by Rebecca K.

Created on: March 29, 2010   Last Updated: March 30, 2010

It is true horses must have stable manners, but it is equally as important for a human to know how to act and communicate while around horses. There are certain do's and don't every horse person has learned over the years either by finding it out the hard way, or by someone of experience teaching them what to do. I can help with the latter so you can avoid the former situation. Horses are wonderful to be around, but we must know how to act around them.

Probably the biggest thing to remember around horses if you're new is: don't spook them. Horses are prey/flight animals and some are more prone to reacting than others to loud sounds or sudden movements. Always approach a horse from the front or side so that they can see you coming. It's a good idea to speak quietly and in a soothing tone so that they know you are there. Many horses can spook and injure a person without intention, they simply were caught off guard.

Always stay away from the kick zone. The kick zone is located directly behind the horse's rear and extends out to the side a few feet even. If you need to work with a hind leg or something, approach the horse's shoulder and gradually run a hand back toward the flank and down the leg, then ask them to pick the hoof. Always speak to the horse so they know you're there and tell the horse what you want such as "Pick" or "Stand."

People also need to keep extra watch over their kids when they're around horses. Many of us know this, but some become too relaxed. Even the kindest old horse can injure a child by accident so, they are never "baby sitters."  Make sure your kids know to be quiet around horses to keep themselves safe and not to spook other rider's horses. I was at a boarding barn where a woman allowed her kids to leave their tricycles in the barn aisle and let them go into pastures unsupervised.

Things like this not only endanger other horses and riders, but more importantly your child can get hurt! So please, next time you're at a friends house riding their horse, or at a lesson stable, keep these key points in mind: speak soothingly, always make your approach known and stay out of the kick zone. These are the basic elements of horse sense.

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