by Julia Farmer

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: February 09, 2011

When you walk into someone's stable, treat it with respect. Just because it is a barn, it is not a drop off place for children to run around unattended while a parent rides. If your dog is allowed, keep Fido on a leash. Some horses will shy at a dog running by or coming up barking behind. If it is not your horse, do not feed it treats. If a horse is foundered or has a very special diet, unknown treats can be very dangerous.

Ask permission before petting a strange horse. Have you ever been cleaning out a hind hoof only to have your headshy horse go crazy because someone was trying to pet his face? Use common sense around horses. Never approach a horse from behind and startle him. Horses can not see directly behind and can kick in reflex to a pat. Always speak or whistle when approaching just to be safe.

Never hand feed treats. The safest way is to place the treats in the feed bucket. Horses can not see under their noses. You may get a misplaced nip while handfeeding a treat. Plus you are teaching the horse to bite. At feeding time make your horse be respectful. Don't let him crowd you at the stall door with his ears pinned back. He needs to learn to be patient. Feeding hay first will give him someting to do. Teach your horse to back away when you enter the stall with feed. Go to the feed bucket with the horse waiting for you to leave. Or, if you want, you can stand and pat him on the neck. Some horses resent anyone in their stall when they are eating, so be careful.

When turning your horse loose to play in the pen, always, always lead the horse throught the gate. Turn the horse back around to face you. Back him off a few steps so you are not against the gate. (You need space to back away when you take the halter off.) Remove the halter and back away all in one movement. Some horses move away like no big deal. Some turn and kick out in play and take off running. Always remember safety first. Don't get careless.

Horses are big, fast animals. They have a prey herd instinct that takes over. Horses are the most beautiful creatures on earth. It is up to us to care for them to best of our abilities.

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