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Arena Horse Riding Safety

When riding with other horses in an arena, are you the rider that everyone else is cursing for being unsafe and inconsiderate?  Check out the following key points in arena etiquette and safety.

  • Always pass left shoulder to left shoulder.  This is a standard rule in every arena, however also be aware that sometimes this is not possible and you may need to give up right of way.
  • Keep a horse-length in between each horse.  Never ride up close behind another horse, as it may kick out at your horse and also unseat its rider.  If a horse has a red ribbon tied to its tail it means that the horse is especially likely to kick out at other horses.
  • Mount in the centre of the arena, in a place that won’t disturb the other riders.
  • Keep fast horses on the outside track and slower horses on the inside.  All horses should be moving in the same direction where possible.
  • All horses should be doing the same type of work.  In other words, it’s not a good idea to have some horses practicing jumps while others are working on their barrel racing skills.
  • Call out to other riders.  If you are about to pass, or are going to open or close an arena gate, let the other riders know what you are doing.
  • Keep your cues quiet and watch your crop.  Some horses are very sensitive to voice commands or even the sight of a crop.  Be aware that accidentally causing another horse to jump forward could be very unsafe for his rider.
  • Always leave the arena in the condition you found it.  This means putting away jumps and cones that you might have set up and removing all manure.
  • Don’t lunge a horse while others are riding, and under no circumstances should there be a loose horse in the arena while people are riding.
  • Be aware of what your horse might spook at while in the arena.  A startled horse can easily unseat his rider, and also cause other horses to spook.  Snow or ice sliding off the roof or drips from condensation are common causes, but know your horse and your environment and above all, be prepared.
  • If another rider is having trouble with their horse, be respectful and give them lots of room.  It’s ok to ask if they need help, but not ok to lecture them on how they should be handling the situation.
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Trail Riding Safety

For many horse enthusiasts, sharing a trail with an equine companion is the closest thing to heaven to be found here on earth.  But without the right preparation, even small emergencies can turn that blissful ride into a nightmare.  Always let someone know where you will be riding and how long you expect to be gone for.  Some barns even hang a clipboard that riders can sign in and out on, ensuring that no one accidentally gets missed.  Depending on where you ride, wildlife might also be an issue.  You may need to work with your horse to get him comfortable with hanging bear bells from either the saddle or bridle. 

Keep your saddlebags stocked with extra items so you don’t have to pack for each ride – this will save time and keep you from forgetting any vital items.  However, always keep your most important emergency items, such as a cell phone, attached to your belt in case you are separated from your horse.  A hoofpick is necessary for dealing with stones lodged in your horse’s feet.  A small emergency first aid kit, including disinfectant wipes, gauze pads, bandages, and antibacterial ointment is also a good idea.  Baling twine can come in handy for broken straps, particularly on bridles. 

As riders we tend to look out for our horse’s well-being first, but don’t forget to pack for your own needs as well.  A bottle of water and small snack can make your ride more comfortable.  Much of your horse’s first aid kit will likely prove useful to yourself in an emergency, but you might also wish to carry a small personal first aid kit with you.  And of course it goes without saying, a proper fitting helmet is a must.  Happy trails! 

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How to Handle Water Crossings When Horseback Riding

Many horses have a strong and innate fear of stepping in water.  If your horse is one, you will understand the frustration of having your horse plant his feet in front of a large puddle or small stream, refusing to go any further.  This is an incredibly exasperating experience for any rider, and may often result in the use of force to attempt to get the horse to cross.  However, as with any training, force might provide an immediate solution, but it will not get your horse to trust you or the situation, and you will likely encounter more serious problems next time.  It is important to understand that because of the way a horse’s eyes are set on his head, it is impossible for him to have the depth perception that we have.  Therefore, while we look at a puddle and can see how deep it is, for your horse, it is a giant black hole.  You will need great trust from your horse to get him to risk his life stepping into that.

Try getting your horse used to water back home, in his familiar surroundings.  You might use a hose to make a puddle in a certain part of the field or paddock, or even pour water onto a tarp.  You can then work quietly and calmly with your horse to increase his confidence.  You might try having another horse walk through the puddle first.  Take your time and end each session on a good note.  If your horse is willing to make just a small amount of effort more than he was yesterday, that’s good enough.  It might be walking closer to the puddle, sniffing it, or even putting one foot in.  Don’t force the issue and be happy with your progress, however slow.  Before long, you and your horse will be merrily splashing through water!

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Horseback Riding on Roadways

With more and more people housing their horses within city limits, riding on roadways has for many riders become a necessary evil to get to the trails that they love so dearly.  If you do find yourself having to take your horse out onto a roadway, ensure that he is safe with traffic.  Even if you are riding on a relatively quiet country road, be aware that it’s always possible to encounter various types of vehicles.  If your horse should spook, it is very possible that he may jump directly into traffic, or might wind up in a roadside ditch.  If you are going to be on the road, your horse must be comfortable with cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and other such vehicles as dumptrucks, ATV’s, and bicycles. 

You must have confidence in the bravery of your horse and his ability to be calm in new situations.  Use hand signals just as you would on a bicycle to warn drivers of your movements.  Where possible, avoid the road surface as some pavement can be very slippery for your horse.  However, be aware of ditches that could cave under your horse’s weight, and also of dangerous debris such as broken glass or construction waste that could injure your horse.  As always, look ahead to what might frighten your horse.  Maybe there are garbage cans out on the street that he has never seen before, or big construction signs.  Watch driveways and yards as you approach for things that will startle your horse, such as cars, or even fenced dogs that may suddenly appear in a riot of noise.  Talk to your horse and keep him focused on you and moving forward.  If you are riding in a group, ride single file and cross roads together.

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Safety Tips for Horseback Riding at Night

Riding at night can be extremely dangerous, and should always be done with caution.  However, should you find yourself caught after the sun goes down, or if you are intent on taking your horse out for a moonlit ride, it is important to be prepared.  Have a flashlight with you, or even better, a headlamp worn on your helmet.  Make sure that your horse is used to the flashlight, and don’t shine it into his face.  Have reflectors on your clothing, and also on your horse’s saddle and bridle, and wear light-colored outerwear.  Do not ride on roadways unless it cannot be avoided – a dark horse and rider are extremely hard for motorists to see.  Ride with a buddy, and make sure you stay together and that you’ve told someone where you are going to be riding.  Ride in areas that you know well, and try to stay where there is at least some light from the moon.  Keep your horses to a walk, and be aware that although your horse can see better than you can in the dark, the world will still look different to him, and he may spook more than usual.  Wildlife typically are more active after the sun goes down, so carry bells to make some noise, and keep to well-traveled trails. 

The best way to enjoy a ride under the full moon is in an outdoor arena, where your horse is safely contained and help is close at hand should you fall off.  Although the appeal of night riding may be strong, always consider safety first, both for you and your horse.

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Bareback Riding Safety

Learning to ride without the security of a saddle or stirrups might seem like a scary proposition, but it can actually help you to bond more closely with your horse and improve your seat at the same time.  With bareback riding there is a greater chance of falling, so be sure to always wear your helmet and know how to dismount properly.  It may be tempting to use a bareback pad, with or without stirrups, however they can easily slip and cause a dangerous situation, or lead to bad habits and a poor seat.  Start out with a calm quiet horse - you might want to borrow a friend’s horse if yours is a little too wild – so that you can get a handle on how it feels to have the horse moving directly under you.  For additional safety, have someone lead the horse so that you can concentrate on your balance, and not on controlling or guiding the horse.  You will want to use a sturdy mounting block to get on, and make sure you have correct seat positioning before moving forward.  Start out at a walk, and slowly advance to a trot as you feel more comfortable.  Do not attempt cantering until you are completely comfortable at the trot, and consider having a friend lunge your horse so that you don’t have to worry so much about control.  If you feel yourself start to slip, try grabbing hold of your horse’s mane – this is much safer for your horse than using the reins for balance, which could hurt his mouth.  Try not to clench suddenly with your legs, as your horse may interpret that as a cue to move forward.  With a little safety and lots of practice, bareback can easily become a favourite way to ride!

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Pregnancy and Horseback Riding

For many women horse owners there is not much that can keep them from the barn.  But what happens if you find out you are pregnant?  Unfortunately there is little other than anecdotal evidence on the relationship between pregnancy and riding, but there are a few basic things to consider.  Falling is your biggest risk, as a fall from horseback can easily lead to difficulties in the pregnancy, including miscarriage.  Additionally, there is the risk of being kicked, stepped on, or even knocked over when working with horses on the ground.  Some women find that as their bodies change so does their center of gravity, making it difficult for them to continue riding as they once did.  Others are easily tired or may have bladder control issues that make riding difficult.  In addition to physical factors, just the worry alone can make the experience unpleasant.  If you do decide to keep riding, make sure you are handling quiet horses that are less likely to spook or pull.  Consider changing your activities to include more ground work or even driving.  If you have any history of pregnancy loss before 24 weeks or are currently experiencing high risk conditions, it is probably better to play it safe and not ride at all.  Most physicians agree that if your body is used to a certain routine, it should be safe to continue that through the pregnancy.  Therefore, if you are used to riding your horse three times a week, you can probably continue at this pace, but it wouldn’t be the best time to sign up for a three day event.  Continuing to ride through your pregnancy is a difficult decision, and ultimately one that only the expectant mother herself can make, with input from her obstetrician.

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Safe Horseback Riding in Extreme Heat

Riding in extreme heat can be at best uncomfortable, and at worst cause serious injury to you and your horse.  Before heading out on the trail on a hot summer day, consider the following:

  1. Is your horse well conditioned?  The heat will add increased stress to your horse’s body, so it is important not to ask more of him than he can handle.  Keep exercise at a lower level on extremely warm or humid days.
  2. Try riding in the early morning hours or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
  3. Wherever possible, take trails that provide you and your horse with protection from the sun.
  4. Wear lightweight and light coloured clothing for optimum cooling.  Sunglasses will also make your ride more comfortable.
  5. Sunscreen!  Don’t leave home without it - and be sure to cover all exposed parts, including ears, back of the neck, and your hands.  If your horse has light skin and pink patches that are prone to sunburn, be sure to protect him as well.  Human products such as zinc oxide are safe for horses or, if you prefer, horse-specific sunscreen can be found at your local tack store.
  6. If insects are a problem in your area, use a good bug repellent before heading out on the trail.  You might want to invest in a product for your own use as well.
  7. Bring lots of water and be sure to stay hydrated.
  8. Unless necessary, don’t trailer your horse in extreme heat.  If you are trailering in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, be sure to stop often and provide your horse with lots of water.  Try to travel in the early morning hours or in the evening whenever possible.
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Winter Horseback Riding Tips

Many riders shy away from winter trail riding but with the right preparations it can be just as nice, and even nicer, than summer riding.  One of the key safety issues is footing, so you will probably want to ask a farrier about shoeing options that will give your horse better traction on icy ground.  If snow builds up inside your horse’s feet, you might want to try applying a layer of petroleum jelly before heading out for a ride.  If you’ve clipped his coat, he may need extra protection to keep warm.  Your local tack store will probably carry various types of clothing meant to be worn by your horse while being ridden.  Ensure that your horse is well acquainted with these items before heading out on the trail.  If your horse does have his winter coat, you’ll notice that he’s going to sweat up quickly.  Take lots of rest breaks, don’t push him too hard, and be prepared after your ride to use a light sheet to help him dry out.  Give him a good grooming afterwards to improve the insulation of his coat.  Dress for your own comfort as well in gloves with a good grip, warm boots and socks, and several layers of breathable clothing.  You may want to add an outback coat or waterproof windbreaker in especially wet conditions.  Warming gel packs in your boots and gloves can be a nice addition – just be sure they aren’t too hot.  Pack a high energy snack, such as granola bars or trail mix, and don’t forget your water – winter riding can still leave you dehydrated.  Try warming up with a hot chocolate at the end of your ride by leaving a kettle, drink supplies and a thermos back at the barn.

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How to Safely Fall Off a Horse

The more you ride a horse, the more likely you are to fall off. You need to be prepared for when the inevitable strikes. If you follow these rules, you will greatly improve your chances of falling off with no injuries.

How Do I Avoid Falling?

  1. Keep your skill level in mind; ride a horse you are comfortable with.
  2. Pay attention to your surroundings so your horse won't get spooked.
  3. Use a well-fitted saddle and keep your stirrups at a proper length.
  4. Be in control.
  5. Keep your girth tightened, so the saddle will stay in place.

How Do I Anticipate a Fall?

  1. Learn emergency dismounts and stops.
  2. Wear a helmet.
  3. Wear safety stirrups cages on your stirrups or boots with a 1" heel.
  4. Wear a vest specially designed for horse falls.
  5. Wear gloves.

What Do I Do With the Reigns?

The main thing to keep in mind is safety. If you fall because your horse is upset and bucking, you should let go to avoid injury. If you are in an enclosed area, it is also OK to let go. If you are in the wilderness, hold on to the reigns if at all possible. Above all, trust your instincts!

How Do I Fall?

If at all possible, kick your feet out of the stirrups. If you fall quickly, roll out of the way of your horse and make sure to keep your arms and legs tucked in close to your body.

What Do I Do After a Fall?

Make sure that you are OK, if not get help immediately so that you will not worsen your injury. If you are OK, give yourself a minute to catch your breath and get ready to ride again. Keep in mind why you fell off in the first place to avoid it happening again.

Filed Under: Horse Safety, Riding Tagged With: horse riding, Horse Safety, horseback riding, Riding