Four Safety Precautions When Working with Horses on the Ground

Horses are unpredictable due to their natural herd instincts, size, speed and strength. Working with horses is inherently dangerous -- you must exercise caution at all times. According to the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, "One in three equestrian-related injuries occur while dismounted." Although more than a few safety precautions exist for working with horses on the ground, four factors stand out, and you should put them on your safety precaution checklist.

  1. Approach Cautiously

    • Avoid startling horses by approaching them with caution, near their shoulder and at a 45-degree angle. Walk calmly, and speak to them gently and reassuringly -- not making unnecessary movements. Don't approach horses directly from the front or from behind, as they have blind spots under their head and behind their tail. Place a hand on their rump so they know where you are when walking behind their hindquarters. Encourage horses to make eye contact with you before advancing. Gently touch and rub their neck and shoulders to put them at ease.

    Handle Carefully

    • Be firm, confident and deliberate. Don't kneel or sit when grooming horses. Keep your feet on the ground in case you need to move out of the way quickly. When grooming horses, use moderate pressure over bony areas, bend at the waist, keep your free hand on the body and work from the shoulder to the back. Don't walk under their head. If you drop grooming equipment, use your foot to kick it out of the way instead of moving underneath them. When cleaning their feet, calmly run your hand down their leg and gently squeeze their fetlock joint, encouraging them to lift their feet.

    Lead Conscientiously

    • Lead horses with an 18 inch to 24 inch lead rope from their left side and in line with their shoulder and approximately 6 to 8 inches away from the chin, extending your right elbow slightly toward their body. Hold the lead rope with your right hand and fold the other end in your left hand. Don't wind the rope around your hand or body. Release horses by turning them around to face you, quietly patting them, removing the halter and calmly allowing them to move on. Release them together, because horses are herd animals, rely on the security of their pasture mates and may panic if left alone.

    Tie Correctly

    • Tie horses away from one other to avoid fighting. Tie them to strong, stationary objects to prevent them from breaking loose. Tie at eye height, leaving approximately 18 to 24-inches of rope between the fixed object and the halter. Don't tie using the reins or with a chain that wraps around the nose or under the jaw -- severe injury may occur. When tying horses, use a quick-release knot or bowline knot, allowing them to break free without injury if they panic.