Get to know your horse

Always work close to your horse. If you are near her shoulder you won't be struck with the full force of her feet. Nor will you receive the full force of a kick when you work about the haunches or pass behind you horse if you stay close to the body.

Know your horse, her temperament and reactions. Control your temper at all times, but be firm. Always let a horse know what you intend to do. When picking up the feet for example, do not grab the foot hurriedly. This will startle the horse and may cause it to kick. When lifting the foot, touch the shoulder or hind quarter and then run your hand down the leg. When you get to the fetlock say"up" and squeeze the joint. The horse should pick up her foot for you. Work about a horse from a position as near the shoulder as possible. Never stand directly behind a horse or directly in front of her. To work with its tail, stand off to the side, near the point of the buttock, facing to the rear. Grasp the tail and draw it to you.

Be calm, and confident and collected around horses. A nervous handler can make a nervous horse. Do not drop grooming tools under foot while grooming. Place them where you will not trip on them and they will not be stepped on by the horse. Don't tease your horse. Teasing may cause it to develop dangerous habits for the rest of its life. Avoid feeding the horse treats from your hand frequently.

Punish a horse only at the instant it disobeys. If you wait, even for a minute, it will not understand why it is being punished. Punish without anger or your punishment may be too severe. Never strike a horse on its head.

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