of room to send a devastating kick your way.

Telegraph your movements and intentions slowly and methodically so that you do not catch your horse by surprise. If you want to lift his front leg then slowly trace your hand down the length of his leg, don't just snatch his ankle. If you want to grab his tail you would trace your hand along the length of his back, up his rear thigh and finally grab his tail.

Try not to position yourself directly in front or directly to the rear of a horse as both positions are easy strike zones. If you wish to brush a horse's tail, for example, stand parallel to his rear haunch and draw his tail to you. The safest place near a horse is parallel to his shoulder or haunch. In this position a horse's ability to kick you is effectively neutered.