Staying Safe around Horses: Tips & Ideas

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Always lean forward under branches on trail rides... never lean back!

Never wear metal-toed boots! Mostly boots with metal are not made to be worn around horses, they are more for dressing up. If a horse steps on your toe, the metal can bend down pinching your toes and it can become stuck and impossible to get your foot out.

Check your tack periodically to make sure it is in good condition. Take maybe a day every month when you will clean and go over your tack, checking buckles, cinches, etc. to make sure they can't break.

Don't loosen your cinch too much because the saddle can slip underneath the horse's belly, scaring him. If you loosen the cinch when you're done riding or you're letting your horse stand tied, make sure it's still tight enough to where it won't slip underneath the belly.

Never loop a lead rope when you lead the horse. The loops can tighten if the horse gets spooked, and they can catch your hand or fingers and cause you to get dragged.

When you have to walk behind a horse (its going to step on something, there's no way for you to get in front, ect.) you should let the horse know you are there and walk close to them with your hand on them. If you are close to them, they will have no room to strike out at you. Normally they only kick when they dont know there is something behind them and they are scared of it.

Whenever you put a saddle on a horse, set the pad & saddle gently about 5 inches above their withers. Then slide it back to smooth all the hair underneath. This makes it much more comfy for the horse!

When walking out into an open field with more than one horse, especially untrust worthy horses, ie. Stallions, make sure to always keep an eye on all of the horses in the field so that, if jealousy occurs between horses, you can get out of the field quickly. Also, if leading back to the barn, sometimes with stallions, lead from the other side of te fence than the horse. It is a lot safer and easier.

Stay 45 degrees from the shoulder when you meet a new horse for the first time. In this postion, you have less chance of getting struck or kicked.

Give your horse a "break day" once a while - a horse that only does work can become disrespectful and unhappy.

Never let your guard down! Don't turn your back on a horse.

When you are trail riding, don't go alone; always ride with someone else!

Don't tie your horse by his reins-- he can pull back and injure his head, neck, or mouth (as well as the bridle).

Be careful where you tie your horse-- I have seen horses tied to old fences pull back & break part of the fence off, then go running wildly as they drag it. Always tie to something that is safe and secure. Always tie a slip knot.

Don't let horses push or rub on you -- if they get used to pushing you around, you could get hurt.

 

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