HANDLING LARGE ANIMALS SAFELY
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380-BKI-01-IAOT © 2022, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca
BASIC HORSE BEHAVIOR
Horses detect danger through their vision, sense of smell and keen sense of hearing. They have wide
angle vision. But they also have blind spots directly behind and in front of themselves.
For example, when it lifts its head and pricks its ears, it is focusing on something far away. The horse
lowers its head when focusing on low, close objects. Keep these blind spots in mind and know where
your horse's attention is focused so you do not scare it.
Your horse's ears will give you clues. They will point in the direction in which its attention is focused.
Ears that are "laid back," or flattened backward, warn you that the horse is getting ready to kick or bite.
Always work with calm but deliberate movements around horses. Nervous handlers can make horses
nervous and create unsafe situations.
APPROACHING THE HORSE
When catching a horse, approach from its left shoulder. Move slowly but confidently, speaking to the
horse as you approach. Read the horse's intention by watching its body language.
Be careful when approaching a horse that is preoccupied such as when its head is in a hay manger.
When approaching a horse in a stall, speak to the horse to get its attention and wait until it turns and
faces you before entering. Make sure the horse moves over before you walk in beside it.
Speak to your horse and keep your hands on it when moving around it. Even if a horse is aware of your
presence, it can be startled by quick movements.
When approaching from the rear, advance at an angle speaking to the horse making sure you have its
attention. Touch it gently as you pass by its hindquarters.
LEADING THE HORSE
Hold the lead line with your right hand, 8 to 10 inches away from the horse's head, while holding the end,
or bight, of the line with your left hand. Always use a lead line so you have this safety zone and to prevent
getting a hand caught in the halter.
Teach your horse to walk beside you so that you are walking at its left shoulder, with your right elbow
near the horse's shoulder, so you can anticipate its actions.
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