approaching and working with a new horse

Question
Hi Melanie. my friend, a groom at our local racetrack is finding lot of trouble approaching a new horse. he's getting frightened whether it would either bit or kick him. can you please tell me how to approach and work with a new horse?

Answer
Sorry, I had answered but guess system didn't take it?

If he is a more timid handler, might be better to get this horse off his string, some horses you may not get along with well.

If this horse has been used to being handled and is new to him/barn, then calm, consistent handling is best, taking care to monitor horse and what it is doing when working with it.

Some of behavior can be due to bloodlines, some to previous handling too.

For new horses that have been handled before, I work with them by doing what needs to be done, and ignoring and correcting behavior at same time.

For a nipper/biter, I will keep one eye on horse's head, and "feel" attitude in mind, so that I am aware if horse turns head to bite, it will run its head into my point of elbow.  I do NOT hit, nor use force, merely lift bent arm up so that it looks like I am making chicken wing, horse bumps itself and corrects itself.

I also do not talk to horse or acknowledge horse has done this.

You can also use flat of stiff brush in hand for horse to bump into.  That way it corrects itself.

I also make horse back up quietly and firmly.

Low voice, low movements and letting horse know you are running the show is best.