Always approach a horse from the left and from the front, if possible. Speak softly when approaching, especially from behind, to let it know of your presence. Always approach at an angle, never directly from the rear.
Why do you always have to mount a horse from the left side? Answer: In ancient warfare, soldiers would traditionally have their sword on the left side. So when they mounted their horse, it was easier to approach from the left.
Mounting and dismounting should be done on the left side of the horse. Using a mounting block to get on helps prevent excessive strain on the horse's back.
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.
This tradition goes back to the days when horses were used in battle, and the rider's weapon was a sword. A right-handed man carried his sword on his left side, and so he mounted on the left so the sword wouldn't get in the way as he swing his leg across the horse.
Walk towards the horse from the front and at an angle.
Approaching a horse in its blind zone will startle it. If your only choice is to approach from the rear, speak softly so it can hear you coming. You can tell the horse is aware you're there because its ears will face backwards but will still be erect.
4- Many horses like to be rubbed on the neck, shoulder, hip, or on the chest. Some horses enjoy having their heads and ears rubbed. Horses often groom each other on the whither, so this would be a good place to try too. 6- If your horse does not want to be pet or moves away, do not be upset.
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.
Always lead from the horses left shoulder with your right hand about 15 inches away from the head of the horse and with your left hand holding the lead neatly coiled or folded. Don't let the lead drag on the ground where it can be stepped on.
The researchers conclude that, assuming a similar riding ability between riders, there is no fundamental difference in a horse's stress responses elicited by male and female riders.
Approaching a Horse
The key here is to make sure that you let the horse see you and smell you from as far away as possible as you approach. Making a noise, then moving in, then giving him your hand to smell, then moving in to touch the horse is the best course of action.
Move confidently and slowly when approaching a horse; walk, never run. Approach the horse from the front, toward their shoulder. Speak to the horse when approaching and extend your hand. Never approach a horse from the rear.
One of the best ways to say thanks to your horse is to give him a nice, long grooming session. Think lots of currying and finding those itchy spots!
Mounting from both sides can also come in handy for the rider. If you are trail riding or in an area where mounting on the left isn't an option, knowing you can mount on both sides can save you and your horse a lot of stress.
Horses may nod their heads when they are excited or eager, such as when they see their owner coming to feed them or when they are about to go out for a ride. This can be a way for horses to express their enthusiasm and communicate their feelings to their handlers.
This behavior is a way horses naturally groom each other. When your horse tries rubbing its head on your body, it may be attempting to “groom” you as a show of affection. 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.
These recommendations usually involve making the horse move in some manner: backing up, moving their feet forwards or backwards, circling in the roundpen, changing direction online until 'respect' is shown, and so on.