When walking around a horse, be sure to always touch them and speak to them so that the animal knows exactly where you are located. Avoid scaring a horse, which could result in a swift kick, with important information from a farm manager in this free video on caring for horses.
The most important thing to keep in mind when walking around a horse is to always let the horse know where you're located. Horses usually don't kick you when you walk up behind them because they don't like you. They kick you because you've scared them so always letting know and be aware of your location by touching them on their body and using your voice is very important. Always approach your horse in the head, shoulder area so he's aware of where you are. If you're going to walk around your horse begin place your hand on her shoulder and rub it across his belly and his hind quarters and his butt as you walk around him so he knows exactly what location you are. Do not approach your horse from the rear end. Always approach him from the shoulder. If you approach your horse from the rear end and not at the shoulder and the horse's become spooked, he will kick you and then this can cause other problems if he's tight, he'll want to pull back because he's spooked. All horses are different and their different levels of training and stages of life. Some older horses you can walk up behind them and they won't react because they've had this happened to them frequently. It's important to know what's your horse's tolerance is and spook level is. A two year old is more apt to kick you out a fear when approached from behind but don't think the older horses won't do it as well because it is a fear reaction. It is very important to monitor young children around horses at all times but especially when they're in close proximity because they are lower and then the horses eye line of view and when they run up behind them the horses have to see him in less time than an adult.
Specialty: Horse Health
