A Safety Checklist for You and Your Horse

Always have in your mind that horses are unpredictable animals, not machines. Our familiarity can lead to taking liberties and accidents occurring.

How many of these practices are on your own safety list?

1. Always wear clothes and boots that are designed for riding.

2. ALWAYS wear a riding helmet that fits you correctly and complies with current standards.

3. If you are young, your horse is misbehaving, you are out of practice or you have lost your confidence, wear a body protector.

4. Make sure your tack is suitable for the job, comfortable for you and your horse, and gives you enough security for your level and type of riding.

5. Tack, particularly girths and stirrup leathers, are under strain, so always check that your tack is in good working order. Opt for good quality leather work and check the stitching EVERY time you clean your tack. Put suspect leather work aside and take it to a saddler for checking and mending.

6. Horses should always have leg protection during exercise and, for excitable horses, during turn-out. I prefer to use open fronted boots while jumping, as they encourage a horse to be careful, whilst still offering protection.

7. Regardless of your level or ability, always have someone else present with you while you are jumping. This person doesn't have to be knowledgeable about horses, but someone who can assist you or summon help should something go wrong. This particular practice has saved my life. I had a bad fall a few years ago and as the horse was getting up it kicked me on the side of the head, knocking me out. I had swallowed my tongue and if I had not had help there, I would have died.

Tim Stockdale

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Comment by deb on March 1, 2009 at 8:22pm: many people don't see the safety issue till it's pointed out to them what could happen.

Comment by Lucy on February 16, 2009 at 8:25pm: Thanks for posting this Tim. I do follow all of these and as for jumping I think it's a great thing to go by always having someone there. I know too many people who jump alone and it always worries me that if something happens they won't be found right away.

Comment by paulosey on February 12, 2009 at 2:11pm: Thank you Tim...I really admire your riding and your list is very thought provoking. I must admit to jumping alone and have recently thought it's not a very smart idea as I'm training a green horse. Thanks for reminding me to have some one with me when I jump.
Cheers!

Comment by Snaffle 0--0 on February 11, 2009 at 4:04pm: Thanks for posting this!

Comment by Sandy on February 11, 2009 at 2:20pm: All of the above.
Great list.

Comment by Susan on February 10, 2009 at 10:01am: Thanks for mentioning the correct clothes and boots. When I see someone in jeans and sneakers on a horse, for even a short walk, I cringe thinking about that foot going right through the stirrup!

Comment by Tori Joyce on February 10, 2009 at 7:37am: Hi Tim,
Thanks for those tips - hopfully most riders do most of the above as a routine, however I'd never even thought of asking someone to keep an eye on me when jumping! I'm a very independant individual and got to shows and events etc on my own - with no mishaps yet - however your illustration points out just how vital having someone there for you could be. Thank you so much for highlighting this issue - you have potentillay aved another riders life!

Many thanks and anticipation in reading your next blog

Tori