Q&A for How to Approach Your Horse

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  • Question
    How can I show my horse I love him?
    Kate Jutagir
    Equestrian Specialist & Trainer
    Kate Jutagir is an Equestrian Specialist, Hunter/Jumper Trainer, and the Owner of Blackhound Equestrian, a premier training barn located on 65 acres in Castro Valley, California. Originally designed to be a riding school used as a springboard for dedicated students into careers in the sport, Blackhound Equestrian has grown into a hunter/jumper training program for all levels focusing on providing a solid foundation needed for personal advancement in the sport. Kate has over 25 years of equestrian instruction and training experience. Her focus on developing horse and rider partnerships provides a complete equestrian education for both beginners and advanced riders alike.
    Equestrian Specialist & Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Honestly, spending time with them and interacting with them. It doesn't always come down to treats. They don't have the ability to obviously speak to us in a language that we understand. So, the best thing you can do is really work on understanding your horse's language — and they'll let you know pretty quickly what they like and what they don't like.
  • Question
    When haltering a horse, do I clip the lead rope around its neck?
    Community Answer
    Do not clip the lead rope but if the horse is prone to struggle with putting a halter on, then loosely hang the lead rope around its neck so that it doesn't make a run for it. When you are done, then simply clip the lead rope to the ring under the chin and remove the rest from the neck. Always hold a lead rope with two hands.
  • Question
    Every time I go in the pasture to get my horse he runs away, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Approach him diagonally from the front because he could get nervous if he can't see you well from directly in front. Let him know you're there by speaking calmly to him. You can bring a treat and wait for him to come to you. Follow the rest of the steps in this article.
  • Question
    Can a horse sense that I'm sad?
    Maddy Vaudin
    Community Answer
    I believe that they can. Whenever I'm around my favorite pony, she acts differently when I'm sad. She almost tries to comfort me. That being said, I think it depends on whether the horse knows you or not, and whether you have a connection.
  • Question
    Do horses like being scratched gently?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the horse. Most horses will let you know if they don't like something, so be careful. They are big animals.
  • Question
    My sister and her husband have a horse and right now, they don't have a fence, so it roams freely near their log cabin. They have a fence to keep him inside their property, but should I be worried?
    Pxny_
    Community Answer
    Yes. Once a tamed horse is in the wilderness, especially far from civilization, it will most likely die.
  • Question
    On what side do you get on a horse?
    Community Answer
    Always approach your horse from the left side and left side only.
  • Question
    I see many people walking behind horses but don’t get kicked, why is that?
    Equestriangoose
    Top Answerer
    Not all horses are kickers. The horse is simply trusting the person, is used to being walked all around, and knows the person isn't going to hurt them. All horses, however, will kick you if you just go up behind them with no warning. Talking to the horse and humming are great ways to keep the horse calm, and let them know where you are.
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