Whenever you are interacting with a horse, be aware of three key elements for a safe encounter: 1) awareness, 2) position and 3) contact. Not only do you need to be aware and position yourself properly to enhance contact, but the horse must also show awareness and we must be conscious of his position and his desires in regards to contact. This is how we establish a two-way conversation with an animal. Let’s discuss each of these in relation to approaching horses, restraining horses, and working directly on the horse.