Sin pecado

1
Attach your horse while brushing him.
This is really important because an attached horse is less able to bite you and is not able to turn around and kick you.
Don't make the rope too short, this is not pleasant for him (imagine yourself being attached to a wall with only a 20 inch rope). But don't make it too long either (it should not touch the ground), because the horse could step on the rope, panic and hurt himself or others.. Buy a rope with a safety release, so you can release your horse before he injures himself.
If you attach him use a special safety knot as well (use google or ask an experienced person to show you how).

2
Never wrap ropes (lead ropes, etc..) around your hands or fingers.
Don't put your wrist through the strap at the end.
Many people lost fingers or their entire hand by not holding the rope in a safe way..
When a horse panics and takes off, you don't have time to un-tie a knot.
Always keep that in mind!

3
I like rope halters a lot, they're very useful for doing groundwork.
They are easy to carry with you and good when you go for a walk with your horse, because you have more to say (the horse feels more pressure on his nose than with a regular halter).
But if you use it to attach a horse to a wall or for transport it becomes a dangerous tool. The pressure on the nose is too high in case of panic, and your horse could get injured. Use a regular halter for transport, and make sure this one fits good as well. (too large = bad)

4
Don't approach a horse from the back (except when it's your intention to scare him, but why would you do that? :D). If you're behind his hindquarters he is not able to see you. Some horses react extremely to things showing up in this area.. and kick without hesitation. If you approach a horse from the back and get kicked.. don't punish the horse.. You asked for it :D

5
When leading a horse from A to B, the best position is in front of the horse, not next to his shoulder. If you walk in front of him you are in the most dominant position (excellent when leading a horse you don't really know well, or in case of a really frightened or dominant horse). Don 't walk right in front of him, so he won't jump on you when he scares. Instead walk a little bit beside him, his nose behind your elbow.

6
Never ever allow your horse to enter your personal space in a brutal manner.
You can choose to enter his space, but he is not allowed to enter yours..
You define the amount of personal space you need, make no exceptions for his pushy behaviour. If he enters your personal space, make him go a few steps backwards.
By defending 'your territory' you defend your position as a (his) leader.
Of course, depending on the horse's character, you could sometimes allow him to enter your space. Ears to the front, friendly look, moving slowly towards you with his head low, this means he wants to be your friend. When you're not sure how to tell the difference, keep him out of your space.. He needs your leadership more than your friendship.

7
To break the habit of biting, or to avoid teaching him to bite: stop letting him eat out of your hand.
This simple rule can solve many problems... why?
Easily: in herds the horse with highest rank gets the best food first. If you give food to your horse, you are the weaker horse that leaves the best bit for the leader. You lose your position as a leader by letting him eat out of your hands.

8
Wear a cap when doing groundwork. A head-butt given to you happens quickly and a horse's head is not soft :D

9
When brushing or cleaning the horse's hoofs or legs, don't sit down on the ground. It's much safer to squat. If the horse scares and jumps in your direction, or if he kicks, you are much faster to jump or fall backwards when squatting. When you sit you are more vulnerable and slower.

10
Keep in mind: horses are flight animals .. no matter how good you think you know your horse, an animal is an animal, and animals can react unexpectedly and unpredictably.. Don't take any risk, you don't have to act like a cowboy or -girl. Use your head.. ;)


I hope you liked my tips.. please leave me a comment if you like them or disagree or whatever ;)
I'm learning new things every day, and I like to share them.. but one can always make a mistake ;)