Are you a beginner when it comes to horses? Learn about crucial mistakes that beginners can fall victim to, complete with advice from experienced horse owners and equestrians on how to avoid them.Table of ContentsToggleNot Double-Checking EverythingNot Tying Horses SecurelyNot Leading Horses ProperlyDangerous Trailering PracticesChoosing the Wrong FarrierFailing to Check EquipmentImproper Feeding PracticesNot Asking PermissionMaking a MessNot Being PreparedForgetting to Listen to Your HorseForgetting That Horses Can Be UnpredictableBeing Too Generous with ShowsheenKey TakeawayA few years ago, when my daughter joined 4-H, she decided she wanted to show her horse for the first time at our county fair. Ive had horses for a long time, but horse shows? That was brand new territory for us; were more of a trail riding family. So, I had to dive in and learn a whole lot of new things. Some tips came from other experienced equestrians, but most lessons I had to figure out the hard way.The thing I love most about horses is that no matter how long youve been around them or how much you think you know, theres always something new to learn. It got me thinkingwhat advice would seasoned horse people share with beginner equestrians? Because, lets be honest, its so much better to learn from others experiences than the hard way.Below, experienced equestrians share mistakes that beginner horse people often make and how to avoid them.Not Double-Checking EverythingDouble-check gates, stall doors, and the water spigot before leaving the barn. Vicki Barker HagermanIts important to ensure barn safety and efficiency by double-checking stall and gate latches, water spigots, and lights. Photo by Bilal/Adobe StockWhether you board your horse or keep them at home, someone is footing the utility bill. Leaving a hose running or lights on all night isnt just wastefulits expensive. And leaving a door or gate unlocked? That could mean theft or, even worse, a horse on the loose. Dont even get me started on leaving the feed door open. Houdini horses can eat themselves sickor worse. Take Santas advice: make a list and check it twice.Not Tying Horses SecurelyTie horses to something solidnot a rollaway trash can, swing set, or car door latch! Marlene Amos SandersYou tie horses because you dont want them to go anywhere, so you should tie them to something that also isnt going anywhere. Photo by Cynthia Baldauf/Adobe StockHorses are experts at scaring themselves. If theyre tied to something that moves easily, a simple spook can turn into a runaway disaster. And gates? Avoid them too. Horses can push through or even get their heads stuck, which is a recipe for heartbreak.Learn to properly tie a lead rope so you can untie it easily if a horse pulls tight. Charlie BrownSpeaking of ropes, emergencies happen. You dont want to wrestle with a complicated knot when every second counts. A quick-release knot is a lifesaver, and you can learn it in minutes with a few online videos.Not Leading Horses ProperlyDont wrap lead ropes around your hand. Marla MilesNever wrap a lead rope or reins around your hand. If you need to condense the excess, fold it as shown. Photo by Terri Cage/Adobe StockIts easy to fall into the habit of looping a rope for a better grip, but its really risky. Even experienced horsemen have gotten seriously injuredor worsewhen ropes are wrapped around their hands or thrown over their shoulders. Always keep your hands and body clear of any rope loops, and never lead a horse by just his halter either. And heres another tip: never stand or sit directly in front of a horse. When they get spooked, theyll usually bolt straight forward away from danger, and thats the last place you want to be.Dangerous Trailering PracticesAlwaysuntie your horses head and attach a lead rope before opening the rear door and dropping the butt bar. Otherwise, the horse may panic and hurt itself. Kathy LunsfordDont tie horses in trailers with bungee snaps. Too many have lost an eye that way. Sharon RedmonJust as we follow safety precautions for ourselves in the car, we must practice safety precautions with our horses in the trailer. Photo by Mary CageTrailering horses is a science and an art. We protect our horse with leg wraps and eye shields; you never know when hay will fly around or a hard stop could cause them to lose balance. And double-check the truck and trailer connections and test the lights before heading out. A small oversight can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation, so take your time and do it right.Choosing the Wrong FarrierPick a farrier that knows what they are doing because if they dont, they can ruin your horse. My daughters horse stood camped in when we got him but the farrier fixed the angles and now he stands correctly. Kathleen AlbinProper care of your horses hooves, including using the right farrier, is imperative for his health. Photo by WH_Pics/Adobe StockChoosing the right farrier is key, whether your horse just needs a trim, a new set of shoes, or some rehab care. Imagine wearing wedge sandals without a break for a few daysand then switching them around and wearing them backward. Your feet would be sore, right? Well, if a horses hooves arent trimmed at the right angle, it can cause serious pain and even lead to bone issues in the hoof. Always ask for references from trusted sources, including your veterinarian.Failing to Check EquipmentCheck your equipment for wearespecially latigos and stirrup leathers. I used a friends saddle, the horse crow-hopped, and the saddleand Iwent flying. Vicki Barker HagermanAvoid equipment failures by checking your equipment before every use. Photo Annabell Gsdl/Adobe StockTake a few extra minutes to ensure everything is in good condition, fits properly, and is securely fastened. Everyone has mishaps, but you dont want to discover your tacks issues while flying toward the ground.Improper Feeding PracticesWe fed our horse two flakes of hay in the morning and two flakes at night. When he got an ulcer, the vet told us to use a slow feeder. Hes never had a problem since. -Krickett S.Slow feeders can be a useful tool in feeding your horse properly. Photo by Fotema/Adobe StockYou might think since wild horses graze on grass, shrubs, and whatever they can find, its fine to feed your horse the same way. But thats not quite the case. Proper equine nutrition is crucial, and each horse has its own individual dietary needs. For example, different breeds have different needs, and some are tougher than others. The key point to remember is that horses need to eat regularly throughout the day to prevent acid buildup in their stomach, which can lead to ulcers. This is why, in the quote above, slow feeders are often a great choice for your horse. At the end of the day, your horses nutrition is all about providing the right balance to keep him healthy and happy.Also Read: 8 Horse Feeding Mistakes to AvoidNot Asking PermissionAlways ask before tending to another persons horse, even if it seems like common sense. Laurie BallDont overstep boundaries with someone elses horse or riding. Photo by Terri Cage/Adobe StockSometimes when we see something happening, we want to jump in and be good helpers, but its not always the best idea. Good intentions can sometimes lead to bad outcomes. Unless its an emergency, always check with a horses owner before stepping in to help. The same goes for borrowing propertyask before you use someone elses gear.Making a MessAvoid leaving halters attached to cross tiesits an accident waiting to happen. Stephanie Fries TippmannKeeping the barn aisle clean and clear helps prevent safety hazards. Photo by Mary CageTheres nothing worse than walking through the aisleway and stepping in a big pile of poo because someone didnt clean up after their horse. Cleaning up isnt just about courtesy; its about safety. A cluttered barn aisle or misplaced gear can lead to injuries for horses and people alike. Plus, nobody wants to step in somethingor trip over somethingthat shouldnt be there.Not Being PreparedWearing your cowboy hat backward in a class: been there. Katie HesterForgetting gear like boots or helmets is a common mishap at shows. As a kids lesson instructor, Ive seen it allfrom missing show patterns to leaving saddles at home! Hannah GrahBeing prepared will make for a more positive experience at horse shows. Photo by skumer/Adobe StockOne time my daughter went into a hunt seat class and had the ride of her life. She ended up placing last because we forgot to put her number on. Dont muck up your chances because you werent prepared. Preparation is key. Dont lose your shot at a great ride because of a simple mistake, like forgetting your number or gear. Make a checklist, double-check your bag, and be sure to read the show rules before you load up.Also Check Out: Download a Horse Show Checklist and Stall CardForgetting to Listen to Your HorseBeing in tune with your horse can alert you to issues before they become severe. Photo by Elika/Adobe StockHorses cant use words, but they communicate plenty through their actions. Yes, there are moments when a horse will be feisty or hateful for no good reason but if theres a persistent issue, theres a good chance that your horse is in pain or he is confused with what you are asking, which causes frustration. Remember its always important to use positive reinforcement to work through behavioral issues and take the time to understand what your horse is trying to tell you. And, of course, your vet can be a great resource to get to the root of why your horse is acting up.Also Read: Horse Safety: Why It Wasnt the Horses FaultForgetting That Horses Can Be UnpredictableListen to safety precautionsthey exist for a reason Danielle KuhnKeep in mind the fight-or-flight nature of horses. Photo by Augustino/Adobe StockHorses are prey animals, which means even the gentlest one can react unpredictably. Stay mindful, be cautious, and learn from your mistakes so you can handle each situation better next time.Being Too Generous with ShowsheenShowsheen may look great for in-hand classes, but too much can be treacherous once you saddle up. Photo by Mary CageOne lesson that really stuck with me happened during my daughters first show with her horse, Sugar. We were getting Sugar ready for the halter class, and we sprayed her from top to bottom with Showsheena spray that makes your horses coat slick and shiny. Sugars coat looked amazing, glistening in the sunlight. She placed in her halter class, and we were feeling great.Then came the western classes. After the showmanship class, we saddled Sugar up, and everything seemed fine until my daughter went to mount. The saddle slipped! I checked the straps, and they were tight enough, but even once she got on, she was sliding around like crazy. Talk about stressful! She still managed to pull through and win high point in her age group, but it was definitely a nerve-racking show day.Later, when we were back at the barn, we told the barn owner about our mishap. She just laughed and said, Oh yeah, thats a mistake weve all made starting out. Turns out, you should never be liberal with the Showsheen where the saddle goesit makes everything way too slippery. That little tip was a total game-changer for us.Key TakeawayThe bottom line? Horses are incredible teachers if were willing to listen and learnfrom them and from seasoned equestrians. By sharing tips and stories, we can all grow into better, safer horse people.Further Reading:10 Common Horse Care MistakesThis article about mistakes for beginner horse people to avoid is a web exclusive for Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Common Mistakes for Beginners to Avoid with Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.