Safe Horse Handling

toward the horse and keep your knuckles on top of the lead. Horses should not pull or push you when leading but walk quietly and obediently beside you. If the horse moves too close to you it should hit your elbow first and then move away from you.
Look where you are going and face forward. When leading apply pressure with the hand closest to the halter in the direction you would like the horse to move. Over time and with training horses will respond to the handlers body and hand position more so than pressure applied to the lead. Never pull the horse towards you to turn always turn the horse away. Follow the horse moving with them as they turn to prevent the horse from stepping on you. If you encounter problems with your horse it is recommended to seek help from an experienced equine professional.
Approaching
Move confidently and slowly when approaching a horse walk never run. Approach the horse from the front toward their shoulder. Speak to the horse when approaching and extend your hand. Never approach a horse from the rear. If the horse begins to move away stop wait until the horse stops then attempt to approach again. Make sure the horse always knows where you are. You can do this by talking to them horses prefer low pitch sounds. Suddenly patting the horse on their body can scare them or make them move away rather than calm them so pet them gently instead. If you are approaching the horse to catch them once you get to their neck calmly but swiftly put the lead rope around the neck to have control of them for haltering.
You should always pay attention to the head ears neck and body position because these are good indicators of what your horse is

thinking and feeling. If you see a horse pin back its ears lay them back against its neck tighten or arch its neck bob its head or tuck its hind end under these may be signs that the horse may act aggressively. Be careful when approaching and ask experienced horse handlers for help. When working with horses in pastures remember horses are social animals that live in groups. If horses perceive danger their response will be flight if that is not an option they will defend the herd. If one horse runs the whole group may take off so be prepared. Herds also have natural pecking orders or herd hierarchy. So some horses may push others around a bit. As the person entering the pasture make sure that you are confident and that the horses recognize you are there.
Releasing
When releasing a horse in the field it is best to turn it around so it is facing the gate before removing the halter. Horses sometimes bolt sideways or rear and spin when the halter is unfastened if they are anxious to join their herd or just have a lot of pentup energy. This habit is unsafe because the handler can be kicked or run over. If the horse is very tense or excited before releasing it point the horse toward a fence or wall if available. This lessens the horses impulse to run off.  Make the horse stand patiently and once it relaxes remove the halter. This may also happen when releasing multiple horses at the same time in this case make sure all handlers are prepared to release their horses at the same time. Trying to hold one horse back while its buddies gallop off is not a good idea unless you are very experienced. Horses may turn quickly and
kick out toward the handler so be aware.  Move away calmly without turning away from the horse.
Helpful Hints to Remember
Do not stand directly behind the horse.
Never wrap the lead around your hand or body.
Teach your horse to be patient when being turned loose.
Do not allow the lead to drag on the ground.
Never stand lead or back standing directly in front of the horse.
To discourage bolting never open the gate and let the horse run through.