Safety Rules Around The Ranch And With Horses
These basic horse-handling guidelines, designed to enhance safety in the saddle and at the barn, are important for everyone but especially novices and children.
Approaching, catching:
Always speak to a horse to alert him of your presence before walking near; this avoids provoking his startle reflex. Approach from the side, to avoid his “blind” spots (directly in front of and behind him). Touch him first on the neck or shoulder, with a firm but gentle stroking motion. Be especially careful when entering a pasture or paddock containing several horses (they can inadvertently jostle or step on you, or even kick). Also, don’t take grain or other food into a group of horses – this just entices them to crowd around you and could incite a “food fight,” with you caught in the middle.
Leading:
Always use a lead rope attached to the horse’s halter, rather than grasping the halter itself, which provides no options if the horse were to startle. Don’t coil the end of the lead rope around your hand, where the loops could tighten; instead, fold it back and forth and grasp the middle of the folds. To avoid being pulled over and dragged never wrap a lead rope or any other line attached to a horse around any part of your body. Don’t allow the horse you’re leading to touch noses with an unfamiliar horse, as this can lead the “strangers” to suddenly bite or strike at one another. (This applies when you’re mounted, as well.)
Tying:
Tie a horse “eye high and no longer than your arm,” meaning the tie should be at least as high as the horse’s eye, and the distance from the knot to the halter should be no more than the length of the arm. Tie only to a safe, solid object, using a quick-release knot or breakaway string. Keep your fingers out of the loops as you tie the knot. Tie only with a halter and lead, never with bridle reins.
Grooming / handling:
Stand near the shoulder or next to the hindquarters rather than directly in front of or directly behind a horse when grooming his head or brushing or braiding his tail. To walk behind a horse, go either (1) close enough to brush against him (where a kick would have no real force), keeping one hand on his rump as you pass around; or (2) far enough away to be well out of kicking range. Avoid ducking under the tie rope; you might cause the horse to pull back, and you’d be extremely vulnerable to injury if he did. Be mindful of a horse’s feet while you’re working around him, as horses are often careless about where they step. When releasing a horse’s foot after cleaning it, make sure your own foot isn’t in the hoof’s spot as it returns to the ground. When tending to a horse’s lower leg or hoof (as in applying a bandage), never kneel or sit on the ground. Remain squatting, so you can jump away in the event he startles. When blanketing a horse, fasten the chest straps first, then the girth strap, then the hind-leg straps. When you remove the blanket, unfasten straps in the reverse order. This makes it impossible for the blanket to slip and become entangled with a horse’s hind legs.
Trailering:
Never fight with a reluctant horse to get him into a trailer; seek professional help and retraining, if necessary. Once a horse is in the trailer, close the back door or ramp before you hitch him to the trailer tie. When unloading, untie the horse before opening the back of the trailer, so he doesn’t begin to back out on his own and hit the end of the rope causing him to panic and pull back.
Turning loose:
When turning out a horse or pony for exercise or returning him to his paddock or pasture, always turn his head back toward the gate and step through it yourself before slipping the halter off to avoid his heels in case he kicks them up in delight at freedom.
Feeding treats:
Give carrot or apple chunks from the palm of a flattened hand to avoid being accidentally nipped. Better yet (especially in the case of greedy horses or ponies), put treats in a bucket before offering them. The safest way to feed a horse a treat is to put the goodie into a bucket first.
Safety gear:
Essentials include proper footwear (boots or shoes with hard toes and a heel), a properly fitted helmet that meets current safety standards.
Tacking up:
A bit that pinches, ruffled hair under the saddle pad, a too-tight back cinch; any of these can cause a horse to act up “unaccountable.” Make sure you always follow basic guidelines for proper bridling and saddling. Regularly inspect equipment for signs of wear that could cause a rein, stirrup leather, or other essential part to break.
Preparing a fresh mount:
Lunging by an experienced person will “take the edge” off a fresh horse and make it less likely he’ll act up when ridden. (Remember, excess energy can result from overfeeding, lack of exercise, or both.)
Mounting:
Never mount where there are low overhead clearances or projections. Follow proper technique and maintain contact with the reins as you swing aboard. A horse or pony should stand still for mounting, or else be held by an adult until you’re securely in the saddle.
Paying attention:
Staying calm, focused, and alert in the saddle at all times is a key safeguard. You can have fun but mustn’t become careless or unmindful.
Trail riding:
Novices and children shouldn’t ride out on the trail until a trainer or instructor deems they are ready, teaches them how, and assures that mounts are trail-safe.
Good sportsmanship:
Win with Dignity / Lose with Grace
Respect
Follow the Rules
Be a good role model and set a good example for other club members
Include your teammates (club mates)
Exhibit a sportsman-like attitude
Being helpful to others and to the project
Share your knowledge with others
Be enthusiastic, honest, and helpful
Entering the arena:
When entering the area you must announce your self prior to approaching the doorway and upon leaving the arena. When someone is riding in the area their horse can potentially spook because they don’t hear or see you coming.
When riding follow the regular arena etiquette:
Left shoulder to Left Shoulder
Slow on the Outside, Fast on the Inside
Pass on the inside and do not cut riders off
Circle Yields to the Track
Announce Your Intentions
Mount Out of the Way
Work Together
Be Courteous
Cue Quietly
Clean Up
Follow Posted Rules
Safety in the Arena:
Keep A Horse Length Between
All Horses Under Control – No loose horse while others are riding
Don’t Allow Escapes – Keep all doors & gates closed
Be Respectful of other riders and their abilities
Give Right of Way
Don’t Ride Alone
Always Ride Safe – Inspections of tack and gear
Don’t Get in the Way – Spectators should watch from designated viewing area
In an Emergency, Stop
Be Aware of your Surroundings
Look out for Other Riders
Keep the In-Gate Clear
Space Out
Be a Good Sport