How to Have a Child Safe Horse Riding

If you are an avid horse rider and would like to get your children involved in the sport, it is highly recommended that you take every precaution necessary to keep the child safe. The safety of the child should be of the utmost importance.

There are several safety precautions you should take when taking your child horseback riding.

• The child should always wear a helmet when riding. This should be done to protect the child from suffering from a head injury if they fall from the horse. A child's riding helmet can be purchased as most sporting goods stores.


• Let the child ride in a controlled setting to get used to the horse and to gain experience riding before taking them out on a trail. The child needs to learn how to properly control the horse.


• The child should wear sturdy boots that come above the ankles when riding a horse. Sneakers or soft-soled shoes are not recommended. 


• The child should wear long pants or leather chaps when riding, preferably both. Shorts are not recommended because the child needs to be able to grip the horse comfortably with their knees. Wearing long pants will protect their legs from being scratched by the saddle.


• Teach the child how to respect and to be patient with the horse. They should be taught how to properly get on and off the horse. Make them aware of the risks associated with kicking the horse in the side or pulling on the reins in the wrong way.