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Horses, as natural prey animals, pose a challenge to capture, especially for riding or medical purposes. While some may calmly accept a halter, others display a more untamed demeanor. Discover safe and effective methods for catching your equine companion. Only attempt to catch horses under your ownership; avoid approaching genuinely wild horses. In the United States, wild horses and burros on public lands fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and interference with them is prohibited.
Steps
Capturing a Nervous or Unwilling Horse
Secure other horses in the pasture first. Certain equines dislike solitude. Alternatively, your horse might have a special bond with another; if this companion is caught, your horse may willingly follow suit.
Hold the halter shank in the hand closest to the horse and the halter in the other hand. Avoid concealing the halter; your aim is to calmly gain control of the horse, not to deceive it. Additionally, you want to avoid sudden movements when you're close to the horse and need to use the halter.
Approach the horse from the side and front. Always approach at an angle, avoiding direct approaches from behind or in front. Horses have blind spots in front of their noses, under their heads, and directly behind them. The goal is to prevent startling them with sudden sounds, movements, or touches from those angles.
Approach the horse slowly, quietly, and positively. Avoid showing any signs of anxiety or nervousness. Walk casually without making direct eye contact with the horse. Occasionally stop to pick some grass, aiming to pique the horse's curiosity rather than instill fear.
Observe the horse's reactions closely. If the horse moves away, slow down. Pinned-back or rapidly swiveling ears may indicate fear or overwhelm, prompting the need for even slower movements and gentle reassurance. Conversely, forward and open ears suggest interest, allowing you to proceed.
Guide the halter shank over the horse's neck with care. Maintain a steady grip with one hand while haltering the horse with the other, moving slowly. Keep the halter open to avoid tickling the horse's nose or obstructing its nostrils while slipping it over the nose.
Avoid chasing the horse. Attempting to outrun a horse is futile. Whether in a vast field or a confined space, you should prevent the horse from panicking or bolting. If the horse displays signs of agitation, such as snorting or rearing, wait patiently. Stand calmly, speak softly, or use treats to divert the horse's attention and help it relax.
Introducing Your Horse to Being Caught
Initiate the process of familiarizing your horse with human interaction from a young age. Establish yourself as a member of the horse's social group rather than a threat. Begin by touching and speaking to your foal regularly, gradually acclimating it to human contact and the act of being caught.
Provide incentives for your horse. Reward your horse with food when it cooperates during the catching process. For particularly reluctant horses, consider offering rewards for smaller achievements, such as remaining still as you approach or allowing you to touch its neck.
Allocate time to catch, reward, and release your horse. Ensure that being caught is not solely associated with work or veterinary visits. By repeatedly catching your horse to provide treats, you can cultivate a more positive perception of the entire process.
Turn approaching your horse into a playful activity. After securing a halter and lead rope on your horse, gently stroke him with the rope end to ensure he feels relaxed and content. Stand at a distance and begin to approach him, experimenting with different styles and speeds of approach, observing his reaction. Alternate between approaching and soothing him.
- This technique, known as 'habituation through progressive desensitization,' aims to reduce your horse's sensitivity to your approach.
- Repeat this game for seven consecutive sessions to enhance your horse's trust and comfort. Gradually extend the lead rope's length and, if successful, attempt the game without the lead rope.
Establish a consistent routine for catching all your horses. Summon them from the pasture to a designated area using a uniform signal, such as a whistle, and reward their compliance. Begin by catching the most cooperative horse first, offering a pat or a treat. Then proceed to catch the remaining horses until you reach your desired one.
Helpful Tips
- Take note of a horse's body language. If the horse reacts negatively when you approach its head, avoid forcing interaction. Focus on building trust through effective communication.
Warnings
- Approach horses with utmost respect and caution. Given their immense strength and weight, which often exceeds a thousand pounds, they possess the capability to inflict fatal injuries with a single kick. Prioritize your safety above all else, and it's wiser to refrain from attempting to catch your horse if there are any risks involved.
