by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: April 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

SAFETY AND SANITY

A sign hangs outside the stables where our horses live. It reads: "Stable Customers Only." Fairly often, as we observe interpersonal interactions at the stables, we beg to differ with the sign. It seems to be selectively enforced.

What manners are commonly expected at horse stables? How should humans behave around horses?

APPROACHING HORSES

When approaching a horse, it's important to remember that an equine has bilateral vision. With his eyes set on either side of his head, a horse is able to perceive nearly a complete 360-degree field of vision. However, the horse does have two basic blind spots, directly behind and directly in front of him.

Humans who spend time with horses understand the importance of walking towards a horse at a slight angle, whenever possible, so that the horse can see them clearly. Because horses in the wild are prey animals, rather than predators, their startling instinct is powerful. By avoiding surprising horses, humans can maintain safer and calmer interactions with them.

If a human must approach a horse from the rear, that person should speak calmly while approaching. As he nears the horse, he should pat the equine's hind quarters with one hand, to signal his presence. While doing so, the human should try to stand off to one side, just in case the horse should still be surprised or angry enough to kick out behind him.

AVOIDING SUDDEN MOVEMENTS

Steady and gradual movements are essential around horses. Anything that suddenly or noisily appears can startle a horse. Scared or surprised horses can be unpredictable. When this happens, both horses and people can be endangered. Preventing such mishaps is important in the stable.

INTRODUCING YOURSELF

How do horses in the field introduce themselves to one another? They sniff and smell each other. Humans can capitalize on this natural communication by allowing horses to sniff a hand. Once a horse is able to recognize a certain person's scent, then that horse will likely become more comfortable with that individual.

In some horsey circles, allowing a horse to smell one's hand is called "shaking hands with the horse." In terms of human-equine communication, it is the polite thing to do.

READING BODY LANGUAGE

Horses share a commonly recognized vocabulary of body language. Recognizing this is a major part of smart stable behavior.

For example, if a horse pins his ears back against his neck, he is expressing his anger and intention to bite or kick.

If he stands quietly with both of his ears pointing

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