Best Ways to Pet Your Horse

Horses are friendly creatures who appreciate attention. Understanding your horse's body language helps in giving insight into how to approach and interact with it. Your horse reacts differently to physical touch, and you do not want to upset or scare it away. That's why it is so important to first understand how to safely approach and pet a horse before doing it.

Approach it From the Side

It is always best to approach the horse from the side rather than from the front. This way, the horse can see you arriving at the edge of its vision and would less likely misunderstand your presence as aggressive.

Find Spots That Feel Good to the Horse

Spend time looking for itchy spots on your horse where they enjoy being touched. Most horses enjoy being scratched at the base of the neck, behind the ears, the chest, below its belly, or around the base of the tail.

Rub it with Your Hands Firmly

Using your hands, rub the sides of your horse in a solid rhythmical pattern without tickling it. Relax and portray calmness so that you won't startle the horse. Strong strokes on the itchy spots of your horse also help relieve muscle tension.

Pet Your Horse for a Few Minutes

Don't overdo it. Instead, rub the horse for a short while so that it feels better and more joyful. Quit petting the horse if it backs away or appears disinterested.