Horses are capable of preying on animals.It isn't always easy to catch them, whether for riding or veterinary care.Some horses are tame and others have a wild disposition.You can learn how to catch your horse.You should only catch horses that you own.Don't try to catch a wild horse.The Bureau of Land Management is in charge of wild horses and burros in the US.Don't get in the way of wild horses.
Step 1: The other horses are in the field.
Some horses don't like being alone.If your horse's special friend is caught, she will let herself be caught as well.
Step 2: The halter should be carried in the hand near the horse and farther from it.
Don't try to hide the halter, your goal is to bring the horse under control, not to trick it.You don't want to have to make a sudden move when you need the halter out.
Step 3: The horse should be approached from the side and front.
Don't approach from behind or in front.There are blind spots in front of their noses, under their heads and behind them.You don't want to frighten them with sudden movements or sounds.Don't slap the horse on the back.
Step 4: As you approach the horse, be positive.
Don't say you're anxious or nervous.Don't look at the horse in the eye.The idea is to get the horse curious and interested in you rather than frightened, so stop every so often to pick some grass.Speak to your horse.If she can't see you the whole time, use your voice to let her know that you're approaching.When you are close, rub your horse's shoulder.It will give reassurance.She will get used to your scent if you let her smell your hand.
Step 5: The horse has reactions.
If she starts to move away, slow down.Your horse may be frightened or overwhelmed if his ears are pinned back.Move more slowly and be reassured.If his ears are open, he is interested and you can progress.
Step 6: The horse has a halter over its neck.
Hold it in place with one hand and use the other to halter the horse, moving as slowly as possible.If you want to get the halter over the horse's nose, hold it open.Don't tie a rope around the horse's neck.
Step 7: Don't chase the horse.
You won't outrun a horse.If you are in a large field or a small corral, you don't want your horse to bolt.Wait if the horse is snorting or rearing.Stand, talking quietly or rattling a treat to engage the horse's attention and help him calm down.If your horse is in a dangerous area, you can herd him by placing yourself so that he moves away from you.You may be able to herd him into a corral where he can be more comfortable.Know what you can and can't do.Let a more experienced horse handler lead the way if you can't catch this horse.
Step 8: Your horse needs to be tamed from the time she is a foal.
She wants you to be a member of her herd rather than a predator.Get your foal used to human contact and interaction by touching her and speaking to her.Intervening in the early hours of the foal has not been shown to be effective.
Step 9: Give your horse a reward.
When your horse is caught, give him a food reward.If your horse is unwilling, you might want to reward him with smaller achievements such as standing still as you approach and touching his neck.Although your horse might enjoy getting his withers scratched, food rewards are more effective in training and generating interest in humans.If you know your horse really appreciates a nice scratch or soothing grooming, try rewarding him with that as well.For a week or two, you can limit his food and drink to a small corral.If you open the gate at random intervals, your horse will learn to run when you see him.
Step 10: When you catch your horse, reward him and then let him go, spend time.
You don't want your horse to associate being caught with work or the vet.Catching your horse multiple times and giving him a treat will help build a more positive set of associations.
Step 11: You can make a game out of approaching your horse.
When you put a halter and lead rope on your horse, rub the end of the rope to make him calm and happy.Stand at the end of the rope and start approaching him.Try different approaches, such as walking, skipping, jumping, and different speeds, to see how many he will tolerate without moving or flinching.Rub and soothe him.habituation through progressive desensitization is a method you can use to get your horse to be less sensitive to your approach.If you want to build your horse's sense of trust and comfort, repeat this game for seven sessions in a row.The lead rope should be increased in length.Try it without a lead rope.
Step 12: It's a good idea to have a routine around catching your horses.
Call them all from the pasture into a corral and reward them with a whistle.If you catch the most willing horse, give her a scratch or treat.Work your way through the horses until you get to the one you want.