Handling a Horse

Approaching a Horse

1-Approach the horse from the front, at a slight angle from the center of its head so that it can see you clearly. Make sure that the horse hears you and, when you are close enough, hold out out a hand so that it can smell you also.

2-Pat the horse gently on the neck. This physical contact is pleasant for the animal and helps to bond it to you. It also shows the horse that you are not afraid of it.

Putting on a Halter

1-Stand at the horse's head, on the left side, and loop the rope over its neck and down the right side. This gives you control over the horse immediately. Most horses will stand still once they feel the rope.

2-Hold both sides of the halter, and slide the noseband up over the horse's muzzle. If the horse raises its head, move the halter with it so that the halter stays in position on the nose.

3-Use your right hand on the right side of the neck to flip the strap over the horse's poll. Do this calmly. Some horses may be frightened when they feel the strap on the left side of their neck, especially if it is flipped suddenly.

4-Make sure that the strap is fitting snugly just behind the horse's ears before you actually fasten it to the buckle on the cheekpiece. For safety, fasten the buckle with the end of the strap tucked in so that it cannot come undone.

5-Finally, check that the halter fits correctly and alter the buckles if necessary. Make sure that the clip on the lead rope is facing away from the head, or it may pinch the horse's skin.

**Correct Fit-If the halter is too tight it will be uncomfortable; if it is too loose it will not provide safe restraint. The noseband should lie about halfway between the eye and the corner of the mouth, and you should be able to fit at least two fingers under it.