Mission Objective

• Build trust without triggering flight
• Establish calm movement and control
• Use pressure and release, not force
• Earn proximity step by step

Before Contact

• Read terrain, exits, and wind
• Remove loud movements and pressure
• Stay clear of blind spots
• Never corner a frightened horse

Read Body Language

• Note ears forward as curiosity
• Treat pinned ears as agitation
• Read high head as alarm
• Welcome licking and chewing

Approach Protocol

• Observe from the perimeter first
• Approach at an angle, not head-on
• Pause the moment tension rises
• Retreat slightly, then re-approach

First Contact

• Start at the shoulder, not face
• Touch slowly and withdraw early
• Reward stillness immediately
• Keep early sessions short

Gaining Control

• Ask for one step, then release
• Yield the forequarters
• Yield the hindquarters
• Introduce halter and lead gradually

Safe And Danger Zones

• Avoid the front strike zone
• Work the safer shoulder zones
• Watch the blind spots carefully
• Stay out of the rear kick zone

Field Rules

• Let calm beat dominance
• Trust consistency over speed
• Time actions over forcing strength
• Give the animal space