All about horses

Part One

It is very important that your horse has good manners and does not push you around and get into your space.

Horses are very large and strong animals and they can hurt you! Therefore you should be sure not to put yourself in a position where you can be knocked down, pushed ,kicked,

struck (rearing with front legs coming toward you ) or even hit in the head .

Horses should be taught to work nicely around people when they are young but unfortunately this is not always the case.

If you are dealing with a horse that is not trained and calm when being handled you must be realistic and only put yourself in a win-win situation.

This may start with stabling the horse in a big box stall that is well made and escape proof.

The walls should be solid and at least 10 feet high .

The stall should have a full door .

A sturdy solid round pen may also work well .

First the horse must accept the halter and lead rope.

It will take some time to halter him but use some hay or grass to get him to be quiet enough .

Make sure that you know how to put on and adjust the halter correctly so that you can be quick enough but not rushing around.

Practice on a well trained horse if need be .

After haltering use your hands to pat and massage the horse speaking in a soft voice .

Then try a soft brush .

If he is nervous he will be fidgety and might step on you .

Use the halter to ask him to bring his head down to you but if he pulls away DON’T try to hold him on the spot go away with him and try again.

You must be very patient!

Have a small sturdy crop to tap him away from you .

Start with small taps and continue to add pressure and sound of the flapper and say “over or out”with a sharper pitch in your voice .

Be sure to wear hard boots and a helmet if he is very wild.

Don’t allow the horse to bring his head overtop of yours.

This could result in you “seeing stars”because their heads weight a lot!