Horses are natural grazers. They would like nothing better than to stand around the pasture, alternating grazing and napping, 24/7. It's what they are born to do. So in the winter months when grazing isn't an option, it's no wonder they get a little over-excited and rambunctious at feeding time. But it doesn't have to get out of control.

Defending your personal space at feeding time, and demanding your horses are respectful, is simply a matter of safety. If you've ever carried a grain bucket or a bale of hay into a pasture and found yourself in the middle of 8 horses fighting over the food you know what I'm talking about. Teaching your horses to respect your space at feeding time isn't difficult, and could save you a trip to the emergency room.

My Space Is Not Your Space
In my pasture and barn our horses are not allowed to get within 4 feet of me when I'm carrying hay or grain. And, they must stand at the back of their stalls before I'll put grain in their buckets. It's just that simple - they want food, they need to back off. So, how do I get them to cooperate?

I never enter the pasture with food without having a training stick and string. As the horses approach me, I hold up the stick up in the air. They have the choice at that point to stay out of striking distance or get tagged. I slap the ground in front of them before they enter my space to give them an extra warning. If they continue into my space, they get tagged. After several days of being consistent with the consequence of entering into your space, most horses will get the idea and stand back until you get out of the way.

Mmmmm?. Grain.....
I use a similar technique when graining my horses in their stalls. I ask them to go to the back of the stall and don't put the grain in their buckets until they are standing quietly in the back of the stall. This takes patience. You have to be consistent and not allow your horse to rush the grain bucket while you are pouring in the grain. Be willing to stop, step back and ask them to go to the back of the stall until they can stand quietly. If you're consistent for 4-5 days, soon your horses will go the back of the stall as soon as they see you coming.

Feeding time at our farm has gone from ?every man for himself? to a controlled, safe event. Most of the time, our horses don't even attempt to approach their hay or grain until we walk away. Take the time to teach your horses respect and politeness at feeding time - you'll be so glad you did.