Horse Riding Rules

Horse riding can be a safe and extremely rewarding hobby when the rider takes steps to minimize risks. As with any of the most enjoyable activities in life, it is impossible to eliminate all risks. But, by educating yourself to equestrian safety, the possibility of injury can be greatly reduced.

Riding Lessons

- Inexperienced riders should get lessons from a professional.  Riding lessons can be somewhat expensive, but well worth it for increased riding safety. You can reduce the cost by finding a lesson partner on your own skill level. Many instructors offer reduced rates for groups of two or more students. An ARIA Ceritified Riding Instructor is best.  Click on the following link to find a ARIA Certified Riding Instructor in your area.   If you are somewhat experienced with horses, possibly you've been away from riding for a few years and want to get back into riding or possibly you have a child getting into riding, there is a self-study progrom by John Lyons that many find helpful.   It is called, "From Ground To Saddle" A Beginners Guide to Safe Horse Handling.

Always Wear A Helmet

- Always wear a properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified equestrian riding helmet.   Equestrian helmets are different than bicycle helmets, as they are designed for impact to the back of the head, as opposed to front or side injuries which bicycle helmets are designed for. The majority of head injuries from horse riding accidents are to the back of the head.

 Stirrup Safety

- Wear a boot with a good heel to keep your foot from slipping through the stirrups. Not being able to get your foot free during a mishap is a terrifying experience and can result in the rider being dragged. As an additional precaution, you can prevent dragging accidents by using a safety stirrup, such as peacock stirrups, break away stirrups or Toe Stoppers. Toe Stoppers are a stirrup attachment that prevent the foot from slipping through that can be fitted to any stirrup style.

Stay Alert

  - It’s easy when you're plodding along, chatting to your riding buddies on a beautiful day on the trail to forget you’re supposed to be actively” riding” your horse. You may become a bit of a back seat passenger. This can be very dangerous as your reaction time will be delayed by critical seconds. Stay alert and attentive at all times while riding. Not tense - but constantly aware of the environment - your riding surface, your peripheral vision, your distance in relationship to other riders, your horses responses to your cues -- much as you would (or should be) while driving.

  - By following a few safety and etiquette rules, trail riding can be a safe and fun way to see our beautiful country .

Trail Riding Safety

Never ride alone. Ride with someone you know to be experienced and thoughtful.

 Take your cell phone.

Wait until all riders are mounted to move off.

If you could be returning after dark, wear reflective clothing and take a small flash light.

Horses prone to kicking should wear a red ribbon on their tails.

Keep at least one horse length between you and the horse in front.

In larger groups, elect someone who knows the trails as trail boss. The trail boss maintains the pace and is considerate of others when increasing speed.

Do not pass the trail boss.

When riding during hunting season, make lots of noise and wear visible clothing such as a fluorescent vest. Using rhythm beads on your horse is a good way to alert hunters that you are NOT a deer.

A pen knife and baling twine can be very useful for emergency tack repairs.

Take a hoof pick.

Do not leave the trail. Holes and unsafe surfaces, sharp objects and hornets nests may exist in unknown areas such as open fields