When approaching horses, which side should you approach them from?

Approaching a horse from the left side is standard practice for several reasons rooted in safety and tradition. Horses are generally more accustomed to being approached from the left because, historically, most riders mount from this side, and many handlers have trained horses to respond positively to this approach. This familiarity helps reduce the chances of startling the horse, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations.

Additionally, approaching from the left allows the handler to maintain better visibility of the horse's head, which is crucial in assessing the animal's mood and body language. Horses have a larger field of vision on their left side, and handlers can avoid placing themselves in the horse's blind spots, which are primarily located directly in front of and behind the animal.

Moreover, it is important to always approach horses at an angle rather than directly front or rear to minimize the risk of being kicked, as horses may react defensively if they feel threatened. Approaching from the side allows for a more controlled interaction, contributing to a safer environment for both the horse and the handler.

The other options—approaching from the right, front, or back—are less preferable. The right side is less common and may confuse the horse. Approaching from the front can lead to unpredictable reactions if the horse