Ask the Farrier » riding safety

Trail Riding Safety

admin — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:16:58 +0000

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!

Safety Tips for Horseback Riding at Night

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:11:30 +0000

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.

Bareback Riding Safety

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:08:53 +0000

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!

Ask the Farrier » riding safety

Trail Riding Safety

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