Being Stepped On This can lead to bruising, abrasions, and even fractured bones. It is possible to have your fingers stepped on, say when cleaning hooves, but far less likely. After a fall, it's possible that the horse might step on you, but often your horse will do what it can to avoid you.
Horses don't naturally and normally trample people. They can and do occasionally, but it's not a natural inclination for them. Most of the time a horse running over a person will just step or hop over them.
Though loose horses try to avoid trampling anyone, if a horse is panicking—as he may be if he's fleeing a fallen rider, stirrups flapping at his sides—and his only escape route is partly blocked by people, he may hurt someone unintentionally.
A big horse stepping squarely on your foot can crush it, breaking bones. Way more painful than most people have ever experienced. It's more common to have a horse step on part of your foot with less than full weight. This also hurts - a lot, and can also do damage.
Be sure to stay away from the sensitive areas of the horse like the eyes, ears, muzzle, and belly of the horse. While some horses might be OK with you petting these areas, many are sensitive and won't like to be touched there.
Common Displayed Behaviors:
jerking their head up when you ask them to lower it. not picking up their feet when asked. refusing to go forward. pulling back on the lead rope when tied.
Being Stepped On
It is possible to have your fingers stepped on, say when cleaning hooves, but far less likely. After a fall, it's possible that the horse might step on you, but often your horse will do what it can to avoid you.
Think of your horse like a little kid throwing a fit for attention. Every time he's rewarded for his behavior, the problem just gets worse. That's why it's best to just ignore him when he paws and teach him to stand tied with patience.
Whether or not a horse likes a human can be impacted by their past experiences with that person as well as a person's body language and tone of voice. The emotional range and perception of horses are pretty incredible. If you want to learn more about how your horse perceives you, read on!
Fortunately for us, horses don't stand around the water cooler and decide which humans they like and dislike, or who did what to whom. They live in the present moment and they react to your actions (good or bad). They learn to trust you—or not—based on your actions, not whether they like you.
And then other trainers say you should avoid direct eye contact altogether as this will frighten the horse because it will make them think you are stalking them.
Being stepped on
No matter how calm or peaceful a horse is, they can easily hurt you unintentionally because they're so large. Even an experienced horse owner can be slow in getting out of the way and find their toes crushed beneath a wayward hoof.
Most horses that are used to being around people aren't violent towards them, but even a horse that is used to people has the potential to kick if they feel threatened.
Horses stomp to indicate irritation. Usually, it's something minor, such as a fly they're trying to dislodge. However, stomping may also indicate your horse is frustrated with something you are doing, and if you don't address it, he may resort to stronger signals. Striking.
Encouragement of the Behavior
Having your horse lick you can seem like an endearing sign of affection. In fact, you may reward that display of love with a treat! If your horse starts to lick you more than normal, it may be because you have been encouraging their behavior.
Even though some horses rub their head on humans as a way to show affection, it's a behavior that should be discouraged due to the risk of injury.
Can a horse see directly in front of them? Horses eyes are located on the side of their head, so they have a wide range of vision. They can see almost 360 degrees and have blind spots only immediately in front and immediately behind their bodies.
A study in 2010 concluded what equestrians already knew: yes, a horse does recognize “their” person and they can differentiate them from other humans. They do that based on olfactory as well as auditory and visual cues, which means by seeing and smelling us as well as by hearing our voice.
Horses read humans in various ways, such as through our body posture, facial expressions, and attentiveness. Small actions such as a happy facial expression when approaching the horse can allow for a positive experience with the horse.
Have you ever been nudged by a horse? Horses use body language to communicate with humans (and other horses), and one of the ways they do this is through touch. Nudging is a way for a horse to get your attention, which can signify affection or impatience.
They will accept you as their leader and do what they are told, while not running over or cramping you. Sometimes they may even follow you around. Sometimes horses will blow air in your face through their nostrils to show you they love you, like they do with other horses.