When you first meet a horse, how do you start a simple conversation? Did you ever think about it? I never did. It was just something that came naturally. I guess I usually start with a compliment like – “Hi handsome, or beautiful” as I gently extend my hand to let them smell me, and I touch them lightly.

Have you ever noticed that most people will go to touch a horses face? That is somewhat threatening to a horse. I usually just touch their shoulder or neck. Same thing when you walk up to a horse; never come head on, come from the shoulder area. They can very well see you.

How about when you see your horse during the day? When I see them in the morning I will always say Good Morning, how are you today? Your demeanor, voice, and energy will reassure them, and give them an idea of what you have in mind. Of course they are hoping it’s breakfast.

When walking up to them to do anything, clean, tack, apply meds, I always let them see, and smell what I have in my hands. No surprises. That is unless I have a horse that doesn’t like to be wormed. Then I’ll come up, show them my empty hand, come along side of them, stroke their muzzle and zap it in their mouths. Then I pet them, tell them how wonderful they are and move on to the next victim, I mean horse.

Did you ever think about how you greet people, or people greet you? Same difference. Do you like it when someone strides up, with intention, right up to your face and starts a conversation? Or do you like a casual walk up with a smile and a pleasant greeting? A strong aggressive person can put you on the defensive, like what does he want or what is she up to? Remember a horse is more in tune to that scenario than a human is. Their heads will come up, and their necks will tense up.

Once a fight or flight animal, always a fight or flight animal. They can become more comfortable with us over time, but we can always make a good first impression. We also need plenty of options in our bag of tricks.