I may be a simple chap, but all the tips that strike a chord with me are the simple ones, like signs your horse trust you. Conner has sent this in.
I have to say, it’s really split the pack: some think it’s idiotic, insane, and a big no no.
What about you? Please leave a comment, I’d love to know.
Here’s it is – Conner’s “signs a horse trusts you” – but be very careful, as the comments below say:
“Would you walk behind him, or lay on his back? Doing something out of the ordinary develops trust between you and your horse.
Try this when washing or grooming: get to the other side by slowly crawling under your horse. It’s calming for your horse – and it builds confidence for you.
Overcome any slight fear with your horse and you’ll trust him lots more on the saddle.
Conner”
Now have a look at some of the comments below… Like I said, it really split the pack. Signs your horse trusts you? Or a really big no no?
Now some more on signs your horse trusts you:
“When a horse trusts you, its body language becomes a clear indicator.
One big sign sign of trust is a relaxed posture. A trusting horse will stand with a lowered head, indicating a sense of calmness and comfort in your presence. Relaxed ears, pointed forward or slightly to the side, also suggest the horse at ease.
Soft and blinking eyes give a sense of trust too. A relaxed tail, carried low and gently swaying, shows trust. If it’s raised or stiff tail that shows unease.
Also if a horse trusts you, they may nuzzle, nibble, or gently groom you, sharing their space with you. Each horse just a like a human have their own mannerisms too which are signs a horse trusts you.
Claire”
Would love to know your thoughts on this one – there are lots of comments below on signs you horses trusts you, please do add to them if you can.
And if you’ve got a tip or anything to share, please just email me: al@horsecaretipsandtricks.com
There are hundreds and hundreds of posts just like these on the blog – all thanks you lovely lot.
Best
This was really helpful. Thank you. X
Couldn’t this be a little bit dangerous if the horse were to spook? The horse may dislike having a human walk underneath them.
What an absolutely ridiculous thing to do. The most ‘trustworthy’ of horses can get a fright at any time. This is just plain silly.
I do that all the time my horse doesnt care at all
Well, stuff like this is dependent on the horse.
If I can get away with it, I go under my Holsteiners’ bellies (being lazy)… I’m little; they are huge; and they don’t seem to mind.
You have to also pay attention to your surroundings. My guys are “funny” when it’s really windy, or horses are sold and taken from the farm, or brought in…
They are like people… Every horse kicks; every horse has a bad day.
Usually when I get hurt, it’s what *I* did; not really what the HORSE did…
I don’t know bad horses; I do know LOTS of bad people.
As a 58 year old who has been around horses all my life, I have to say that if I did this with my horse who I trust completely and she trusts me, I would be the laughing stock if I happened to get hurt. My friends would give me no sympathy what so ever, they would just say “well how stupid are you”, So NO I would never advise anyone to do this!
I’m 65 and I would climb under my horse any time, without embarrasment or comments from my horse friends, be comfident and do it.
I am 64 and I’d do it to. I trust my horse and while they could spook they know you are there and will try their hardest not to hurt you. It’s all about love.
I think it is very irresponsible to post such a potentially dangerous tip. There are plenty of ways to gain your horses trust, but this is just asking for an accident with the majority of horse/owner combinations and situations, the result of which could be major loss of trust and a very sore and damaged human!
This is the worst “advice” I have ever read. The potential for harm or death is very great. If the horse kicks at its belly or spooks one would be lucky to survive. I thought I might learn something and the only thing I have learned is that I need to unsubscribe and you need to stop giving “advice” before someone gets killed.
I ‘ve been reading all your post I don’t own a horse wish I did. I have a female camel and some of the information is great and yes it works but crawling under the horse, no not safe. MY girl can kick any direction.She trust me and I trust her but i still wouldnt go crawling under her .My advice would be dont do it ,i’m sure your horse wouldnt like it either.
One thing that is mandatory between horse and rider is trust!! I do this sometimes. It’s not doing it that’s dangerous, it’s the way you do it. I mean, don’t just run right under or behind your horse!! Ease your way under your horse and keep your back against its belly the whole time so they know you’re there!! I really don’t know about walking behind one though!! I was told not to, but if you stay pressed up against them and ease around they can’t kick you that hard and they know your there!! I think this is a good idea!!
I think this is a great tip! yeah, walking under your horse may be dangerous, but you don’t have to do that specifically! just working your horse through something may be a great thing to do to get your horse to trust you better!
I used to do this with the pony I used to ride. But she was absolutely bombproof! I’m probably now the only person she trusts, and I trust her with my life. I used to sit on her side saddle, backwards, I would get on her in the paddock with just a halter and take it off and let her wander around. This pony was my everything, she taught me everything I know. I rode her for three years. She usually only let’s me lead her. But since I grew and she is old and small I had to move onto something bigger.. I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him… He’s so grumpy, he gets stupid when we go out.. He is so unpredictable! I’m growing out of him already! Might have to move onto my other horse soon, or buy a new one… Not looking forward to it…
Bell I had a story similar to yours. Give your grumpyhorse a chance to get to know you imulate the things you can do safely and maybe you will develope another great and rewarding bond. Good luck
Bell try this little tip –
Lead your grumpy horse around – not by your side have him follow you like a subordinate in the herd would. Each time he gets in your bubble, stomp the ground. Walk backwards stomping if you have to – its a simple way to achieve dominance. Emphasise this in groundwork – he leaves your space, not vice versa. A few sessions should have him a much calmer ride.
Rachel
That’s some good advice. Backing a horse up and not letting them invade your space, makes you the leader. Send that horse around you while you keep your feet still. Introduce obstacles while you are on the ground, then in the saddle . Be a leader, a fair leader. Praise for the smallest try and your horse will look to you as THE leader. Crawling under your horse won’t accomplish that.
The girl with the grumpy horse , he doesn’t see you as the leader, or he would change his attitude.
I can`t wait to try that on my daughters horse who has just come to live with mine.at the moment I would not go under my daughters horse but often do under my own (provided it is not windy!!)
Some of these tips are iffy. I love to lay on my gelding’s back while he grazes, or just in the stall. but walking under him? walking/standing behind him?
When grooming my boy I’ll place one hand on his hindquarters, and walk around his behind, my hand still on his hindquarters, to let him know where I’m at. Just walking up behind a horse is asking to get kicked if they aren’t 100% confident of where you are, who you are, or what you’re doing there.
As far as walking under a horse thats just flat out ignorant. You can trust your horse as much as you want, but the horse still has natural instincts. He still can and likely will spook. Coming from someone who has BEEN injured walking under a horse, by a gelding I love, who trusted me. They still have instincts. and natural horsemanship is ABOUT not breaking a horse’s natural instincts.
I agree Megan. I have just obtained a 14 mth old colt(soon to be gelded) and I put my hand on him, and talk to him constantly, and he’s getting to trust me,and I’m getting too trust him, but I’d never risk getting hurt by him by doing anything that may spook him, or hurt me.I had my last horse for 30 yrs, and only now,after 6 years could find I can love another horse as much.
Lay on your horse’s back while he’s grazing/???? Are you nuts!!!!~ 😯
This post is just plain dumb. Not only is it dangerous, there is no way it will build any trust with your horse. We need to learn to think like a horse, not try to get them to think like us!!
I used to do that as a kid when I didn’t know any better. I’d never do it with my horse now that I’m older. I trust my horse but not to that extent.
I also have a new 4 year old and I’m battling to go near his back legs because he lifts his leg but not to kick but I’m used to my horses keeping their back legs on the floor when I work with them. Any suggestions?
Hi Alison
It sounds like you need to desensitise your horse. There are lots of reasons a horse will lift its leg as you approach and all can be trained out by repetitious desensitesation. Your horse may have required a lot of attention to its leg or hoof at some time so became accustomed to lifting its leg when approached after all training is a lot of repetition so now u retrain Try making your horse move forwards or back each time it lifts its leg without you asking for it. you might also place the hoof on the ground and rub it all over wait a 10 count and repeat till it stops lifting its leg , if your not confident or have any doubt that your horse “wont” kick you use a large Piece of cloth attached to a 1mtr piece of Polly pipe to rub all over and the leg until you feel more confident that it wont kick out ‘stay in the safe zone. I’m currently re-educating an 8yr old mare,I taught her to lift whichever hoof I’m standing near when I extend my hand towards her leg & snap my fingers, it didn’t take very long to do and saves my 59 yr old back a bit. after a week of checking her hooves every day, Her being a smart mare started to preempt me and started to lift her hoof as soon as I extended my hand, sounds good but Ive been there before next will be as I look at her hoof shell lift it, then as someone walks past and looks at her she lifts it, they think shes going to kick so they back up or move away lol whats she learning then. (‘Don’t let your horse start to react before you ask’) It can quickly become dangerous for you & your horse, you need to have a horse that does what you ask when you ask not one that’s doing what it thinks you might be going to ask. Remember be a leader or be lead (or dead) When a horse starts to take the initiative means I’m not. She is getting me to move or react when she wants lol told you shes smart, but no smarter than any other horse. Result is I needed to desensitised her by moving her when she did this without me asking, I also place her hoof on the ground and rub all over her leg if she lifts as I bend or reach out. Within a week I was back to holding my arm out & snapping my fingers for the desired result. Remember if your not thinking & training your horse your horse is probably training you. Think what your horse is teaching you
Why do you “know better” now? Were you injured by a horse that didn’t trust you? Sometimes as adults, we stop doing things we used to do because we think we get smarter. What happens is we get less trusting.
Yea I did it since I was very young and I still do it. Maybe u should try seeing through heart of a child again. Seriously
My new colt is in the pasture with his Dam & Sire.
They were known to never let anyone near their foals. I sat in the pasture with them and just sang then approached the sire or mare and patted them. When I let them in the barn for some grain, I would lightly groom the mare and then the colt. Touching him everywhere while he was with his mom was calming to him & her & to me. Later, I always carried the hatler in and laid it around him then up over his nose but never hooked it. By the time I did hook it, he knew it was not going to hurt him but it was interesting when the sire strecthed his neck over the high boards, grabbed the strap under the colt’s chin and shook his head as if to say, “now you will learn to listen.” I am so happy to see how the two parents have loved, protected & taught this colt to be so smart but now I am going to wean him and this is a new step that I do not look forward to. I have enjoyed the gentleness of the sire & dam with him and have found they excepted me as their family. I also believe that everytime they see me, they warn the him that I will take him away from them someday. Patience & trust has been a great healing for me. They taught me alot.
This is such a dangerous idea I wonder that it was even allowed to appear.
I am 77 years old and have been around horses all my life and still trail ride.
You never know what will might cause a horse to spook. I know of a case where a man was leading a work horse he had bred and raised and worked with every day. He was was leading the horse into the barn when something scared the horse and it rushed through the door crushing him against the side of the door and killed him.
You may love your horse and think it loves you but instinct will rule.
Each to their own!
When I saw the first post saying how stupid that idea was – I thought in some cases yes – but how else do you get a horse steady without doing things like that, or flapping bags etc.
My second thought was that people cane be injured everyday doing the safe things – hence the above example!
Desensitising horses to unusual things can actually help prevent accidents like above!!
Just don’t be stupid about it!
PS> Please note I said it CAN HELP, not actually 100% prevention – for those who do not read posts properly.
As for those against desensitising, I did all that for my son’s pony when training her, and as a 3yr old (my son was 4yrs and as Led Pony) she would tense if someone galloped past her, or cracked something behind her, but otherwise not start or shy. I have seen many, some of which next to us freak out.
I can trust her with my son, that is not to say I let my son do anything stupid, or leave him alone with her – that is common-sense!
This horse didn’t truly respect this man. I have seen horses stop dead in their tracks to stop from hurting a human.
I agree, one of my horses spooked while I was kneeling beside him working underneath him. He came up and over me but never touched me. He knew I was there and he avoided stepping on me. When he realized everything was OK, he returned to me.
I also do this,underneath and between the back an front legs.teaches scary kids that horses is actually ok
What does that mean? ” teaches scary kids that horses is actually ok” ? ??
Kids need to be taught how to behave responsibly around horses! I certainly wouldn’t want ANY child to think it’s OK to walk underneath or behind any horse. Please use your heads people!
WTH???? You teach this to kids???? You are irresponsible! I would never let my kid take lessons from you!!
I think the idea is crazy. Why would you want or need to do that? Not all horses are ‘trick’ or circus horses.
My palomino stallion and I trust one another completely, but he’d kill me if I attempted that!
A horse can’t see what’s under him/her. They go over the fence (height & position) by memory. But they can hear and sense.
I caution you about this suggestion, because the possible effects can be permanent disability or even death. Is that what you want? Why would you need to do that?
I don’t say it’s impossible. Not all horses will spook. But it is not natural. A horse’s survival and safety is paramount to him/her. Any crawling may be interpreted as predator behaviour. Hence…
Here’s my tip: work with nature, not against it.
If u think he would kill then how can u call that trust. And it doesnt matter if they see u r not, they know u r there. All animals, even humans, have remarkable senses. The problem is humans forget how to use theirs. R horse probably knows everything about u by just smelling u bfore u even know it rself
why on earth would you play around under a horse of any kind
you can rub her belly,legs,chest wave a flag or bag under her but NEVER put yourself in that type of danger one split second of bad judgement and your injured. Is it worth it to
prove that you can do this 100 times and 101 could be fatal
hmmm lets think this through. bad tip this time
I agree totaly Dayna. not safe or clever idea at all. many many other ways to build trust between you and your horse.
Because when you do that, it builds trust. Using a stick, only teaches a horse to trust the stick. Why not use your hands legs, feet? Then the horse trusts you. That is what my trainer does and it works, the spookier the horse the more they need your personal touch.
I think it could be dangerous. It might not…. but to put yourself at risk to do this is stupid. Say you did this, the horse kicks and kills you. NOW, the horses life has changed because of a stupid idea to teach them to let a person go under them. Family would probably put the horse down or sell it. You are dead and the horses life has changed forever. I would hate this happening more then my getting killed. He could end up at a slaughterhouse.
I agree totally
You can gain trust without doing stupid stuff like crawling under them. It’s like playing Russian Roulette. Geez, people, use your heads! Or were they kicked when you went UNDER your horse???
Wow not a good idea unless your 110% certain your horse wont spook but there’s always a chance
Nope, wont go there and put myself in such a vulnerable position. What if he kicked at a fly? Sonny is bombproof, didnt mind when the goat got horns caught in his halter. He has kicked a couple of times, ( cant blame him due to the situation) but I wont get behind him or any horse within kicking range. I know a woman who was kicked and nearly died when she tried to rescue her daughter.
im struggleing to gain the trust of a pony we purchesed under the lie that she was bombproof she is extremly quite on the ground and i can crouch under her to remove ticks but always keep my hand on her belly or somewere and i dont think id like to crouch under her im woundering if anyone can give me tips on getting her to stop taking off when i just want her to walk she soesnt bolt but takes of quickly for a few stides when u least expect it
When she does it spin her around in circle a few times r make her back up for a few feet. From my understanding and experience they would rather not havr too keep doing that. And if u do this every time she does that she will make the connection
I walk under, and around, my horse with complete trust. I would not advise this for someone that doesn’t have what I call horse sense. I can lay on top of my horse when he is laying down. I can also put my hand in my horses mouth with no fear of him biting down. You have to really have your horses trust. A bond I would say. Horse sense
Haha, I love this tip. I do it all the time just being with my horse. Especially when she’s rolled in the mud and I need to take a curry comb to her belly, I just sit under her! 🙂
I have done this with a mare i owned when i was a teenager, only after owning her for some time and having total trust in her first and her trust in me, i would not do this before the trust is already there.
Suzy has said the most sensible thing her – and being diplomatic!
Do it all the time with 4 of my seven horses, one is even a very tall 14 month old that couldn’t care one bit, but he also lets me lay across him when his on the ground having a rest, nothing much bothers him. If your at the stage where you confident around your horses and know them well as you think you can, then you should be able to judge the ones that will allow you to do these sort of things, but only if your experienced with the horse that you do it with and he/she knows you well. I would not recommend it with just any old horse that you stumble across, they have to be a friend and companion that respects you and you respect in return.
I have done this and do this to some horses. I’ve also sat in front, leaned back on their front legs, relaxed. On one, I fell asleep. 😳 She wouldn’t disturb me, by movin’. Just stood there, lookin’ bored and closed her eyes. 😆
I don’t really think this tip is one that should be suggested….some folks that are not experienced might actually think it is a good idea. NOT!
ok so i HAVE done this on 2 different horses of mine but both of them are COMPELETLY bomb proof!!! the one i ride with my feet and nothing else and the othe i can with a piece of string! but my others(4 and 8yr old mare and 8yr old gelding(8yr olds in training)) it would be foolish and stupid of me to do that!!!! This is dangerous to put on here!!! what about people who ARE NOT experienced horse people?!?! I have been around horses for forever!!!! This is stupid and I vote NO!!!!
I just got my horse 1 month ago. We r made for each other. I’m like cougar. There is nothing we won’t do for ea. other but total trust is different for us. I would not recommend this to anyone not in total sync with their horse. To give u a scare, day 2 I had him walk over me. We love ea. Other and there won’t be another like him Donatello.
Take note of Em’s point. I don’t plan to do this as a habit or training tool.
I once said I don’t trust that horse . An old horseman said you can never trust a horse untill the horse can trust you . This has turned out to be pretty true for me . So breaking a horse has always been just a relationship where we gradualy just gain trust for each other
I think I would rather lie on the ground and let sombody lead the horse over me , If i wanted to do something dangerious . At least the horse would know what was under him . I don’t think a tame horse would kick than , I don’t like the idea of maybe surprising a horse with somthing under him that he does not know what it is . My tame horse kicked a man walking behind him with a flah light that he got nervious about , becuase he did not know what a flashlight was . I was going to shoot the horse untill the old horsemen told me that horse did you guys a big favor . Now both of you know never startle a horse from the rear . He did not think it was the horses fualt , but our fault . I feel the sameway about trying to sneak between a horses legs . don’t spook a horse . They have hooves that are just as deadly as shotguns , Horses are pretty safe if they understand whats going on . And very dangerious if they don’t . I had a another tame horse go breserk . I had a pet crow that used to land on my shoulder . I was ridding the horse , when the crow landed on my Shoulder . This was not OK with the horse . She wanted that bird Off , anyway she could . Finally the crow left and she calmed down . I’am sure I could have easily ridden with the crow If I could have introduced her to the crow first . same goes for the flash light, the horse was snorting and complaining about the flash light too before he kicked it to hell and back
Eric, we are not speaking of “sneaking” under a horse. we are speaking of teaching them to trust a person under them. Just as you said, teach them not to be afraid of a lot of different things and they won’t. When the crow landed, you were startled too, but you stayed still cuz you knew the crow wouldn’t hurt you. The horse didn’t know that but you could have calmed him and he would have trusted you more. You probably got scared when he got scared and then that made him more scared. It all relates to staying calm to calm your horse.
I recently joined but have not found one of these “tips” helpful but ridiculous!! Ya, let me crawl underneath a Thoroughbred racehorse-sure no problem!
Actually, some of the most trustworthy horses I’ve ever been around have been Thoroughbreds, both at the farm and at the track. They receive a lot more handling & training and general “bomb- proofing” than the average back yard “pet” horse due to the very fact that they spend so much time around people and crowds. That said, NO horse is 100 percent bomb proof. All it takes is one “spook” to cause injury or death to the person who thinks they can overcome nature and instinct. This “tip” is ridiculous and dangerous. You can love your horse. You can bond with your horse. Please RESPECT your horse. From comments I’ve read since joining this little forum, I think people need to take the “advice” posted here with a grain of salt.
I have, many many that we were rehabbing and some that were still racing. Its about your personal energy. you trust them, they trust you, that is what real horse whispering is all about.
BTW, my horses do trust me but I am not stupid enough to go crawling underneath them!!
I did with the racehorses that trusted me! But there lies the point – having the trust first!
A place I worked at we had to do all sorts of things to gradually get the horse calm and used to all sorts of things. After all – don’t you have to reach under the belly to get the girth and cinch? Our horses as a result were the calmest to handle on race days, and they would still run well – wether 1st, place or in the running.
Its not stupidity. What if you need to do that and can’t. then what?
Thanks tips interesting:razz:
One small fly on his belly, and you could end up with brain damage or worse…
Right on Stephanie…
If it did happen to kill you …. what would happen to a dear horse that didnt mean to do any harm to you. There are many ways to teach trust without someone getting hurt and putting the horse in a bad way for just being a good horse.
All Seven of my equines (which range from 2 Mules, 2 TN Walking Horses, 2 Appaloosas, and a Paint)are taught to stand still when they fill something under them. And how do I teach this by crawling under them and why – its a safety thing, dog runs out, in the mountains where turkeys roost with their clicks a long side the trail, a grandchild little enough to walk through their legs when you turned to pick up a brush. What works for one may not work for another, they are all different; What works for one human may not work me. Think before you comment; you may need to look at your own house before you cast that stone.
I’m not sure if this will work but ill have a go because I got kicked by my horse 😥 and now I don’t trust him
He feels your nervousness, he “knows” you don’t trust him. He doesn’t trust you because of it. He has to respect you. You have to let him know that kicking is not allowed. If he lifts his leg to you or turns his hind end to you, my must let him know it isn’t allowed. You should be able to do anything you want to your horse without fear and he should trust you to do anything to him or for him. Watch the movie Hildalgo. When you have a relationship like that with a horse, it is indescribable.
I know one thing about horses. If they want to kick or hurt you they will. The strike reach from the back or front legs not to mention head is phenomenal.
not a good idea. I was kicked by another horse trying to kick my horse and she hit me. I was not in n good state. as they say. a horse has his natural insticnts.
Yea belinda, that was another horse kicking you, not your horse. Your horse didn’t hurt you. The other one did.
i will sit behind my horses legs and cut his tail but i would not crowl under him for the simple reason i know he hates flys and will lift his hindlegs to kick them if they dare sit under or around his belly
Yes when the don’t trust you or respect you, they will do all sorts of things. The key is the trust and the connection with your horse.
no matter how much you trust your horse and your horse trust you. What if you loose your balance while crawling under him and he does spook. Just saying!
People who does horseback as just a sport might not understand this, as for someone to whom its a lifestile and a total horse crazzz like me, does. I’m ible to trust him to climb under, put tickgraese on standing right behind him lifting his tail, and we go out riding and jumping alone… Noone that didn’t ever do stuf like this will know the joy and bond you actually get… I’ll take my horse over a boyfriend. Trust him with my life
I’m sitting here reading all the negative posts about this advice. I find it hard to believe that people who have had horses as long as a lot of these people claim to wouldn’t consider the benefits of teaching a horse it’s okay for people to be around their legs. Now one of the MAJOR benefits I’m thinking of as far as this advice isn’t so much teaching your horse to trust you, but children. Kids get up around horses legs all the time. Most parents tend to buy dead broke, completely bombproof horses or ponies as their childs first horse so they tend to grow up not thinking about what they do around other horses and could easily get hurt if you have one in the pasture with theirs that isn’t acustomed to having people around their legs. Another great benefit is if the horse is to get tangled in something or even caught up in a trailer. What if you NEED to be around the horses legs to save them?? For example, I was trailering a couple horses in my two horse trailer. The pins came out of the rear of the devider allowing it to fall from the center support. The only way to get the butt bars free and the horses out was to get in the trailer and lift the divider. The only way to do that was to crawl up under the horses to get to it. My sister volunteered. It was actually the first time she had been under either of them, yet they trusted her, and though they were scared to begin with, they allowed her to do what needed to be done and neither of them even stepped on her. Yet another good reason to teach your horse it’s okay to have someone under them is if you fall off the horse and find yourself caught in the stirrup. Most horses tend to panic even more because their rider is dangling around “where they don’t belong.”
Many of you claim to trust your horse with your life yet you’re afraid he/she will hurt you if you crawl under him/her. If your horse truly trusts you half as much as you think he/she does, this souldn’t be a problem. A horse will literally give his life to save yours under any circumstances if he/she cares for you.
You are correct – all horses should be desensitized to people crawling under & around their legs. Not so you can do it for “fun” , but for emergencies as you described. This is part of breaking and training any horse. As for children- parents need to teach their kids that it isNot safe to run, yell and crawl under & around horses- because most horses aren’t bomb- proof and will spook. Most horses will, left to their own devices, instinctively do anything to AVOID stepping on a human that falls into or under their legs- if they see them! So, yes, train your horses for any emergency, but unless you are a knowledgeable trainer working with a trick horse, just use common sense and be safe & responsible around horses.
I was reading all the negative posts and thinking about all the comments, when I read Kizmet’s post. I think you have it spot on. I have a spooky appaloosa, which I have been working with a few months and we have built up a trusting relationship. I use a head torch and willspeak to him that he knows my whereabouts and can then move anywhere around him, including standing behind him with both arms around his flanks/but. He will not move, the same goes for grooming. When I am busy at his back legs,flies can sit in his belly, his leg will not move to swish them away – that is respect on his behalf and trust on mine., I don’t think I would have a problem going under him. Yes, horses do spook, but the benefits vs downside are justifiable. It all starts with the trust issue and how well you know your horse. Moving around and dealing with horses is inherently risky business at best – most of what you do revolves around the trust/bond issue to start with.
And what happens if a horse fly or wasp just happens to want to go under your horse’s belly at the same time as you are? Even the calmest, best broke horse won’t stand quietly while he/she is stung.
Kismet -I agree re children – they should always be taught to walk carefully around a horse. Mine would not kick, but it doesn’t mean another won’t. A 6 yr girl this yr died after walking too close to a strange horse, and he got fright and kicked her in the head. This girl had a bombproof horse. My son thought all were like mine, but I always tell him to walk well clear of other horses, also near him too around strange horses.
As Cheryl, a wasp or bird could swoop under hour horses head while mounting up – still be a fright, and dangerous. Which brings me to the act of leaving a foot in the stirrup when dismounting – I have seen too many people dragged and injured when a horse gets a fright while they are dismounting.
The New Zealand way is to take both feet out of the stirrups and lightly vault off. MUCH SAFER!
🙄 my Arnie is happy for me to walk underneath him any time and he’s a ex racehorse, my little diamond love him to bits iv had him 18 mths xx
I have seen riders pass from one side of their horse to the other (by going under the horses belly) at a full gallop. I myself would never attempt it or recommend doing, but I do believe in different strokes for different folks (and horses). If you don’t like a comment, just delete it as there are definitely enough valuable comments to warrant subscribing to this forum.
I have been in the horse world/ business all of my life. My best advice is, you can learn something from everyone even if it something you are sure you would never want to do. It seems you learn more of that these days than good solid advice. Use your good common sense.
My five year old mare is trained by an eventer trainer. I can touch her anywhere crawl under her. Ties to the trailer stands in crossties with 40mph winds with tack blowing sideways. I’ve hacked her on a cross country course without another horse in sight. It her good brain and natural fearlessness and willingness to do what I ask. It is time I spend 5 to 7 days a week. My mare is an appendix. I’m 56 years old.and we we ride dressage stadium and cross country. Its a great trainer training a good brain. Common sense courage on the part of the horse owner. If you’re scared your horse will be a spook.
Better, use a tip from Masterson Method – gradually work at picking up horse’s feet (all four) from one side. If you stand at the safe zones, 45-degree angle to horse beside shoulder and beside hip, this is safe to do. Be sure to rub the horse down the entire leg, when teaching this, so he does not become startled. See Masterson Method, Beyond Horse Massage – it’s awesome.
understand your horse and behavior it can lead to miscommunication I’m amazed how little most people know about herd animal behavior. READ and understand how horses think. They are absolutely different from a cat or dog most people treat their horses like a household. pet. Pressure release and timing and most important.. LEADERSHIP !
I agree with this, nothing ventured nothing gained. If u think this would spook your horse go slow, introduce it slowly. I can do this with at least 24of the 25 horses at a property I work at. If u don’t believe u could u never will
Certainly split the pack this one!
Crawling under your horse does require REAL trust. Anyone who thinks it is dangerous hasn’t really come to terms with getting on their backs.
Of course you have to trust your horse to do this and your horse has to trust you too. And of course you have to pick the time, mood and situation. No more dangerous than picking up their feet.
I have a new Friesian gelding and we are getting use to one another, so I give this a try
Thanks
I trust my horse with all my soul. I would not walk under my horse. That where predictors attack. I usume that someone missed the horse safety speical on rfd TV.
I agree with Conner … have fun with your horse. Crawl under her, even go between front legs, this may mean picking a leg up to fit if you have any junk in your trunk. I also have fun laying across the back and sliding round the side … laying over rump – I like to lay face down across rump and then I play with the tail, brush it, braid it. If you are having fun your horse will also enjoy this time together. If you are having fun your horse will be at ease … enjoy !!!!!
The idea of crawling under my huge horse scares me and I’ve had horses for over 30 years. We can have a wonderful relationship without tempting fate like that. No thanks.
😉 My most favorite pictures are of my young daughters and their horses. walking under to wash a belly, laying back reading a book, hanging off a neck, riding backwards, piling on as many friends till the last one was hanging on over the tail. Horses love it all. When we trust them, they trust us. It is our nervousness that makes them spooky. They pick up on our “something is going to happen” and it usually does.
Yea I remember those days as a kid. Also horses can actually smell r fear
Cheryl, I have seen a horse stop dead at spooking just because a human was in the way. In my case it was a baby human. A fly or a wasp is NOT going to spook a horse that much if they were confident and trusting to begin with. They know it just a fly or a wasp, NOT a monster.
I just read r comment after I already posted mine. Im so glad im not the only that sees that.
I Have a question my Mare 5 yrs. old quarter Horse And Arab. after getting her tacked up I mount her and she Starts throwing her head and backing uP Jumpin g around I try to get her to go for ward but she rear5. up and I cant do a thing with her she has Even Started rearing uP when I try to Lunge her .what could be going on I use a hacka more and I checked the Saddle . Help
Have u ever tried taking one rain and making her go in circles. I had an arabian she would do that and I spun her around in a circle a few times till she calmed down and everthing was great and it got to where I didnt have to do it anymore. Also u mite wanna check r tack and make sure nothing is pinching her making her uncomfortable. Some times the girth pinches them as well
I beleive it could be ill fitting tack.
I do this when grooming, or feeling his hocks, oiling his hooves. Its a wonderfulconfidence booster and just becomes part of normal movement. It also makes on more supple!.
I have never walked under my horse ( she would probably let me walk under her but I have never tried), but you can walk behind her, push her rear end stand behind her pat or clean her bottom from behind without any problems and I have only owned her for 18mths, she has never even tried to kick me or anyone else who goes behind her except for our 2yr old cob who is a totally different kettle of fish bless him.
Just shows how things change over the years, we used to do all this stuff as stable helpers at school, we also used to ride in the fields without any tack on at all! Have we all got too scared to do anything at all in life without an ‘expert’ telling us what to do, how and when!! So much fun has been knocked on the head and substituted under the heading of ‘danger’. What a shame! I wouldn’t want to be just starting out in life now……so very dreary!!!!
There are so many better ways to gain your horses trust. I think getting under your horse is stupid and you deserve to get hurt if that happens. I would say that backing your horse out of the barn is a way better way to work on your trust issues. Can you easily back up your horse, even without touching him/her? work on those skills instead…
I am new to the horse world at 60 years old. I recently purchased a Tennessee Walker who immediately figured out how ignorant I am. He teaches me at least one new thing every day! LOL A friend gave me an E Z mount to try since my goal is to trail ride. Well…my foot got stuck, I lost my balance and fell on the ground right beside him. He very patiently turned his head to look at the stupid human on the ground beside him. I am constantly awed by his good sense. I believe that someone has crawled all over him in the past for him to behave this way and am truly thankful.
All these comments confirm what I thought when I first read this “tip”. Each horse is an individual and each horse owner much absolutely KNOW their animal.
My relationship with my horses is such that my Granddaughters slip off of my mare’s back over her tail to the floor. They also go under her belly with no problems. Obviously you ensure you do it where there are no other horses around and in a safe enviroment. Thank you for the tip I will certainly try it with my big Thoroughbred whom I need to establish a stronger relationship.
Work with racehorse for 21 years, would do it to my own, not to sure if I would do it to horses that have had many people in a short time in with them. BE CAREFULL!!! people can and will be hurt!
yep have done it and will keep doing it but only to a horse I have complete trust in. I believe you should do more out of the ordinary things with your horse not just the every day run of the mill stuff because the day you are put in a situation that is not the norm your horse will still have that trust if you practice the anything goes game. get them used to what ever comes along at the time in the paddock or at home and you will have a great horse outside those boundaries as it will have had some life experiences not just the round yard or hose yard environment 😛 !!
Just some sillyness: i have owned (At my age -48 I rescued this mare aged-12 Yrs – two years ago)
When we groom ” each Other” I will stop underneath my mare for some seconds and she would whinny and whistle to call me out and then I get the ” look” Where were you? She grooms me back, when I do her feet or brush belly or bend to look if the teats are still ok or just stand too still for a while. She uses her lips and gives me tiny little nips on my arms, back and even on the head – actually I find this “bonding” being very pleasant and funy. She absolutely enjoys the sound of my laughter. Other people at our stables get quit jealous as their horses does not do this. My hips tends to dislocate ( from a young age) and now and then I have to really stretch them out to get them back in place. I just lay down on her back on my stomach, if we are riding and klick them back. She will walk on a bit slower, but has tried anything funny and if it takes to long she would stand still untill I’m back sitting and off we go again with out a word spoken. I just think we love each otherto tiny bits.
What if a mouse or a snake came crawling out towards your horse?
I was walking my horse from the paddock to the stable.
A snake crossed our path
I froze, she did nothing!
We waited for it to pass.then went along as if I hadnt really seen it. I had always believed horses reared and carried on at snakes, she proved me wrong on this occassion.
The saying Snakes are more affraid of us, possibly has the same bearing for them.
The snake just wanted to be on his way and they dont normally pt themselves in danger willingly. noise scares them away most times, not to your direction.
????
Out fella lifts, then sticks out his hind leg….to get his inside thigh scratched! Once satiated with leg no1, he’ll give you a nudge to go round to his other side…and up comes leg no2 for a scratch too! As to going under him? To those who say ‘NO!’, think about it….you already reach under your friend to grasp surcingles in order to fasten up his/her rug..why not take another step? Our boy is rock solid around us….i trust him infinitely, more so than any human. Grooming, feeding, riding or just spending time with your friend builds a solid bond-it is so worthwhile to spend quiet time together, just sharing the same air.
I walk in and around and under my horse all the time.. ???
Since her foal was born especially.
She has never raised an eyebrow or a foot.
Its when I step back or get nervous that she twitches.
I wouldnt recommend it with every horse, but mine is fine.
I couldnt work with her baby if she didnt trust me.
He used to walk circles around her, now she leans against the stable wall so that he cannot.
I didnt ask her too, but it was if she knew to give assistance.
If he is giving me a hard time on the lead, she bellows and he is instant settled??? makes my job easier.
When he would jam himself on the stable wall, I would crouch at her front feet and talk to him, offering sugar in one hand and the lead clip in the other. she never once moved or raised her foot as me.
I coulnt have an animal to work with that I was scared of or didnt trust. ?
Work often and lovingly with your animal. !
Thanks Micha
one more thing, I tell my horse what im doing?
has this not occured to anyone.
When the farrier does her feet and she is feeling stubborn i say “Lift your foot”
doing her tail, brushing/grooming her legs.
if she is feeling impatient I say “Nearly done”, if she flinches I check WHY.
Constant chatter, maybe not for everyone. works for me,
All are horses are like this. We offtend say we have horses for dummies 😛
I don’t think there are any absolutes. It could be useful to teach a horse to relax while you slide underneath, but there is always that chance something could go wrong. The reason there are so many comments about this is that both perspectives are valid.
What bothers me is the arrogance on both sides. Horse people are so opinionated and everyone is sure they have it right. There are many ways to train and I believe each horse is unique. There is no single “right” way to do something — providing it’s done without violence or pain. How about we all try to learn from one another without jumping in with our judgments. 😉
It would be dangerous to do this all the time, but it’s even more helpful than knocking around buckets. I do horse vaulting (like gymnastics on a horse) and before we can do our routine we have to be comfortable with the horse. We would do those types of things, and they helped.
Besides, what would you do if you dropped a brush underneath your horse. Would you be to scared and untrusting to grab it? No, and this is the same, but to a greater degree.
Doing this WILL get you more comfortable with your horse, and the horse WILL get more comfortable with you.
As a kid, I used to crawl all over and under my horses. now, at age 73, I’m too stiff in some joints to do that, but I wouldn’t feel unsafe sitting on the the ground brushing the inside of the legs. I certainly wouldn’t do it with a strange horse, but I know my two pretty well. My father (ex-Cavalry, WWI) taught me that you are safest from a kick close in. You get hurt more at the end of the thrust – just like boxing.
I love my horse but things happen and I feel to climb underneath your horse is play Russian Roulette. My horse sometimes kicks forward on her hind legs not all the time but sometime. I would not recommend anybody doing this and as for trusting my horse with my life…no way. She can easily get spooked. Recently a neighbor was burning in his burning barrel and an aerosol can blew up. It shook our home and the horses all freaked out. If I was under my horse during this time I’d be stomped. Why do foolish things? I wouldn’t. 😳
I cant blieve how many negative comments there is to this. Ive been around horses since the day I was born. Never had any fear of them. Iwas dumped off a horse the first time at fours years old didnt scare me one bit got back on. Ive been crawling under them since I could walk. The point is that I was never afraid. And I never got hurt and horses have always just trusted me as well. I think this is a great idea. The horse will no r there and they will actually try to avoid stepping on u even when spooked its wat u do that will cause u to get hurt. All I can say to those who think its dumb idea is that u obviously have trust issue with r horse and should work on it. And pay attention to wat r horse is saying to u
Any body that does with his/her with there horses are plain stupid and siiy to do this just to get your hors to know you better if you spend a bit time with him/her they will trust you.
As a new horse owner at the age of 61 I found this all very interesting. I am still bonding with my horse. He seems very well behaved. In fact he kind of acts like a dog. I’ve only had him for 2 weeks and he comes in from the pasture to his stable when I call his name and say “dinner!” I haven’t been able to ride him since right before I bought him because I still need some tack, so I walk and run with him every day to keep him exercised and talk to him and pet his head and bring him pieces of carrot and apples as treats. The lady who sold him to me hung from his neck, crawled under him between his two front legs and all the way to the back between his two back legs; she laid on him backwards, she stood on him and he balanced his front legs to take her weight without even moving an inch. She put her dog on his back and he never moved. She has over 30 rescue horses of all ages from baby to aged. I guess she knows which ones she can trust or else he trusts her and knows she isn’t a threat and won’t do anything bad to him so he reciprocates. I’m just guessing. I have a lot to learn.
I work as a groom at our local horse racing track from Apr. to Aug (Thoroughbreds)Aug. to Oct.(Quarter horses) at the end of last t.b. meet I aquired one of the horses that I cared for she,s a gorgeous 4yo chestnut mare and I have been crawling under and behind her since I,ve owened her and I have to say it works quite well for gaining trust as well as keeping her calm..
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! You can walk under their neck and get just as much out of it without endangering your life!!!!! And BTW……NO HORSE BOMBPROOF. I hate that term. ANY horse, at ANY time can explode. Some are just safer than others. It is irresponsible to say that a horse is “bombproof”! This is baaaaaaaad advice. JUST DON’T DO IT!!!
🙂 I have done that with both my horses and it has never been a hesitation for them to trust me.
When I was younger our first pony was a Fell pony called Ben, he was bomb proof apart from being scared of tractors. I used to sit on my bum crosslegged underneith his tummy when grooming him. risky yes, but it won’t kill you. Falling off while jumping could but people still do that.
Anyone ever see a mare step on her baby in the stall? I would sit on the floor with new baby in my arms and mama would always carefully walk around us.
Nooo Way. He wouldn’t mean to hurt you. but its’ not worth the try.
What part of owning a horse isn’t dangerous. If nothing in life had some risk to it, where would the enjoyment be. Think about it. Live and enjoy!
I’m a old cowboy from the 1960’s Road in Arizona years now I’m in the Ozarks Missouri my horses I like your tips and I have a few tips of my own I’ll leave you some time
TRUST AND LOVE BETWEEN HORSE & PERSON CAN COME IN MANY WAYS
BUT TO ADVISE ANYONE TO CRAWL UNDER A HORSE IS ONE OF THE
MOST IGNORANT, I’LL ADVISED SUGGESTIONS I EVER HEARD
THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY HORSE CAN SUDDENLY MOVE….
JUMP….STARTLE….KICK OUT…
AND IT WILL NOT BE THE HORSE WHO SUFFERS!
LADY CAT
BOULDER, CO
WOW! Not sure if I trust any of my horses to do this to? I did have 1 old boy I could do anything with including sitting underneath him – I had him for 17 years. (Many people do not like the term bombproof but man he was) he has been in heaven now for 7 years & life is not the same without him. So maybe in the near future I will have this again with 1 of my other babies????? One can only hope as it is such an empowering feeling this unfathomable trust……
I stand behind my horse when I braid his tail and he is fine with it. I will even pull on his tail to get him to stand still. But walking under him? Absolutely not. My dad and trainer would have a fit, and my horse wouldn’t be very impressed either.
Before I was taught by the professionals, I crawled under an unbroken 3 year horse to groom her belly! I was didn’t understand much about horses then but I knew the difference between a animal in a dangerous mood and one that was well aware of my presence yet calm. If your horse will kick/trample you when it knows you’re underneath then its equally likely to throw you off it’s back? The main thing is to watch your horses reaction (muscles, ear direction, head height…)
Why would you post such a stupid tip. Don’t you realize that some people that don’t have trustworthy horses will try this? Such nonsense! You deserve what you get if you do this. Good luck
I agree is does sound coocoo – but I have to agree
with Conner. You have to build trust with your
horse – otherwise you will have an unpredictable
animal and the animal may think you are unpredictable as well. Get to know each other
if your owning your horse for life, I think it’s essential for the relationship. That is what I am
in the process of doing – I had my horse since he was 4months – but they change when they grow up and my horse has a hereditary problem and can never be gelded – and I am a woman!!! But he is mine and I am his we have to learn together. He has been in training since the day he was born.
Yes get to know and trust each other slowly. Yes take this advice well – but also be aware and be careful!
Lots of de-sensitising in other ways should def be successful first and some insight as to why the horse is grumpy. If you can rub and stroke the whole belly maybe it could be good next step to crawl under but I agree its a very dangerous generic tip because it is not foolproof lol. But it is incredibly useful to save time for me at times and I take responsibility for my own judgment and how supple I feel at the time as I am and oldie too!
I am 56 years old. And raised many horses. I have done this to many of them. Why to help the equine use to all sorts of unexpected events.happening aroundhim. Such as children dogs any thing running around or falling around the equines. Doing pony rides as part of business. I have many children running up to an equine with arms wide open to huge the equine. Whith the mother in pursuit. Before she get to the child the child has a good wrap around the leg huge. What happen nothing the equine stood there without a fuss. So i feel this is an excellent way to not only for trust but prevent safety especailly when dealing with the uneducated public.
well let see here, if for instance you have a gelding and you have to clean his sheath, or say there is an injury somewhere on the underneath of your horse, then would it not make sense to have to work on that with your horse to get him or her used to that area being where you are. I know that when I had my gelding I had to clean his sheath, I mean not the most pleasant think in the world but it has to be done, and he was a 16.1 hand thoroughbread and he had not issues at all with me being under him at all. just saying there may be some circumstances that call for you having to be under there for whatever reason and it you introduce gradually not just all of a sudden then there shouldn’t be any issues, no ones saying just all of a sudden climb under there one day cause you have nothing better to do that startle him, take it little by little and they get what you’re doing, just saying, you may need to at some point in time.
Even if the horse is safe and unlikely to spook -how would your horse view this in the world of horse? Would he / she still respect you as leader? When do you ever see horses doing this except may be a nursing foal?
As a mother of a young rider I have mixed feelings about this subject. My daughter will be 9 and has been competing and placing in the top 3 of all Western categories with our local riding club. She immediately had a bond with her horse as he did with her. He is 15.2hh, quarter horse/paint gelding and he is a babysitter! She can slide off of him, hang from his neck, hug him from underneath, groom him while under him, do his feet, his tail, etc. She is extremely confident and will walk up to any horse like she owns it, and they do what she says. It scares me! Honestly, I’m still afraid of horses. I love and admire them, but they treat me differently because they can sense my fear. I even try to mimic exactly what she is doing and they can still sense it. So, unless you completely trust your horse, please don’t try this tip at home. Always wear a riding helmet people! I see so many people go to the ER that would have been ok if they were wearing a helmet! Please report abuse and neglect! Speak for these beautiful souls!
I got my first pony 2 weeks ago she is 35-37 years old I have learnt that you must show confidence if you are nervous the horse will pick up on your nerves so if you are happy your horse will be happy;)
All of these comments are people saying that they don’t trust their horses enough to try this, but if you don’t trust your horse enough to not injure you doing this, then how can you trust your horse enough to get on him and not injure you? I have dogs that like to run around my horse all the time, what if one of them decides to run under him while I am riding and I have never gotten him used to it? Then I am worse off.
Hi mate – don’t think such a good idea. Would advise not.
Great risk of being injured. Also what is the horse to think of this behaviour?
Unwise advice.
Many of your other suggestions have been gold.
Cheers
Paul.