Bridey submitted this post on horse safety. If you’d like to learn more about how to earn a discounted rate on your lesson or trail ride, please click HERE.
When handling a horse it is important to act carefully and be aware at all times, this is not only for your safety but also the horses. Some of the main rules are to never walk behind a horse without it knowing you are there. Always keep your hand out of the loops when you tie a horse, this is important because the horse could scoot back, while your hand is still in the loop and crush your fingers and or the horse could drag you. Another safety rule is to never ducking under the horse, unless the horse is trained to do so. While handling or grooming a horse it is best to tie them up. When giving a horse food from your hand make sure that your palm is flat to avoid getting nipped on accident.
Also make sure before you ride that all the riding gear is right where it should be. If you are an inexperienced rider always ride under supervision. Remember to not make loud noises, because you may startle the horse and scare it. It is also important to make sure when you pass another horse to do so slowly as not to startle the horse and the rider. Make sure to keep your feet from underneath a horse’s hooves when picking a horse’s hooves, do not squat or kneel without supervision. Riders with less experience should ride with helmets on. Be careful when you mount and dismount your horse.
Remember to check your gear every now and again because if you don’t an old cinch that hasn’t been treated can lead to problems. A horse has two blind spots, directly in front of it, and almost directly behind it. So it is important that before walking behind a horse is to make sure it knows you are there. The best way to do this is to approach it from it’s shoulder and then walk around it’s rear. If there is another horse next to it make sure that that horse knows that you are there. While riding a horse it is important to remain calm, if the horse senses that you are afraid or excited they can act the same way you are feeling and do something unpredicted. So when riding a horse make sure to feel confident and let the horse know that you are boss.
