AVOIDING ACCIDENTS

I've never been seriously injured riding a horse, except.............
Famous Last Words. The only time I was ever hospitalized as the result of a riding accident, I had been walking, mounted, cooling my horse out, sans protective head gear. A young trainer, preoccupied, at a major horse show, I elected to remain mounted while cooling out a horse I'd just finished schooling. The barn grooms were already overburdened, with 10 horses showing that day, without my adding to their burdens.

Hey, I could get this horse cool, while continuing to coach students from his back. No problem!
The next thing I knew, I was awakening in the emergency room with a umongous headache, and a major concussion. My husband was blabbering something about my riding without my helmet and the Doctor, bless him, was saying, "She doesn't need a hard hat," as he searched my scalp for the crack he was sure he would find, "Her head is hard enough without one."

How right he was!

Since that incident, I promised myself and my loved ones that I would cease to be a poor example for my students. Since I was fortunate enough to have been granted another opportunity to train a horse, I would not risk cutting my allotted years astride, because of the foolish arrogance that had opined it unnecessary for me to use simple caution.

Now, after more jumps than I can count, many years have passed since my mount's eventful slip and fall on the early morning dewy grass and I've since, very sadly ceased to ride due to unrelated health problems. I am grateful for every moment spent astride a horse or pony, grateful for the lesson learned soon enough to facilitate my ability to ride for as many years as I did.

"Don't be cocky. Protect your head, ride with a shoe with a heel and exercise good sense around the barn. Enjoy!"

Horse Safety-Riding Preparation

BRIDLING
Protect your head from the horse's head when bridling. Stand in close just behind and to one side (preferably on the left side) of the horse's head.
Use caution when handling the horse's ears. Keep control of the horse when bridling by refastening the halter around the neck.
Be certain the bridle is adjusted to fit the horse before you ride.
Three points to check are the placement of the bit, the adjustment of the curb strap, and the adjustment of the throat latch.

SADDLING
Check your saddle blanket and all other equipment for foreign objects. Be certain the horse's back and the girth areas are clean.
When using a Western double-rigged saddle, remember to fasten the front cinch first, rear cinch last when saddling.
Unfasten the rear cinch first, front cinch last when unsaddling.
Be certain that the strap connecting the front and back cinches (along the horse's belly)is secure.
Fasten accessory straps (tie-downs, breast collars, martingales, etc.) after the saddle is cinched on. Unfasten them first, before loosening the cinch.
On English equipment, it is sometimes necessary to thread the girth through the martingale loop before the girth is secured.
The back cinch should not be so loose that your horse can get a hind leg caught between the cinch and its belly.
When saddling, it is safest to keep the off cinches and stirrup secured over the saddle seats and ease them
down when the saddle is on. Don't let them swing wide and hit the horse on the off knee or belly (that hurts).
Swing the Western saddle into position easily not suddenly. Dropping the saddle down too quickly or hard may scare the horse.
An English saddle is much lighter than a stock saddle. You don't need to, and should not, swing the saddle into position. Lift it and place it into position.
Pull up slowly to tighten the girth or cinch. Check the cinch or girth three times:
      a) after saddling;
      b) after walking a few steps (untracking); and
      c) after mounting and riding a short distance.

MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING
Never mount or dismount a horse in a barn, near fences, trees, or overhanging projections. Sidestepping and rearing mounts have
injured riders who failed to take these precautions. A horse should stand quietly for mounting and dismounting. To be certain
of this, you must have light control of its head through the reins.

Using English Equipment
Immediately upon dismounting, the rider should "run up" the stirrups. The dangling stirrup may startle or annoy the horse.
It is possible for the horse to catch a cheek of the bit or even a hind foot in a dangling
stirrup iron when he is fighting flies. The dangling stirrup can also catch on doorways and other projections while you are leading the horse.
After running up the stirrups, immediately bring the reins forward over the horse's head. In this position they can be used for leading.

Using Western Equipment
Closed reins or a romal should be brought forward over the horse's head after dismounting.

RIDING AT NIGHT
Riding at night can be a pleasure, but must be recognized as being more hazardous than daytime riding. Walk the horse;
fast gaits are dangerous.
If necessary to ride at night on roads or highways, ride on the side required by law. State laws vary
in regard to which side of the road you should ride. Wear light-colored clothing and carry a flashlight and reflectors.
Check your State regulations for details.
Select a location with care. Choose controlled bridle paths or familiar, safe open areas.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
Learn to handle a rope before carrying one on a horse. Always use caution when working with a rope if the
horse is not "rope-broke." Never tie the rope "hard and fast" to a saddle horn while roping from a green horse.
Bridle reins, stirrup leathers, headstalls, curb straps, and cinch straps should be kept in the best possible condition; your safety
depends on these straps. Replace any of the straps when they begin to show signs of wear (cracking or checking).
Be sure all tack fits the horse. Adjust your tie-downs, etc., to a safe length that will not hinder
the horse's balance. Spurs can trip you when working on the ground. Take them off when not mounted.
Wear neat, well-fitted clothing that will not snag on equipment. Belts, jackets, and front chap straps can become hooked
over the saddle horn.
Wear boots or shoes with heels to keep your foot from slipping through the stirrup.
Keep the horse's feet properly trimmed and/or shod. Infectious organisms are prevalent around barns, corrals, and fences.
Gloves are a safeguard against cuts, scratches, splinters, and rope burns.

Taken from:
HORSE SAFETY GUIDELINES
    Extension Service, U.S.D.A.
    Washington, D.C. 20250

Published in cooperation with the
National Horse and Pony Youth Activities Council, the
American Horse Council, and the
National Safety Council

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