How To Handle Horse With Respect

Horses may not be pets for many regular folks, but we still need to treat these fine creatures with respect. If you are meeting or riding a horse for the first time, here are a few tips on how to approach horse with care and respect:

• Never approach a horse from behind. It may not see you coming, and may kick out in fear. You could sustain a serious injury.
• When offering a tidbit, make sure you present the food on the flat of your palm, fingers level, so the horse nuzzles the food off. If you hold it upright with your fingers, do not blame the horse if it chomps on your fingers by mistake!
• If a horse flattens its ears, it is either frightened or angry. Steer clear, or you could get bitten.
• Do not yell at or kick these sensitive and intelligent animals to make them gallop.
• Don’t yank on or flick the reins violently, as the metal bit in the horse’s mouth can hurt it. Reins are there mainly to guide—you convey most directions by tapping the horse’s sides with your heels, shifting your body weight in the saddle, and giving firm vocal commands.