26/10/2026
🏠 Coming in at night? Time to brush up on stable manners! 🏠
With horses spending more time in their stables over winter, good manners matter more than ever. A polite horse is safer to handle, easier to look after, and much more pleasant for everyone on the yard.
Here's what to teach and how:
1️⃣ **Step back from the door**
Your horse shouldn't crowd the door or try to push out when you open it. Before you go in, ask them to step back with a light hand on the chest or a gentle lift of the lead rope, and say "back". Only walk in once they've moved away.
2️⃣ **Turn to face you before you let go**
When you bring them in, walk them in, turn them to face the door, and ask them to stand before you take the headcollar off. Then step out calmly. This stops them spinning away or kicking up as they're released.
3️⃣ **Move over when asked**
Put a light hand on their side where your leg would go and say "over". As soon as they step across, take your hand away and praise them. This makes mucking out, rugging and grooming much safer.
4️⃣ **Wait politely for food**
Door banging and pawing at feed time are habits we accidentally reward by feeding them. Wait until they're quiet, even for a second, before the feed goes in. Over time they'll learn that calm gets dinner, not noise.
5️⃣ **Tie up to muck out**
It's safer for you, and it's great practice in standing patiently.
6️⃣ **No nipping or barging**
Calmly correct it every time, and make sure everyone who handles your horse does the same. Mixed messages make it harder for them to learn.
💡 **A happy horse behaves better**
Plenty of hay to keep them busy, a steady routine, and a friendly neighbour they can see all help a stabled horse stay relaxed and settled.
⚠️ **Safety first:** never stand directly behind your horse, keep the stable door bolted, and always let them know you're there before you approach.
What's the one stable habit you'd love your horse to drop? Tell us below 👇
