1. Horse Safety: Handling & Grooming
Stephen R Schafer, EdD University of Wyoming

2. Information Development
Much effort and time was devoted to:
developing accurate/current information
incorporating appropriate pictures/graphics
providing proper credit of pictures/graphics
obtaining user/educational permission
Any and/or all errors, omissions, etc. are
purely unintentional and/or accidental.
This presentation was developed for use as
resource and is provided as an educational
service. User and/or purchase fees are not
associated with this presentation.

3. Handling Approach….with caution (slow is better)
Catch….typically with hand or rope
Halter….gently and carefully
Lead….from left side of horse (known as near side)
Tie….various knots, but should be easy to untie

4. Handling Why tie….and with easy-to-untie knots?????
It is tied for what reason:
Grooming/Clipping/Bath
Grooming, followed by saddling
Hoof care
Tooth care
De-worming
Vaccinations or other health care work
When horse gets scared, it will jerk and pull on its lead rope….making the knot hard to untie

5. Handling Use caution and slowness…..because of eyesight
Drawing: Wyoming 4-H

6. Handling
Safety Zones…..because of eyesight
Drawing: Wyoming 4-H

7. Handling Always give wide clearance….or keep hand on horse
Drawings: Wyoming 4-H

8. Handling Safety/Caution…Red Tail Flag = Kicking Horse
Photo: Unknown Source

9. Safety In Handling Always give wide clearance….or keep hand on horse
Never walk under the neck of the horse
Never get under the belly/abdomen of the horse
Do not use quick movements
Do not yell, scream, or make other loud noises
Always expect the unexpected….easier said than done

10. Grooming Why?????????????????? Safety (for rider and for horse)
Health of the horse (detection and prevention)
Cuts
Swellings
Cracked Hooves
Burrs or whatever in hair, mane, or tail
Appearance of the horse
This is also a good time to check equipment

11. Grooming - Basic Tools Hoof Pick (usually….metal with coated handle)
Curry Comb (typically….rubber, plastic, or metal)
Brushes (have a soft brush and a hard brush)
Mane & Tail Comb/Brush (usually….plastic or metal)
Grooming Cloth (an old towel will work just fine)

12. Grooming - Basic Tools
Drawing: Wyoming 4-H

13. Grooming – Using The Tools
Drawing: Unknown Source

14. Summary: Handling & Grooming
Always use caution when catching a horse
Always be calm/collected when working with a horse
Grooming has many purposes (not just for appearance)
Use the proper grooming tool for the appropriate job
Safety-Handling or Grooming-Expect the Unexpected