How do u keep your horse from stepping on your feet?

Answer 1

Just want to point out here.....some people mentioned wearing steel toed boots.....please DON'T! When a horse steps on your foot and you are wearing steel toed boots, they can actually bend the steel plate inside, causing the edge to come down and cut your toes. This will hurt even worse than getting stepped on! It happened to a guy at my barn and it wasn't a pretty sight....needless to say, no one wears steel toes at my barn anymore.

Answer 2

I agree with the answers above be more attentive and keep out of hooves way, however in response to Kathy A I have to strongly disagree on the steel cap boots. I visited a bootmaker once while I was there he showed be a special pair of boots he was making for a bloke who had been wearin steel cap boots and had his foot stepped on by a horse, the steel bent on the inside of the boot and cut off 4 of his toes. Freak accident maybe but I wouldn't take the chance.

Answer 3

I always found that talking quietly and calmly non stop helped, i would sing softly, this keeps a calmer atmosphere around the horse and lets him know where you are, and most importantly be confident it won't happen, but aware that it could, keep your eyes on the horses movements, and always keep at least one hand on the horse, petting gently but firmly, keep the goal in your mind that you are in charge, don't show fear or anger, that mindset immediatly transfers to the horse, i find that the talking helps the most, keeps me as calm as the horse, and i have found it really does help..

Answer 4

well- people have been working with horses for hundreds of years and they are still stepping on us, so I dont think there is a way to cure that problem.

The trick is to make yoru horse more aware of your space. They are herd animals so they naturally want to stand close to you. Practice with him in a halter. Have him walk beside you with his throatlatch even with your shoulder. This is what is recommended for a halter class. Anytime that he gets to close to you, ask him to move over a step by moving your hand toward him. He will get the idea that he needs to move over. After a feww sessions he will keep his eye trained on your shoulder and stay a certain amount of space away. Anytime that he invades ur territory, whether accidental or on purpose, tell him to move over. Only allow him in your space if you are getting on him or off of him or giving him some kisses or a treat or a hug. just be patient.

Answer 5

Try to stand 2 steps away from the horses legs... and pay attention to the horses movements.

Answer 6

Horses like to stand on your foot and then lean on you. Notice how they smile the next time they do it. Just keep your feet away. They probably do it as a sign of affection. The next time notice their ears, I bet they don't lay back, but stick straight up. Also they will switch their tails to knock the flies off your face if you walk behind them. Warning, don't let a cow step on your foot, ever.

Answer 7

PAY ATTENTION.

Horses don't see very well underneath themselves - their eyes are on the sides of their heads and they don't see well ahead of them either. Watch a horse - if he wants to see something under him he will hold his head sideways and look.
It's good to teach a horse to respect your space, but it's your responsibility to keep your toes out from underneath the horse's space, too.
Yes, some will stomp your toes out of mischief. But if you are paying attention and doing what you are supposed to be doing, your toes are safe.
I've had horses for 34 years and cared for them myself, and I've only been stepped on a few times. With horses, you have to be observant and careful and play it safe - which means watch the horse at all times and be prepared to move out of the way iy it kicks/shies/steps towards your feet!

Answer 8

You are just simply going to get stepped on once in awhile. Just try to stay from under his or her hoofs. Pay closer attention to their hoof placement and keep you feet to the side and toward the back of their placement. As one person said it might be good to wear steel toed boots if it really hurts you and this happen often with you.

Answer 9

be careful! my horse broke my toes when i was a kid. after that happened, i just kept aware of where my feet were. horses tend not to side step too much so always stand to the side of your horse, never directly in back. totally agree with daniellagiovanni. i was just refering to grooming because that's when my horse stepped on my foot.

Answer 10

you should use bell boots on the decrease back - that's no longer easily that uncommon. also there are pastern boots or sausage boots that could want to be of a few help searching on the position he's unbelievable himself. it might want to also be a sturdy theory to debate this such as your farrier as there is the chance that he might want to trim the ft in a somewhat different way or in good structure a distinct form of shoe to diminish the damage. in case you've no longer had him lengthy it might want to be that the issue will develop right into a lot less as he receives more healthful and builds more desirable muscle.