Aim for a water-based paint, such as tempera paint or even horse chalk paint.
You can find these paints around Halloween or at a costume store anytime.
Check your favorite equine store, whether online or in person.
While non-toxic human paints should be safe for your horse, it’s still best to test them out first. Your horse could have an allergic reaction, and if you just do a little bit, you’ll be able to contain the reaction much better.
This works well on horses that startle easy because you’re just combing your horse, not spraying it or using a paint brush on it.
You may want to practice spraying on a piece of cardboard first to get an idea of what it will look like once it’s on the horse.
If you’re calm and confident, your horse will pick up on that.
In addition, talk to your horse as you move towards it. That way, it knows you’re coming! When moving around the horse, go around the back end. One way is to keep a hand on the horse and stay close to it while you talk to it. That way, it knows you’re there. Alternatively, go far enough back that you are out of range of its legs if it decides to kick.
These signs tell you the horse is not happy so you may need to change up your approach or stop altogether. On the other hand, if you see the horse has its head down and has soft eyes and a relaxed neck, then it’s perfectly fine with what you’re doing to it.
Keep a hand on your horse at all times. That way, you can feel if it’s about to make a sudden change in position, and you can shove yourself away. [11] X Research source
If you’re not sure where to paint the bones, look up the bone structure of a horse online.
Instructors teaching equine massage sometimes use this technique to show how a horse’s muscles work.
To join in the fun, dress up like you’re on safari or like you’re a zookeeper.
You could also do this design in crazy colors, like purple and green stripes.
You could also deck your horse out in rainbow colors for a pride parade or add stars and stripes for veteran’s parade.
