Why Do Horses Kick, and Can Horse Kicks Kill You?

Horses kick people. It’s a risk that every horse handler and rider needs to be aware of. People often ask me why horses kick, and while there are common reasons, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause without witnessing the event. Nevertheless, understanding why horses kick, and the risks associated with it is crucial for anyone working with these animals.

A horse’s kick can be deadly. While they primarily kick to defend themselves, horses may also do so to assert dominance, release pent-up energy, or out of frustration. These powerful blows can easily break bones and, in some cases, result in fatalities.

Chronic kicking in horses is a dangerous issue that requires attention. Ignoring the problem can lead to severe behavior and serious injuries. In this post, we’ll explore the reasons behind a horse’s kick, the associated risks, and what you can do to protect yourself and others.

A Kick From a Horse Can Kill You.

I’ve personally witnessed the devastating effects of a horse’s kick. I knew a young barrel racer who was kicked while cleaning her horse’s stall and tragically passed away. The horse had no prior history of kicking. Another local person I know of also died from a kick to the head while working with a green horse in a round pen.

These incidents prove that a horse’s kick can be lethal, and it’s not something to take lightly. I strongly advise against trying to fix habitual kickers without the help of an experienced professional. Horses have incredible power in their hindquarters, and their kicks can have deadly consequences. Remember to always prioritize safety when working around horses and seek help if you’re dealing with dangerous behavior.

Why do horses kick?

In general, understanding why horses kick is crucial to staying safe around them. By being aware of their natural instincts, potential pain or discomfort, and signs of aggression or fear, you can take steps to avoid being kicked and protect yourself and those around you.

Horses kick to dominate.

Horses are huge animals, and they pack a powerfully dangerous kick. If your horse has a habit of kicking, it needs to be fixed pronto. Getting your horse to stop this threatening pattern takes experience and persistence.

I think this behavior is too dangerous to fix by reading articles or watching YouTube videos. It would be best if you had the help of a professional or someone with years of experience to work with your horse to stop it from kicking.

Horses are prey animals that live in herds. In each herd, there is a pecking order. They typically run and kick at each other to establish the group pecking order. The horse that stands its ground and runs others away is dominant. The horse that intimidates all the others is the leader of the pack.

When a horse charges or kicks at you and others, it’s learned that it’s the boss over humans. This belief likely developed because of inferior training methods. To fix the problem, the troubled horse must learn the proper pecking order at your farm; you are the leader. Teaching your animal the appropriate hierarchy takes time and skill.

A horse kicks when scared.

Horses that experienced an unpleasant episode might kick in response to stimuli that remind them of the occurrence. They fear something terrible will happen and strike out to prevent it from occurring again.

The stimuli could involve a saddle, a dog, or a particular area of their body. For example, a negligent farrier hurts a horse by driving a nail into the animal’s foot. From this point forward, it fears the pain associated with someone lifting its foot, so it kicks to stop the action.

The animal must learn to trust again and be desensitized to the stimuli causing fear. Again this isn’t a lesson to be taught by a novice. There are real and severe consequences that happen when working with frightened horses. I urge you to bring on an experienced horseman to assist you.

Horses kick to blow off energy.

It’s common to see a couple of young horses running and kicking up their heels on chilly mornings. The running and kicking in the air is their way of playing and blowing off some energy. Often you can tell when walking a horse to the pasture your animal is getting excited. When this happens, try to settle your horse and have it turn to you before releasing it.

I’ve seen playful horses throw up their back feet and almost kick a person’s head. Be safe and teach your horse proper manners. He should stand quietly before you let him off the lead rope. Teaching manners takes time, but it will prevent injuries to you and possibly your horse in the long run. If a horse is allowed to be disrespectful, his behavior will become worse and more dangerous.

Horses kick to send a message.

Horses communicate with members of their herd through various means. They signal with their ears, mouth, and body language. But their most formidable means of communication may be a stiff kick.

Please get me out!

We had a horse that kicked the trailer wall when he was left in a trailer longer than he thought was necessary. It wasn’t much of a challenge to interpret his message: I’ve been locked up long enough, and the trailer is stopped, so get me out now.

Trailers are an unnatural environment for horses. Remember, horses are prey animals, so they like open pastures and the ability to see predators approaching. The trailer is dark and confining. However, horses can be taught to be comfortable in a trailer and even learn to enjoy riding in a trailer.

I want some food!

Our horse also would kick the stall wall when we fed other horses. This communication was also easy to understand: hurry up; I’m hungry. You don’t want a horse kicking stall walls mainly because they can injure their legs, ankles, or feet. Hopefully, they only throw a playful message and don’t whack the heck out of the wall.

I suggest not responding to the animal kicking, don’t rush down the aisle, and feeding the animal. If the kicking is harmless, ignore it, and hopefully, when it sees the message isn’t getting the desired response, the behavior will cease. Stall wall kicking can also be a stress relief behavior associated with stall boredom, similar to cribbing, weaving, and excessive stall walking.

You’re getting too close.

If you trail ride much, you see horses kick when they feel that others are getting too close. Some horses turn and bite as well. This activity should be corrected immediately because it is dangerous to the following horse and its rider.

Once while with a large group of riders in Bogue Chitto National Park, one horse kicked another it felt was encroaching it while we were single file and on a ridge. The kick spooked the horse, and it came close to tumbling into a deep ravine.

If your horse kicks at others, reach down on the reins, pull hard to one side, and kick your animal. Give him a little workout and then return to the group. Don’t let the horse get away with being bad.

Signs of a potentially dangerous horse

It’s important to be aware of signs that a horse may be dangerous, as some horses are more prone to kicking than others. Some warning signs include pinned ears, raised tails, flared nostrils, and a tense body posture. A horse that’s kicking excessively or without apparent reason is also a cause for concern.

The Risks of Injuries Associated With a Horse’s Kick

Potential for serious injury or death Horse kicks can be incredibly dangerous and even deadly. A horse’s kick is powerful and can easily break bones, cause internal injuries, or result in traumatic brain injuries. In severe cases, a horse’s kick can lead to death.

There are many different types of injuries that can occur as a result of a horse’s kick. Some common injuries include broken bones, contusions, lacerations, and concussions. Internal injuries, such as damage to the spleen or liver, are also possible.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 50,000 horse-related injuries each year in the United States, with about 20% of those injuries requiring hospitalization. The CDC also reports that about 20 people die each year as a result of horse-related injuries.

The risks associated with a horse’s kick are significant and should not be taken lightly. Knowing the potential for serious injury or death, the types of injuries that can occur, and the statistics on horse-related injuries and deaths can help you understand the importance of taking precautions when working around horses.

Precautions to Take When Working Around Horses

When working around horses, it’s crucial to follow general safety guidelines, such as wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, staying alert and aware of your surroundings, and avoiding sudden movements that may startle the horse. Never approach a horse from behind or walk underneath a horse.

Proper horse handling techniques are essential to avoiding kicks and staying safe around horses. Always approach a horse slowly and calmly, and never make sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the horse. Use a lead rope or halter to control the horse and maintain a safe distance.

In addition, using the right tools and equipment can also help keep you safe around horses. Wear a helmet when riding a horse, and use protective equipment like boots and gloves. Use a sturdy fence or barrier to separate horses, and use a whip or crop only as a last resort.

It’s essential to learn the warning signs of a potentially dangerous horse to avoid kicks and staying safe. These signs include pinned ears, raised tails, flared nostrils, and a tense body posture. A horse that’s kicking excessively or without apparent reason is also a cause for concern.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of being kicked by a horse and stay safe when working around them. Remember to always stay alert, use proper techniques and equipment, and be aware of warning signs that a horse may be agitated or potentially dangerous.

How Do You Stop a Horse From Kicking?

Learning how to stop a horse from kicking is an essential skill for anyone working with or riding horses. A horse’s kick can be dangerous, and chronic kicking behavior can be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed. It’s important to understand that not all kicking behavior is the same, and each type requires specific techniques to address it effectively.

Horses kick to dominate others. You must take control of your animal, make him pay attention to you, and follow your instructions. Your horse has to understand you are in control. Teach your horse to respect you and have manners. This doesn’t mean you have to be rough or brutal but firm and gentle. Don’t let the animal invade your space or touch you without an invitation.

It takes time and expertise to remedy the behavior. One effective approach is to start with groundwork, teaching the horse to follow your commands, stand still, and ground tie. Working on a lunge line in both directions can help establish trust and respect. Hobbles can also be useful in certain situations but should only be used with caution and proper training.

Do kicking chains and hobbles work?

Both kicking chains and hobbles hook to a horse’s legs and can help stop a horse from kicking. Kicking chains are a tool that can help stop your horse from kicking its back legs. They’re like bracelets that go around their lower hind leg with a chain hanging.

When your horse kicks, the chains make noise, and the loose chain ends can swing and hit their legs, discouraging them from doing it again. These chains can be helpful if your horse has a habit of kicking the stall walls during feeding time or getting aggressive with other horses in the barn.

You can also use hobbles to prevent a horse from kicking. Hobbles are straps or chains typically placed around a horse’s front legs and are used to restrict the horse’s movement. However, there is also a side hobble that connects a horse’s front leg and hind leg. When a horse is wearing hobbles, it is more difficult for them to lift its legs high enough to kick.

Hobbles and kick chains should be combined with reinforcement training, behavior modification, and desensitization. I wrote an article you can read here on how to use hobbles, and there is also an excellent training video included you can watch.

Here are some exercises Clinton Anderson teaches that you can watch on YouTube.

If you’ve never watched Clinton Anderson’s YouTube videos, I suggest you take some time and watch a few. He has an extraordinary method he uses to work with problem horses and explains his reasonings well.

A horse that kicks is extremely dangerous. If you don’t intend to fix the problem, get rid of the horse. If the animal does not willingly submit to human dominance, it isn’t adequately trained and is a risk to anyone in contact with them.

How To Tell if a Horse Is Going to Kick?

Know your horse, and don’t ignore warning signs that it is getting mad. It will communicate before kicking. They invariably let you know their opinions; you have to be smart enough to understand.

Unfamiliar horses typically approach each other and communicate with their body to establish dominance. The one with a more authoritative or aggressive presence is dominant.

If neither convinces the other of its superior authority, ears pin, and biting and kicking start. If a horse switches his tail at me, stomps, or moves toward me uninvited, I’m on alert. Before horses kick, they typically pin their ears flat on their head, swish their tail, or stomp their feet.

You have to understand the situation and be aware of what is going on between you and the horse. Most horses kick only after sending you messages they think clearly communicate their intention, and you ignore them.

A good example is a horse that walks into its comfort zone, lifts its head high, pins its ears, and stomps the ground. To the animal, they clearly warned you to get away, or they will move you. Your reaction should be to immediately step toward the horse and move it out of your space.

If you don’t watch out, this horse is prepared to express its dominance by kicking you out of its newly acquired space.

How you can prevent being kicked by a horse.

Teaching your horse respect and good manners is the best way to avoid getting kicked by a horse. When you lead a horse into a pasture to turn loose, have the animal stand quietly, then take off its halter and step away.

Playful horses get excited when turned out and often throw their back legs high in the air. If its feet strike you, it could cause severe injury. When approaching a horse, always let them know to avoid startling them.

It’s best to greet a horse from its side and walk to its shoulder at 45 degrees. If you intend to walk to the opposite passing, the animal’s rear, put your hand on its hip. Learning how horses communicate is also essential to avoid being kicked by a horse. Take heed of the warning signs, pinned ears, stomping, and swishing tails. Be dominant over your animals, and it’s less likely your horse will kick you.

Will a Horse Kick When You Walk Behind Them?

Yes, horses sometimes kick when they are startled by someone approaching from their rear. Horses are prey animals and have survived thousands of years because of their ability to sense danger and respond appropriately.

Horses have excellent peripheral vision and can see almost 360 degrees. However, they do have a blind spot directly behind them. When a person approaches a horse from the rear, they don’t see or smell you, so they think you’re a predator and might kick.

When something encroaches on their blind spot without warning, their instinct is to strike, bolt, or strike and bolt. To avoid this, always approach horses from the side or front and let them know you are coming into their space. When you approach the horse from behind, give it a vocal warning to let it know someone is coming.

Conclusion

Understanding why horses kick, and the risks associated with their kicks is crucial for anyone working with or riding horses. While a horse’s kick can be deadly, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and those around you.

By following general safety guidelines, using proper horse-handling techniques, and being aware of warning signs, you can significantly reduce the risk of being kicked by a horse. If you’re dealing with chronic kicking behavior, it’s important to address the underlying issues and work to establish trust and respect with the horse. Remember, taking the time to properly train and handle your horse can make all the difference in staying safe and enjoying a positive relationship with your horse.

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