Interactions with horses can vary greatly depending on the situation and the familiarity between individuals involved.

When greeting horses over a fence in a pasture, it’s important to allow them to smell your hands first and then proceed to pet them cautiously on the cheeks and neck. However, it’s crucial to observe the horse’s behavior closely, especially if it’s an unfamiliar horse. Horses can sometimes bite if they feel threatened or mischievous.

When greeting horses that are actively working, it’s best to seek permission from their human partners before petting them and inquire about suitable areas to do so. Generally, the cheeks, neck, and sometimes shoulders are safe spots to pet a horse while it is under saddle or in harness.

For your own safety, standing near the horse’s shoulder is the safest position. This makes it more challenging for the horse to kick or bite you, should it have such intentions. Unless the horse fully trusts you, it’s not advisable to attempt petting its forehead, as the horse may not see your hand there and may react with fear or startle, potentially causing harm to either you or the horse.

If you are familiar with the horse or it’s your own horse, you can explore its itchy spots with more confidence. Some areas to try include the chest, withers, and the lower side of the neck. You’ll know you’ve found an itchy spot when the horse starts craning its head at odd angles or stretches out its body, indicating that it’s enjoying the sensation. In some cases, the horse may even reciprocate the gesture, engaging in mutual grooming, which is a bonding activity among horses.