How to Practice Equestrian Safety
Horseback riding can be a great form of exercise, therapy and fun. Being in the saddle gives many riders a feeling of exhilaration and perhaps makes them feel invincible. However, horses do spook, tack does fail and riders can err. Because of this, it is important for all equestrians to take certain safety precautions.
- Let your horse know when you are walking behind it. Horses can spook easily, and if you are walking too close when this happens you can receive a forceful kick. Walk either far enough from their kicking range or put a hand on their rump as you walk around them from behind.
- Examine your tack before you ride. Girths can break, leaving you and your saddle on the ground. If a buckle or strap looks iffy, don’t wait until it breaks to replace or fix it. You will save yourself a lot of pain by maintaining your equipment.
- Check your cinch before you mount your horse. Some horses can play a nasty trick of sucking in air while you adjust the girth the first time, and then let the air out when you decide to hop in the saddle, leaving you and your saddle on the wrong side of your horse. Tighten the cinch as needed before putting your foot in the stirrup.
- Always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet while riding a horse is just as important as riding a helmet when on a bike. While you may not get to feel the wind blow through your hair, you will be able to still think and function should you have a nasty fall.
- Match your riding speed to the terrain and the conditions. If you are going too fast on rocky soil or slippery mud your horse could fall, leading to injuries for both you and him. Make sure to also slow down in unfamiliar areas or when visibility is poor.
- Get proper training and lessons before you decide to ride on your own. Riding a horse is not the same as riding a bike; horses tend to have minds of their own and may want to go in a different direction or different speed than you want to go. Taking lessons or riding with experienced riders will help keep you safe.