Approaches and tools for handling horses
- Horses should be handled quietly, with care and patience, to avoid injury, pain or distress.
- Handlers must be familiar with equine behaviour and competent in humane handlings techniques either through training, experience, or mentorship.
- Handling and restraining devices must be used humanely and with regard to the horse’s natural movement, temperament and physical capabilities.
- A properly equipped handling area should be available to facilitate the treatment of horses.
- All tack and equipment should be maintained in good operating condition.
- All halters, leads and lariats and other materials used to restrain or handle horses must be equipped with a method of quick release in case a horse becomes entangled in the equipment. Chutes used to restrain horses should have break out walls to assist horses that go down during handling.
- Tethering and hobbling for the purpose of grazing is a practice which has a high risk of injury to horses. It is not recommended and is strongly discouraged.
Adapted from the NFACC Code of Practice (2018)