approaching horses in field

[Cobi]

Basically I help at a riding school, learnt ALOT and really enjoy it, its made my mind up i definitely want and CAN care for my own one day.

Anyhow my query is when approaching a certain mare in the feild, she usually has her 'boyfriend' standing near by and i often wonder about him when he looks at me. I have been informed he is completely safe and has never objected to her being taken away from the field before he is and to just walk past him etc.

But it got me thinking, I don't know when he feels happy for me to be around him and if he was to ever react, or if a different horse even in a different scenerio would react, how would i handle the situation? I guess i don't know alot about their body language, other than ears down.

Is their signs i should be looking out for that show me their happy / not happy for me to be in their space?

Anyway i am babbling now so thanks for any tips you can give me

 

[LaurenBay]

Ears back, tail swishing and stomping legs are all signs of aggression. You can also see that they are tense.

If he were to challenge you, I would put him back in his place. Make yourself tall and if he walks torwards you, I would ignore unless he has his ears back. He may just be simply coming over to say hello to you. If he approaches with his ears back, I would face torwards him and say "AH" in short sharp tone. If thats not enough to put him off you may need to flick your arm at him. You can also use a heacollar if you have one in your hand. Although don't smack him with it, just use it to shoo him away.

When approaching Horses in a field (mine included) I will always say something outloud, so that I don't sneak up on them and make them jump. None of the Horses are people aggresive, but I do have one that has no respect for peoples space. I push him away and flick the headcollar at him if he comes near me. Usually works.

 

[Montyforever]

You should be looking out for pacing, ears back, snaking their head/neck and them turning around to face you with their bum. You have horses that will warn you but some horses just instantly react!
My mare didn't bother telling me she didn't like the fly spray she just launched and took a chunk out of me

 

[Ibblebibble]

good question i think the best way to learn about horses body language is to watch how they interact with eachother, they can sometimes be quite obvious but also very very subtle it's even better if you have someone with you who can explain and point out signals to you so that you understand what you are seeing

as for tips on how to handle horses in different situations, first and foremost you're own safety is top priority, if you're catching a horse you've never dealt with wear a hat and gloves!!

 

[brucethegypsycob]

good question i think the best way to learn about horses body language is to watch how they interact with eachother, they can sometimes be quite obvious but also very very subtle it's even better if you have someone with you who can explain and point out signals to you so that you understand what you are seeing

as for tips on how to handle horses in different situations, first and foremost you're own safety is top priority, if you're catching a horse you've never dealt with wear a hat and gloves!!

and boots please.

 

[fburton]

Gosh, how does one gain this knowledge or awareness if not through experience?

Horses nearly always give some visible warning before they act on their feelings or intentions - which often involves ear position but may be something more subtle like increased muscle tension in the face as well. One has to learn to see that, and to be vigilant for this appearing only when you are close. Don't be discouraged though - we've all had to start learning this stuff somewhere!

If someone has said the gelding is safe, I would trust their judgement and allow yourself to be confident around him. The best way to feel is relaxed and aware of what's going on around you. Spending some time with him might help you to get to know each other and banish any uncertainty you might have at the moment.

 

[fburton]

Ears back, tail swishing and stomping legs are all signs of aggression. You can also see that they are tense.

Yes, they certainly can be - though of course horses also swish their tails and stomp when bothered by flies. Okay, this is obvious but it is something for Cobi to bear in mind...

 

[*hic*]

Cobi, your best bet is to take someone sensible and used to the horse into the field with you and ask them to talk you through how each of the horses is reacting. They can see the mannerisms as they happen and explain. I have one who puts his ears back but if treated as LaurenBay suggests would attack and try and kill you, his reaction is rare among horses but it does happen. You need someone to explain to you what is going through their head, with examples in front of you.

 

[Fellewell]

I would hope that a reputable school wouldn't send you into a paddock with an aggressive gelding.

Perhaps ask for some lunging lessons. It will help you get a feel for using pressure to move/control horses at a distance. When you have a sense of moving them at a pace you decide it will hopefully give you more confidence.

Groundwork is just as important as ridden work IMO.

He's probably looking at you because you're looking at him

 

[Ibblebibble]

and boots please.

well yes i was hoping that Cobi wasn't going to take me literally and be naked apart from hat and gloves!!!!!

 

[Cobi]

Thanx for all the replies everyone! Some really great tips and ideas. The YM went with me lots of times when I first started helping out and pointed out their ways etc. Also we never go to the field alone either which is always best, safety in numbers!!

LaurenBay - thnx for the tips, will remember that!

The best way to feel is relaxed and aware of what's going on around you. Spending some time with him might help you to get to know each other and banish any uncertainty you might have at the moment.

-thats a good idea, I don't deal much with him so I might suggest I spend more time with him so we can become friends!

I would hope that a reputable school wouldn't send you into a paddock with an aggressive gelding.

- he hasn't been aggressive towards me nor have I seen him be aggressive to others, Its just a feeling I get when I am catching 'his' mare, the look he gives me makes me feel uneasy sometimes but like you say, he is probaby looking at me because i am looking at him!!

thanx again guys, its really useful this forum

 

[Cobi]

well yes i was hoping that Cobi wasn't going to take me literally and be naked apart from hat and gloves!!!!!

haha I don't think ANYONE wants to see that, n those poor horses would certainly give me a weird look!!!

haha