Safety Information
Here is some useful horse safety information:
IN THE BARN
- Always use a breakaway halter (all leather or leather crown piece)
- Always tie using a safety release knot so his head cannot reach the ground, otherwise he could get his foot over the rope
- Never have grooming box/bucket/mounting block where horse can step on it while tied
- Do not tie horse where other horses may bite or kick him, even if they usually get along
- Haynets must be tied so that the bottom is above the horse's shoulder, even when it is empty.
SAFETY CHECK
RIDER:
- Properly fitted and adjusted approved helmet with SEI seal verifying that it meets the current ASTM Standard.
- Safe footwear--boot with heel.
SADDLE:
- Check overall fit, tree, condition of leather and stitching.
- Safety bars must be down.
- Stirrups must be 3/4� to 1-1/4� wider than the boot. Leathers must be appropriate length and sound. Buckles must be sound. Stitching not worn.
- Billet straps � more than 1 on each side, stitching leather and holes not overly worn.
- Girth � check for appropriate size, (buckles should rest somewhere in the middle holes when girth is fully tightened) stitching and soundness.
BRIDLE:
- Check overall fit, all stitching, keepers, buckles and hooks.
- Cheek piece � buckle should not be in the top hole.
- Bit � check for correct size (1/4� to �� wider than the mount�s mouth) and adjustment. Check a bit for wear � worn bits can create sharp areas or places more likely to pinch the horse's mouth.
- Be sure bridle path area is smooth (�Cut� path not required, owner's option.)
- Reins � check at bit and buckle for length and width appropriate to rider and mount.
- Check condition of all leather.
MOUNT:
- Check condition of feet, shoes secure, girth galls or cuts that need attention, and overall condition of horse (i.e., insect bites or anything else that may cause a problem).
HOW TO DETERMINE A PROPER HELMET FIT:
- Only an approved helmet with the SEI seal verifying that it meets the current ASTM Standard is allowable; no others measure up to this standard (except when playing under certain conditions in polo and when vaulting).
- Purchase your helmet only from a reputable tack store whose owner knows how to advise and determine proper fit.
- The helmet must fit snugly and squarely on your head. Excessive movement forward or backward or side to side indicates an improper fit.
- The harness is not to be used too snugly to correct the improper fit of the helmet itself.
- Hair, because it is slippery, should not be used to make an improper fit seem better.
- Any significant accident in which the head is hit resulting in a headache demands re-testing of the helmet by the manufacturer and/or purchase of a new helmet.
- Helmets don't last forever, it is recommended that a new helmet be purchased if the helmet is older than 5-6 years of age.
- ALWAYS wear your helmet when mounted or longeing.
REMEMBER:
The helmet should always be snug and sit level on your head. A helmet set too far forward or too far back off your forehead does NOT fit properly.
The chinstrap of the helmet's harness should fit snugly. However, the chinstrap is never to be used to keep a loosely-fitted helmet in place!
TRAVEL SAFETY
Becoming a complete horseman requires many skills, including the safe conveyance of a horse in a trailer and the maintenance of the vehicle itself. One must pay attention to details, laws, and regulations and use common sense.
These suggestions should help you have a safe and comfortable trip. Remember, avoid traveling alone when trailering. There are many circumstances where an assistant can help avoid a dangerous situation. Consult with experienced horsemen for additional help.
TRAILER MAINTENANCE
Safety Check (each time you tow or at least weekly).
CHECK:
- Oil, fluid levels, belts on tow vehicle.
- Hitch on tow vehicle for loose or cracked welds and bolts.
- Trailer for rust in receiver.
- Tow vehicle for loose ball.
- Both vehicles for loose or broken electrical connectors.
- Signal and brake lights on trailer.
- Safety chains and hooks and places they connect.
- Tire pressure on tow vehicle, trailer and spare tires.
- Tire changing equipment to fit trailer and vehicle tires.
- Dual tires hit inside tire with hammer, hammer will bounce back if air pressure is okay.
- Interior for wasp and hornet nests they can appear within a week!
BE SURE TO HAVE (WHEN REQUIRED):
- Tow vehicle registration form.
- Insurance card.
- Trailer registration with current inspection stamp.
- Coggins test and health papers required for horses.
EACH MONTH:
- Clean and inspect your trailer (so it will be ready to go when you are)
- Clean inside and out with soap and water
- Wash and wax trailer exterior
- Check tires for cuts and uneven wear
- Check wheels, bearings and brakes
- Check quick releases mechanisms and D rings where they attach to trailer
- Check floor mats; inspect and clean floors with mats removed
- Check lubrication of nose wheel, hitch assembly and tailgate mechanism (especially if stored outside)
- Check center partition, lubricate groove bolts and rump chain or bars for easy removal in an emergency
- Check surface rust and sharp edges that may be developing, touch up with paint and repair when needed.
AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR, CHECK:
- Inspection date, register in the appropriate month (if required)
- Insurance coverage
- Condition of springs (for cracks)
- Condition of all wiring, bulbs, lenses and reflectors
- All channel iron supporting the floor for rust or cracks
- The underside of the floor for dry rot by scraping and probing with a knife
- Tread and condition of tires, including the spare
- Ramps and hinge for sag or rust oil hinges
- Tailgate and threads on screw-type clamps for wear, replace if beginning to strip
- Braking system, including shoes
- Wheel bearings (repack)
- Wood floor planks (seal with a wood preservative)
EQUIPMENT LIST FOR TRAILER (Even for short trips)
Tool Kit including:
- Sturdy knife to cut tie ropes in an emergency
- Crowbar (essential in case of need to remove center divider quickly)
- Screw driver, plier, hammer, wrench, etc.
- Extra bulbs for trailer light
- Fuse (20 amp)
- Extra pin for hitch of tow vehicle
- First Aid Kit human and equine (see Horse Management Handbook for list)
- Small pail and sponge or cloth
- Extra cotton and leg wraps
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire and jack for tow vehicle and trailer
- Two chocks or blocks to put behind front and back tires when parked
- Towing chain
- Flares in case of breakdown (for road warning)
- Large container of fresh water can be used for horses, first aid treatment or some car problems
- Longe line, extra lead line and halter, sheet or blanket
- Broom, shovel, fork, rake, manure disposal bags (leave-parking areas clean)
- Hay and feed needed for trip
- Water and feed buckets, hay net (fastened so it won't swing around or drop too low) with fresh hay for each trip
- Chains and hooks for putting up buckets and stall guard if staying overnight
- Maps, directions and phone number
RIDING IN THE OPEN AND ON THE ROADS
All safety practices are even more important than when riding in the arena.
- Never ride alone.
- Let someone know where you will be riding.
- Be prepared for the unexpected at all times.
- Know and follow your state's traffic laws as they apply to horses.
- When riding in groups, plan the ride with the least experienced horse or rider in mind and be considerate of other riders.
- Avoid riding at night.
- A cellular phone can be a valuable piece of equipment.
RIDING SAFELY AND CONSIDERATELY ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
Riding outside a ring along trails and field can be great fun and a nice change for you and your mount. To enjoy it fully, however, you must learn the rules that will keep you safe. A knowledgeable rider should follow these rules and show respect for the land he or she is privileged to ride on. Before attempting to ride in the open, a rider should feel confident at the walk, trot and canter and have basic control of his or her mount.
ORGANIZATION
- Never ride alone. Make sure at least one responsible, more experienced rider goes with you.
- Check with property owners in advance to make sure their land is open to you.
- Carefully check your tack; make sure all stitching is secure on stirrup leathers, billet straps and girth buckles. (Secure means not one loose or worn stitch.) Make sure your stirrup safety bar is down and throat latch tight enough. Check fitting of all tack prior to leaving, make sure you are not on the last hole for bridle adjustments. You should have room to go at least one hole shorter or longer in case adjustments are needed. This also applies to your billet straps and girth.
- Check your mount to make sure his shoes are secure, if he wears shoes.
- Be aware of any horse that might kick. Tie a red ribbon as a warning on his tail and put him at the end of the line.
WHAT TO WEAR AND TAKE ALONG
- Approved headgear, with the SEI seal verifying that it meets the current ASTM Standard, properly fitted and fastened. Safety Comes First!
- Riding boots, jodhpur boots, or high-top leather shoes with heel and a full smooth sole. Never sneakers or moccasins.
- Scarf or bandanna in pocket (for emergency bandage or sling).
- Kleenex, cellular phone, first aid kit.
ON THE TRAIL
- When riding in a large group, the most experienced rider should be in the lead, the least experienced in the middle, and a strong rider in the rear.
- Stay behind one another so your horse's head is facing the tail of the horse in front of you.
- Distances (the faster you are going the longer it takes to stop)
- At walk, keep one horse's length between you and the horse in front.
- At the trot, two horses' lengths.
- At the canter, three horses' lengths.
- Walk for at least the first ten minutes and the last ten minutes. When it is cold, you may increase this time to fifteen minutes so that horses are adequately warmed up and cooled off.
- Stay on established trails.
- Close all gates behind you. The first rider can open the gate and lead the group through. All riders should then wait for the last rider to close the gate and remount, if necessary.
- Do not cross-plowed or planted fields; ride around the edge. If absolutely necessary, ride through the furrows, not across them.
- If you lose control in an open area, change your position to slightly behind the reins, but pull-and-release. Guide your horse in a circle, trying to make the circles smaller and smaller. Your horse will probably return to the group. Most important, keep your head in an emergency!
- Starting with the leader, every second rider should warn those behind of dangers ahead, such as broken glass, low branches, poor footing, holes, etc.
- Do not hold branches, as they will snap back in the face of the next rider.
- Before changing the gait, the leader should warn the group and give time for preparation.
- Stay in a group. Do not straggle. This will prevent horses in the middle and end of the group from having to go faster to catch up. Do not pass without specific permission from the group leader.
- Walk up and down hills.
- Do not click or raise your voice; use your aids silently so you do not influence other horses.
- Do not race ever.
- Stay out of water unless your group leader is familiar with the footing. If it is necessary to go through water, enter slowly but confidently and encourage your horse to keep moving forward with his head up.
- Ride in single file; if a horse needs to pass (after permission has been given) turn your horse's head towards the passing rider to prevent any kicking.
- If a rider falls off and the horse runs away, do not chase him. Halt and wait as he may return to the group, or send one rider quietly to catch him. (Tidbits, carrots or sugar may be taken along in case of such an emergency.)
- Knowledgeable riders are never impressed by unsafe riding or taking risks that may injure horse or rider.
- Do not let your horse nibble grass or leaves as he goes along.