* Safety: Horses have a blind spot directly behind them. Walking directly behind them can make them feel threatened and they could kick out without warning.
* Respect: Standing to the side gives the horse more space and allows them to see you approaching.
While it's generally good to speak softly around horses to avoid startling them, it's not crucial when walking behind them. The most important factor is staying out of their blind spot.
Let me know if you have other questions about horses!