A little know-how goes a long way.
Even people who have handled horses all of their lives may not have
learned the basics. Nikki Ferwerda, who manages Texas A&M's horse
center, offers the following tips:
Carry the lead rope loose in your hand for safety,
not wrapped around your arm.
Tie a horse above its eye level. Give it enough rope to
move its head but not so much that it could tangle its feet.
Use a slip knot so you can let go easily just in case.
Choose a halter material that works best for your horse.
"I like cotton rope for halters because it's easy on your
hands, but it won't last long if your horse chews it,"
Ferwerda says. "We use polyester rope here at the center."
Make the horse's left side "home base" for all actions.
Keep a hand on your horse when brushing so you can
push away if it becomes upset. Brush areas where the
horse is most comfortable first, then go from there.
Walk either way behind the horse, completely out of
reach, or close around back if you know it's gentle. Keep
your hands on the horse at all times so it knows where
you are. Do not walk in "middle ground" where a horse
can take a hard kick at you.