Horse Safety:Horse Safety:Handling & Handling & GroomingGrooming

Stephen R Schafer, EdD 2006 University of Stephen R Schafer, EdD 2006 University of WyomingWyoming

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HandlingHandling

Approach….with caution (slow is better)Approach….with caution (slow is better)

Catch….typically with hand or ropeCatch….typically with hand or rope

Halter….gently and carefullyHalter….gently and carefully

Lead….from left side of horse (known as Lead….from left side of horse (known as near sidenear side))

Tie….various knots, but should be easy to Tie….various knots, but should be easy to untieuntie

HandlingHandling

Why tie….and with easy-to-untie Why tie….and with easy-to-untie knots?????knots?????

It is tied for what reason:It is tied for what reason: Grooming/Clipping/BathGrooming/Clipping/Bath Grooming, followed by saddlingGrooming, followed by saddling Hoof careHoof care Tooth careTooth care De-wormingDe-worming Vaccinations or other health care workVaccinations or other health care work

When horse gets scared, it will jerk When horse gets scared, it will jerk and pull on its lead rope….making the and pull on its lead rope….making the knot hard to untieknot hard to untie

HandlingHandling

Use caution and slowness…..because Use caution and slowness…..because of eyesightof eyesight

Drawing: Wyoming 4-H

HandlingHandling

Safety Zones…..because of Safety Zones…..because of eyesighteyesight

Drawing: Wyoming 4-H

HandlingHandling

Always give wide clearance….or keep Always give wide clearance….or keep hand on horsehand on horse

Drawings: Wyoming 4-H

HandlingHandling

Safety/Caution…Red Tail Flag = Safety/Caution…Red Tail Flag = Kicking HorseKicking Horse

Photo: Unknown Source

Safety In HandlingSafety In Handling

Always give wide clearance….or keep hand on Always give wide clearance….or keep hand on horsehorse

Never walk under the neck of the horseNever walk under the neck of the horse

Never get under the belly/abdomen of the horseNever get under the belly/abdomen of the horse

Do not use quick movementsDo not use quick movements

Do not yell, scream, or make other loud noisesDo not yell, scream, or make other loud noises

Always expect the unexpected….easier said than Always expect the unexpected….easier said than donedone

GroomingGrooming

Why??????????????????Why?????????????????? Safety (for rider and for horse)Safety (for rider and for horse) Health of the horse (detection and Health of the horse (detection and

prevention)prevention) CutsCuts SwellingsSwellings Cracked HoovesCracked Hooves Burrs or whatever in hair, mane, or tailBurrs or whatever in hair, mane, or tail

Appearance of the horseAppearance of the horse This is also a good time to check This is also a good time to check

equipmentequipment

Grooming - Basic ToolsGrooming - Basic Tools

Hoof Pick (usually….metal with coated handle)Hoof Pick (usually….metal with coated handle)

Curry Comb (typically….rubber, plastic, or Curry Comb (typically….rubber, plastic, or metal)metal)

Brushes (have a soft brush and a hard brush)Brushes (have a soft brush and a hard brush)

Mane & Tail Comb/Brush (usually….plastic or Mane & Tail Comb/Brush (usually….plastic or metal)metal)

Grooming Cloth (an old towel will work just fine)Grooming Cloth (an old towel will work just fine)

Grooming - Basic ToolsGrooming - Basic Tools

Drawing: Wyoming 4-H

Grooming – Using The Grooming – Using The ToolsTools

Drawing: Unknown Source

Summary:Summary:Handling & GroomingHandling & Grooming

Always use caution when catching a horseAlways use caution when catching a horse

Always be calm/collected when working with a horseAlways be calm/collected when working with a horse

Grooming has many purposes (not just for Grooming has many purposes (not just for appearance)appearance)

Use the proper grooming tool for the appropriate jobUse the proper grooming tool for the appropriate job

Safety-Handling or Grooming-Expect the UnexpectedSafety-Handling or Grooming-Expect the Unexpected