EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
“HOW TO SAFELY CATCH A LOOSE HORSE”
The following is adapted from the Cowboy Boot Camp® Horsemanship Manual and prepared for the
City of Rolling Hills Estates, Lomita Sherriff’s Department and other “First Responders” in the
Palos Verdes Peninsula area of Southern California.
“APPROACH CONFIDENTLY BUT WITH AWARENESS”
It is essential that you stay calm. Then, assess the situation and surroundings – is there a corral nearby, can the area be blocked off, is the horse panicked, are there other horses involved, is he wearing any tack, did he pull loose and now dragging an item, is the horse or rider injured?
From the moment you approach the horse, you’re sending him a message that will set the tone. Horses are intimidating, big and powerful animals that are easily startled. They don’t like surprises, therefore, don’t use sudden movements and most importantly, don’t run toward them.
A horse will run until he feels safe so don’t become a predator. The primary instinct of a frightened horse is to defend itself by fleeing. They’re often scared if an injury is involved or anxious to let off steam especially if they’ve been penned for a while or are young. Be aware of a horse’s body language and what he is telling you. Is he scared, angry or playful? It’s imperative that you not only create a dominate presence with the horse you want to catch, but also with other horses you may encounter.
So, to keep yourself safe from being knocked down or by flying hoofs, learn the preferred way to catch, halter and lead a horse safely.
Cowboy Boot Camp's, Jim Moore, in association with the City of Rolling Hills Estates, CA, is offering instruction on how to catch a loose horse to city employees.
(see press release below)
Follow these rules:
•
Be prepared. Don’t wait until you’re beside the horse to figure out how to use the halter and lead rope. If a halter isn’t available, a sturdy leather belt can sometimes be a temporary alternative. It is smart to always carry a halter, lead and stud chain in your vehicle.
Be prepared. Don’t wait until you’re beside the horse to figure out how to use the halter and lead rope. If a halter isn’t available, a sturdy leather belt can sometimes be a temporary alternative. It is smart to always carry a halter, lead and stud chain in your vehicle.•Approach with confident authority and with a positive attitude. Chances are he just needs you to reassure him that he’ll be safer with you instead of being alone and without a “herd.” Horses are herd animals, they either want to lead or be lead.
Approach with confident authority and with a positive attitude. Chances are he just needs you to reassure him that he’ll be safer with you instead of being alone and without a “herd.” Horses are herd animals, they either want to lead or be lead.•Don’t run or yell. Walk slowly towards a horse and speak softly to let him know you’re approaching and not a threat. Horses are prey animals so they can see quite clearly on both sides, however, their blind spots are directly in front and behind.
Don’t run or yell. Walk slowly towards a horse and speak softly to let him know you’re approaching and not a threat. Horses are prey animals so they can see quite clearly on both sides, however, their blind spots are directly in front and behind.•Get your horse to acknowledge and respect your presence. Watch his ears and eyes as you approach, they will let you know if he’s going to allow you to approach or if he’s ready to flee and in what direction.
Get your horse to acknowledge and respect your presence. Watch his ears and eyes as you approach, they will let you know if he’s going to allow you to approach or if he’s ready to flee and in what direction. •Be aware of other animals in the area. Even a horse in a nearby pasture or corral may cause the horse you want to catch to react negatively.
Be aware of other animals in the area. Even a horse in a nearby pasture or corral may cause the horse you want to catch to react negatively.•Approach at his left shoulder if possible. Never walk up directly behind him as they won’t see you coming and may spook or kick. If you advance straight towards their face, they could perceive you as a threat and run.
Approach at his left shoulder if possible. Never walk up directly behind him as they won’t see you coming and may spook or kick. If you advance straight towards their face, they could perceive you as a threat and run.•Open up. Reach out and touch and be smelled. By opening your arms this may draw the horse to you, then allow him to smell your hand. Rubbing his neck will reassure him that you’re not a threat. But, don’t waste time, you may not get a second chance - catch the horse.
Open up. Reach out and touch and be smelled. By opening your arms this may draw the horse to you, then allow him to smell your hand. Rubbing his neck will reassure him that you’re not a threat. But, don’t waste time, you may not get a second chance - catch the horse.•Be deliberate but not sudden with your movements. If the horse is bridled or has a lead rope, grab them. Keep in mind that during the commotion, these items could be broken or loose leaving you holding empty tack.
Be deliberate but not sudden with your movements. If the horse is bridled or has a lead rope, grab them. Keep in mind that during the commotion, these items could be broken or loose leaving you holding empty tack. •Be organized and have a plan! By gently laying the lead rope across his neck, the horse will have the sense of being caught so have the halter ready to easily slip over his nose and around his head. The long strap (crown piece) should come over the head right behind the ears, then buckle or tie the halter near the ear on his left side. The lead rope should have been previously attached to the ring underneath the halter at the horse’s jaw line.
Be organized and have a plan! By gently laying the lead rope across his neck, the horse will have the sense of being caught so have the halter ready to easily slip over his nose and around his head. The long strap (crown piece) should come over the head right behind the ears, then buckle or tie the halter near the ear on his left side. The lead rope should have been previously attached to the ring underneath the halter at the horse’s jaw line.•Always use a lead rope. Never use only the halter to lead as it does not give you control of the horse should he pull away. To lead your horse, you should be on his left side holding the lead rope in a figure 8 in your left hand - not coiled around your hand as it could be dangerous if he spooks and pulls away. Be careful not to leave loose rope dragging the ground to step on.
Always use a lead rope. Never use only the halter to lead as it does not give you control of the horse should he pull away. To lead your horse, you should be on his left side holding the lead rope in a figure 8 in your left hand - not coiled around your hand as it could be dangerous if he spooks and pulls away. Be careful not to leave loose rope dragging the ground to step on.•If you must lead your horse by the bridle, lead him with care. Don’t hold your hand too close to his jaw and don’t tug on the reins. These actions will apply needless pressure to sensitive mouth tissues. Lead him, don’t drag him – you will lose.
If you must lead your horse by the bridle, lead him with care. Don’t hold your hand too close to his jaw and don’t tug on the reins. These actions will apply needless pressure to sensitive mouth tissues. Lead him, don’t drag him – you will lose. •Always have “space situation awareness” - be aware of what’s going on around you! Look out for other horses or any obstacle that could cause a problem.
Always have “space situation awareness” - be aware of what’s going on around you! Look out for other horses or any obstacle that could cause a problem.•Remember, you’re “driving a big barge” so allow for that big animal behind you when going through the gate or around a corner. The slightest tug on the saddle or a bump on the rump could cause him to lunge forward.
Remember, you’re “driving a big barge” so allow for that big animal behind you when going through the gate or around a corner. The slightest tug on the saddle or a bump on the rump could cause him to lunge forward. •It is always best to hold your elbow at a 45 degree angle to initiate cues and for protection.
It is always best to hold your elbow at a 45 degree angle to initiate cues and for protection.•When turning the horse, move your hand under his chin away from you to the right. This prevents him from stepping on your feet.
When turning the horse, move your hand under his chin away from you to the right. This prevents him from stepping on your feet.•If you must turn him to the left, keep him an arm’s length and gently pull his head towards you.
If you must turn him to the left, keep him an arm’s length and gently pull his head towards you. •If you’re turning the horse out to a pasture or paddock, lead him well away from the gate before turning him loose and NEVER turn your back on your horse even after you let go.
If you’re turning the horse out to a pasture or paddock, lead him well away from the gate before turning him loose and NEVER turn your back on your horse even after you let go.•Never tie him using the reins! You may just have to catch him again.
Never tie him using the reins! You may just have to catch him again.Note: * Horses are herd animals; therefore, they want to be social with the leader of the group. Once you catch your horse, you become their leader.
If you’re approaching your horse to halter him and he turns and walks away, you may chose to hide the halter behind your back. However, while he may not see it, he still can recognize your halter-hiding characteristics. Smart little devils aren’t they?
Future clinics will discuss procedures on how to handle an injured horse.
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COWBOY BOOT CAMP® INSTRUCTS
FIRST RESPONDERS ON
“PROCEDURES TO CATCH LOOSE HORSES”
Rolling Hills Estates, CA - May 26, 2011 -- Cowboy Boot Camp® has been requested to assist the Southern California, equestrian city in the development of a "Loose Horse Preparedness" program for first responders in the Palos Verdes Peninsula area. What prompted the concern was that some law enforcement officers were ill prepared or unfamiliar with procedures to catch a loose or injured horse. While the officer’s first concern was, of course public safety, many times that could result in the detriment of the horse.
Cowboy Boot Camp’s, Jim Moore, along with other equestrians and city officials, assisted in the design of a curriculum that would instruct law enforcement officers, fire department personnel, city staff and other concerned parties on “How to Safely Catch a Loose Horse.” Developed as part of the city’s “Emergency Preparedness” plan, the workshop will be held quarterly at the City of Rolling Hills Estates equestrian facility, Ernie Howlett Park and will include instruction on catching, haltering, leading and understanding a panicked horse’s mind-set when running loose in a public area.
With approximately 3000 horses and over 100 miles of equestrian trails in the Los Angeles South Bay peninsula area, it is inevitable that first responders will have to handle loose horse situations in the event of a disaster or simply due to a thrown rider. It is important that they understand horses are easily frightened and the quick and calm response of individuals is critical to public safety as well as horse security.
The City’s intent is to provide every law enforcement officer’s vehicle with halters and lead ropes along with the procedures on how to safely capture and assure a horse’s wellbeing should they encounter a loose horse.
Above is the outline adapted from the Cowboy Boot Camp Horsemanship Manual for first responder’s use. For more information visit: www.CowboyBootCamp.net.
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