Safety Precautions to Prevent Injury to Horse & Rider

Horseback riding can be a fun and rewarding sport, but it can be a dangerous one as well if you fail to take the proper precautions. Taking the time to do some basic preride safety checks can enhance the security of both horse and rider. From adjusting your stirrups to checking the tightness of your girth, assessing the condition of your equipment is critical.

  1. Tie Horse Securely

    • Tying your horse securely allows you to work around the animal and more easily set the saddle in place. Before you tie your horse, check the security of the post you plan to use. If the post is loose or pulling out of the ground, then you should not tie your horse to it.

    Adjust Stirrups

    • If more than one person uses the same saddle, then it is important to adjust the stirrups to the proper length each time you ride. Proper stirrup length is essential to your safety, since having the stirrups too short or too long will interfere with your riding position. If the stirrups are too short, then you could end up canted forward, while having the stirrups too long will reduce your security in the saddle.

    Check Girth

    • The girth is what holds the saddle securely on your horse, so it is obviously one of your most important pieces of equipment. Check the condition of the girth and the cinch strap before and after every ride, and replace any equipment that is frayed or damaged. Tighten your girth securely before you ride, then walk or ride your horse around for a few minutes and check the girth again. Many horses learn to puff out their stomachs and inhale air while the girth is being tightened. When they later let that air out, the saddle can become dangerously loose. Taking a few minutes to check the tightness of your girth can prevent accidents and injuries out on the trail.

    Ride with a Friend

    • Riding with a friend can enhance both your safety and the fun of your chosen sport. When you ride with a buddy you have an extra level of protection in case of problems on the trail. Whether you experience threatening individuals or just a broken piece of tack, having someone with you can make you safer. If you must go trail riding alone, then let someone back home know where you are going and when you are expected back.

    Check Halter and Lead Rope

    • You also need to make sure that the halter and lead rope you are using are both in good condition. The lead rope should have a large solid brass snap, and the halter should be in good repair and properly adjusted for the size of the horse's head.