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| Master Horse Handling: Safe Techniques for Catching and Turning Out Equines |
Riding and working with horses can be immensely rewarding, but it does come with inherent risks. When not practiced properly, horse handling can result in injury to both the human and animal. However, by following key safety guidelines, you can ensure safe interactions for all. This comprehensive guide from Young Rider magazine, with help from the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), covers best practices for two fundamental aspects of horse handling: catching and turning out horses.
Approaching Horses: Steps for Safe Catching
Catching a horse sets the tone for the rest of your handling and riding experience. Move too quickly or aggressively, and you may startle the horse and make it more difficult to catch and handle going forward. Alternatively, if you confidently yet gently approach the horse, it will be more compliant for the remainder of the session. Here's how to properly catch a horse:
Gear Up
Before approaching your equine companion, assemble any necessary supplies:
- Halter and lead rope: Essential for controlling the horse once caught
- Grooming tools (if grooming afterward): Helps the horse associate being caught with a positive experience
- Safety equipment: Hard hat, boots, medical kit
- Treats (optional): Can incentivize the horse to approach you
Also, mentally prepare yourself to interact with a large, powerful animal. Set an intention to move slowly, calmly, and with confidence.
Initiate Contact
When ready, enter the horse's enclosure or field quietly - loud noises or quick movements may startle the horse. Stand sideways several feet from the horse's shoulder, avoiding its blind spots directly behind or in front. Extend your hand palm down so the horse can sniff and recognize you. Speak softly to comfort the horse before attempting to touch it.
Approach from the Left
Once the horse seems relaxed, slowly approach its left shoulder. This ensures you are in the horse's field of vision and avoids its powerful hind legs on its right side. If the horse moves away or shows signs of distress like swishing its tail or pinning ears back, pause your approach and give it more time to acclimate to your presence.
Make Contact
When alongside the shoulder, gently scratch or rub the horse's neck to reassure it. Maintain slow gestures and calm tones. Then smoothly slide your hand along the neck toward the poll behind the ears. Swiftly slip a halter over the horse's head or attach a loose lead around the neck before he can shy away. Handle the head and mouth as minimally as possible to avoid irritating or frightening the horse.
Be Patient
Some horses may never accept touching right away, especially independent or mistreated ones. For extremely wary horses, retreat and occupy yourself at a distance until the horse voluntarily approaches to investigate. This "draw-in" technique leverages horses' innate curiosity to gradually build trust over multiple sessions. Never chase or lunge at the horse, which exacerbates fearfulness.
Safely Turning Out Equines
Releasing horses into a field or enclosure also requires care to prevent injury or behavioral issues. Here are tips for safe turnout procedures:
Maintain Control
Even for short distances, always lead an equine with a lead rope for management. Relying solely on a halter if the horse spooks provides inadequate control and risks the horse breaking away or causing harm while fleeing in panic.
Move Through Gates Calmly
Guide the equine through gates or openings slowly and methodically. Pulling against you or rushing through teaches bad manners and bossy behavior. Once past the threshold, turn the horse to face you while propping the gate open behind you.
Detach Respectfully
With the horse standing quietly and gates secured, unsnap the lead rope and remove the halter. Never slap, chase, or allow the horse to yank away, which can provoke distressed bucking or kicking and create avoidance behaviors down the line. Simply stand neutrally and allow the horse to voluntarily walk away.
Remove All Equipment
For maximum safety, completely remove all tack once released. Halters left on in fields and paddocks risk becoming snagged and entrapping horses. Often, this causes severe injuries or death if not noticed promptly. For difficult-to-catch horses requiring halted turnout, utilize breakaway leather straps on the crownpiece to detach if hooked.
Follow these preventative steps, and you can enjoy stress-free, harmonious horsemanship experiences for years to come. Need more guidance? Reference the CHA's Composite Horsemanship Manual for their complete, professionally-designed horsemanship curriculum.