We love our horses, they’re beautiful animals, but we must remember that they are large and often unpredictable. Therefore, gaining valuable safety knowledge as a novice rider is very important.
- Appropriate footwear is a must. Flip-flops, sandals, mesh or any thin shoes are not going to save your tootsies if you're four-legged accidentally stands on them.
- To avoid spooking your horse, approach or touch from the front in order to get their attention.
- Being calm and quiet around your horse is important, any loud noises or sudden movements can trigger then to kick out or jump sideways.
- We all know how much horses like treats, especially carrots! Give them out of buckets to avoid them mistaking your fingers for one!
- Quick release knots and panic snaps are the best options when tying; if your horse spooks and pulls it means they can free themselves easily. The feeling of being constrained can scare the horse causing them to panic and as a result, hurt themselves or you.
- Never stand behind your horse, even if your grooming it's tail. Stand to one side and gently pull it towards you. The best place to stand is next to them behind their shoulder where you can both see each other.
- Putting on leg bandages or cleaning your horses’ hooves can be tricky, be sure to bend over, not squat or kneel when doing so. This will allow you to move quickly if needed.
- When cleaning your horses stall, grooming or saddling up, to avoid chaos breaking out, it’s best to tie your horse up. However, try not to leave them unattended, while mucking out, turn them out or move them into another stall if possible.
- For comfort, it’s always tempting to loop lead ropes, reins or lunge lines around your hand and other body parts. However, if your horse is to pull away or rear up you may end being dragged and seriously injured.
- Whenever riding check your tack is fitted well, is secure and isn't damaged. Loose threads, tired leather or ill-fitted saddles can cause accidents.
- Horses can be easily startled when going through doorways always make sure it is fully open to avoid then hitting it.
- When you lose your horse into their pasture, remove the halter facing the horse towards the gate. The prospect of freedom can get them very excited, doing this will reduce the likeliness of them from galloping off and accidentally taking you out at the same time or trying to go before the halter is fully removed.
- Understand their body language, if your horses’ ear is pinned back, they aren’t going to be in the best of moods. Tailor your approach/actions around this.
- Be confident, your horse will take confidence from you as a confident handler.
- Never be afraid to ask for advice or guidance, every day can be a school day!