~ Some horses (like many geldings) want to be stared straight in the eyes. You have to walk straight in front of them, as soon as they want to turn you take the step first showing them you know what they want to do. You have to be more direct with them and show them that you’re a step ahead.
~ Other horses will start running when they notice that you want to approach, sometimes its out of fear and other times they just want to play. You’ll notice the difference in their eyes and the way they run. If they stretch their eyes and you can see a white part in the corner and they gallop a long distance away from you, then they’re scared and you have to approach in a calm manner; but if their eyes are relaxed and they start running (sometimes a trot or slow canter) and then stop they want to play and you just run with them until they stop.
These are only the methods I’ve used before but as I said, there are loads more and you first have to learn what the horse is thinking. The most important thing to remember when approaching a horse is definitely that you have to ask the horse to enter his personal space first. You do this simply by reaching out your hand towards your horse (while standing in front of him); if he reaches his neck out and touches your hand with his nose he gives you permission to touch him. This can also show that your horse is curious in what you are doing so be sure to approach slowly so you don’t startle him
relaxed eye
frightened eye
Louisa marais (16)