How to Catch a Loose Horse
Horses often get loose from either their stalls, crossties, or hitching area. Learn how to catch them without a halter.
[edit] Steps
- Before doing anything, make sure that the horse cannot get to anywhere dangerous, i.e., a road. Once you are sure they can't get anywhere, then you can proceed with catching them.
- Try to get the horse in a semi-enclosed area first, so that they have fewer places to run. This will make things much easier for you.
- When a horse gets loose, often they are not wearing a halter. To catch the horse, approach them calmly.
- If there is a rope nearby, you can loop it around his upper neck (without tying a knot) and lead him back either to its stall, or to where it was tied.
- If there is not a halter or rope nearby, talk to the horse in a calm, gentle voice, slip one hand around the horse's neck and one hand over their nose, and gently walk it back to where it was.
[edit] Tips
- It may help to have some sort of treat around, as some horses may shy at your hand on their faces.
[edit] Warnings
- Be very careful and make sure the horse does not kick.
- Be watchful of the horse's hooves so as not to be stepped on.
