Text Box: Home Page SAFETY AROUND HORSES Although our horses are basically very friendly, remember they are big heavy animals and must be treated with respect. Never fool around or play about in the stables. Always remember, horses have minds of their own and however well trained, can never be completely predictable. The following is a list of safe procedures to be followed by everyone handling horses. The cardinal rule is Don't startle the horses. Let them know you are there by talking to them quietly and calmly and all movement around them should be made gently and deliberately. All our horses love attention and enjoy the fuss everyone makes of them, but they can be jealous and aggressive towards each other. Therefore always make sure the horses know you are there, especially when you are between two of them. Make sure they don't mistake your movements for those of another horse. Do not feed titbits to a horse unless you have been shown how, and never when other horses are in the close vicinity. Jostling among animals of this size and weight can present a real danger. If you ever feel a horse is "grumpy", leave it alone and tell an instructor. Approaching these horses from behind is safe provided they know you are there. They would not knowingly kick a person but might be startled by a sudden movement or touch from behind if you don't warn them by speaking to them first. Never bend down around a horse's legs unless you have been shown how to do so correctly. Always keep your head as high as possible when grooming a horse's legs and never sit on the floor alongside them when grooming. You could be accidentally trampled. Wear your riding hat while working with horses (grooming, picking out feet etc). Don't untie ropes from the wall. They are adjusted for the right length for each horse and if they are put back incorrectly, the horse may get caught up in the rope and injure somebody or itself in the resulting panic. If you wish to lead a horse from its stall, unclip its tie rope at the headcollar and put on a new lead rope. Do not change horses from one stall to another. Don't leave things lying on top of the stalls. They may fall down and startle the horses. Don't climb on the stalls or sit on the walls. You could fall or be pushed off by a horse and injured.