From which side should you always approach a horse?

Approaching a horse from the left side is considered standard practice for several reasons rooted in safety and traditional handling techniques. Horses are generally accustomed to being handled from their left side, and many training protocols are designed around this practice. Approaching from the left allows the handler to have better visibility of the horse's movements and behaviors, reducing the likelihood of startling the horse. Furthermore, most disciplines and activities involving horses, such as saddling or mounting, take place from the left side, making this approach more practical.

The left side is also associated with the horse's "near side," which is traditionally where equipment such as saddles and bridles are placed. This consistency helps horses learn and anticipate what is happening during handling, creating a more harmonious interaction between horse and handler. Overall, approaching from the left fosters a safer, more effective communication and partnership between the human and the horse.