Final answer:
To walk around a tied horse safely, approach it from the front, make sure the horse is aware of your presence, and keep close to avoid kicking range. If you must walk behind, stay close and maintain a constant touch and voice presence to minimize risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walking around a tied horse requires caution and awareness of the horse's behavior and your own safety. There are two main ways to do this safely:
Walking in Front of the Horse
Approach the horse calmly and speak to it to let it know of your presence. Ensure you are visible to the horse as you approach. When you are close enough, place a hand on the horse to maintain a physical connection as you walk around its front, staying close to avoid being in the kicking range.
Walking Behind the Horse
While not typically recommended, if you must walk behind a horse, ensure you keep a hand on the horse and speak calmly to maintain its awareness of your presence. Walk closely behind the horse, close enough that if it were to kick, you would be within the 'safe' zone and not at the full extent of its kicking range.
In any situation around horses, always be mindful of their body language and movement to ensure safety.