How to Use Equestrian Safety Gear
There is no level of experience or knowledge that can protect you if you fall or are bucked off a horse. Whether you ride for fun, race horses, trail ride or ride in equestrian shows, safety gear is essential in your protection. Horses are large animals and aren’t 100 percent predictable, so protect yourself by investing in, and using, the appropriate equestrian safety gear.
What You’ll Need
- Helmet
- Riding vest
- Reflective horse tack
- Medical armband
- Non-slip stirrup pads
- Wear a helmet every time you ride your horse. A helmet is the most important piece of equestrian safety equipment available and should be worn no matter the level of the rider. Horse shows and equestrian events require a helmet be worn at all times, but even if you are just taking a trot around your corral, a helmet can prevent an injury.
- Consider wearing a riding vest for safety. Riding vests come in three levels of protection based on what the rider will be doing. The vests are padded with foam, and the higher level of protection has thicker foam padding. A riding vest can be instrumental in the protection of your vital organs and protect you from bruising and injured ribs if you are thrown from your horse.
- Use reflective horse tack on your horse when you go for evening rides, especially on the road, as well as during hunting season. Reflective tack available includes leg wraps for your horse, bridle straps, a tail guard or a reflective blanket for under the saddle.
- Wear an armband containing a card with your personal and medical information. Information should include your name, address, emergency contact, any medications or allergies to medications, blood type and your doctor’s name and phone number.
- Consider putting non-slip stirrup pads on your stirrups in wet and rainy weather. The soles of boots can be slippery when they get wet. Putting your wet boot into a slippery, metal stirrup can cause a fall. Non-slip stirrup pads are made to give the sole of your boot traction in wet weather, and they can be removed after the rainy season.