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Getting to
Know Horses

Horses are majestic and beloved. At one point in American culture, the vast majority of people were constantly around horses, be it for work, travel, or enjoyment. While times have changed, the interest in horses is at an all-time high! We encourage you to get to know horses. We are here to help.

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The Basics of Understanding Horses

Maybe you’ve never been near a horse. You may even be nervous to approach one. That’s ok! Everyone from Olympians to junior equestrians had their first interaction with a horse at some point in their life. This series of videos, led by Equestrian Olympic gold medalist and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor, was developed to help you to know horses and basic horsemanship skills.

Getting to Know Horses: Watch & Learn

When approaching a horse for the first time, you should remember that they are prey animals and we are predators, explains decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor, so body language is very important. Always walk to the side of a horse instead of straight to their head, then put your hand out with your fingers down to allow it to touch and accept you.

Approaching a Horse

Master safe and confident horse handling techniques.

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Body language is incredibly important while handling horses and the most important aspect of that is the release of pressure, says decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor, explaining that the two main places on the body from which to move a horse are the nose and neck. The language that we use to talk to horses to ask them to do something is based on how they talk to each other.

Handling a Horse

Master safe and confident horse handling techniques.

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Decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor details how different parts of horses’ anatomy relates to that of humans. From the knee down, horses do not have any muscles, which is comparable to our hands, and the shoulder is the same articulated joint as humans have. Most surprisingly, what we think of as a horse’s back is not really their back – as the spinal cord actually runs down the middle of their body, O’Connor explains.

Horse Anatomy

Discover how a horse’s anatomy compares to humans.

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Horses are herbivores who eat almost 2 percent of their body fat a day, decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor. A horse in a pasture can eat up to 1.5 pounds of grass an hour, but if they are in a stall then that has to be replaced by hay and other feeds to keep them healthy and strong.

Horse Nutrition

Understand what horses eat, and how diet impacts their health.

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The key to knowing what a horse is thinking is by looking into their eyes, decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor explains. In addition, the ears show inquisitiveness if they are paying attention to something, or alternatively, reveal aggression when they are pinned back.

Horse Expressions

Decode a horse’s emotions by observing its eyes, ears, and body language.

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Before tacking up, you should always show the saddle, pad, etc. to your horse to allow them to sniff and accept it, advises decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor. When bridling, be sure to loop a lead rope over the horse’s neck before taking the halter off so that you still have control. Put the reins over the head from front to back, and allow the horse to put his head down for the bridle as you offer the bit to them with your hand, then put the ears through quickly.

Tacking Up a Horse

Follow a step-by-step guide to properly saddle and bridle a horse.

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You should use a mounting block if possible when getting on a horse so that you don’t twist the saddle or the horse’s back, says decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor. Always check the horse’s eye to make sure they accept what you are doing – if not, pause – then face the back as you put your foot into the stirrup. When dismounting, take both feet out of the stirrups and ensure not to kick the horse as you swing your leg over.

Mounting and Dismounting

Learn the safest techniques to get on and off a horse.

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The easiest way to hold the reins is to grab them with your fist with the thumb on top, explains decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor, then slide the rein between your little finger and your middle finger. The thumb and forefinger then become a string to communicate with your horse, allowing you to apply and release pressure easily.

Controlling a Horse – Reins

Master rein control with proper hand position and pressure application.

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The first thing to do after dismounting a horse is to run your stirrups up so that they don’t get caught on anything, says decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor, then take the reins over the head. When leading, he also advises positioning yourself between your horse and anything that might scare or startle it to ensure that you are both safe.

Leading a Horse

Ensure safety when leading a horse by positioning yourself correctly.

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As riders, we have four natural aids: the leg, seat, weight (whether you go with your horse or resist it), and voice (such as clucking or saying “woah”), explains decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor. Just like with handling horses on the ground, we communicate by exerting pressure and releasing it.

Controlling a Horse – Natural Aids

Learn how to use natural aids.

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Clothing is incredibly important when it comes to safety, decorated Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor Olympian and US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor explains. Always ride in a boot with a heel so that your foot can’t get stuck in a stirrup, while wearing leather footwear on the ground will protect your feet if you are stood on.

Horse Safety

Prioritize rider and handler safety by wearing the proper gear.

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About The Expert

David O'Connor

Chief of Sport, US Equestrian

O’Connor, a decorated Olympian, is no stranger to US Equestrian. David represented the USA for 20 years as an athlete, where he earned individual gold and team bronze medals in Eventing at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics and a team silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. O’Connor joined the USEF team in his current role in October 2022, where he is responsible for working with the Executive Team on the overall international and national sport support of the Strategic Plan, its initiatives including sport integrity, education, and equine and human safety and welfare. Additionally, he provides oversight of the international and national sport operations, ensuring that the Sport Department’s short-term and long-term strategic plans align with USEF’s priorities. He also focuses on strengthening relationships with stakeholder groups such as the USOPC, FEI and USEF's Recognized Affiliates. David served as USEF President from 2004 to 2012, and he currently serves on the FEI Board of Directors. In 2021, he was presented with the USOPC’s General Douglas MacArthur Exemplary Service Award in recognition of his continued service and commitment to equestrian sports within the Olympic and Paralympic movements.