Home Horses & Other Equines Notes on handling horses

Notes on handling horses

When driving or moving horses
  • Give the horses somewhere to go.
  • Position yourself behind the driving line .
  • If you move left the horse will move right.
  • More movement from you (either quicker, closer or sharper) will produce more movement from the horse.
  • Keep your adrenaline down.
When leading horses
  • Be positive.
  • Know what you want the horse to do.
  • Keep your adrenaline down.
  • Use slow consistent and fluent movements when dealing with the horse.
  • Raising your hand can help with directing movement.
Loading horses onto a float or truck
  • Check internal and external features of float to ensure they are safe.
  • Check the partitions and attachments before the horse enters so you are aware of how they work.
  • Lead the horse up the ramp positively.
  • Secure the petitions and or back chains.
  • Raise Tailgate.
  • Tie the horse with sufficient rope to prevent the horse turning or touching the neighbouring horse using a quick release knot.
Unloading horses from a float or truck
  • Untie the horse.
  • Lower the tailgate.
  • Release the petition and back chains.
  • Lead the horse out of the float or truck.
  • Check the horse is sound and unharmed.
When you leave a horse in a paddock or enclosure
  • Make sure the area is safe. (the Fencing is safe and high enough, gates are closed and there is nothing for the horses to get tangled in)
  • The horse has access to water and food (a minimum of either hay or grass)
  • The horse has the halter taken off so it cannot get caught on anything. (leather halters can be left on)

Equus Education (NZ) LTD www.equuseducation.com 025 883 482 Leigh Wills , Jo Osborne