I've been around horses for most of my life and I'm still wary of the rear. I tend to give it a wide berth when walking around the back, or keep my hand on the horse's rump, and literally squeezing right close around.
My very last horse was a kicker so I learned a lot from him. Especially ear-language - if they started going back, I knew he was about to kick or bite. But it was mostly when cinching up the girth so I forgave him. He was in fact a very loving and loveable old fella and I miss him.
Yes! I was advised to keep one hand on the horse the whole time, which, of course I am happy to do. And the ears...the ears talk. I love that you had such a good friendship.
I've been around horses for most of my life and I'm still wary of the rear. I tend to give it a wide berth when walking around the back, or keep my hand on the horse's rump, and literally squeezing right close around.
My very last horse was a kicker so I learned a lot from him. Especially ear-language - if they started going back, I knew he was about to kick or bite. But it was mostly when cinching up the girth so I forgave him. He was in fact a very loving and loveable old fella and I miss him.
Yes! I was advised to keep one hand on the horse the whole time, which, of course I am happy to do. And the ears...the ears talk. I love that you had such a good friendship.