Horse Riding Safety

Staying Alert – Staying Safe When You are Riding Your Horse

There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse. ~Robert Smith Surtees

Cantering your horse on a deserted beach early on a sunny morning can be one of the most magnificent experiences that one can have. However, no matter how long you've been riding, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times and you should always be alert to possible dangers.

If your horse is suddenly startled, you must be able to react quickly to get him under control before he panics and bolts. Prevention is better than cure. Never loop the reins around the saddle horn, no matter how placid and docile your horse is. Even the quietest, most bomb-proof horse can bolt with the bit between his teeth if he is scared enough.

Be on the look-out for possible problems. This way, you will notice in advance that there is a clothesline full of clothes flapping in the wind close to the trail, while a fallen tree is blocking another section. If you came across either of these things without any prior knowledge, they could really present a serious problem.

Of course, even if you have all of the right equipment and you are riding properly, sometimes riding a horse just is not safe. If your horse is frightened of thunder and there is a storm brewing, stay at home.

If your horse starts to shy at the sound a bird fluttering, or some other equally harmless thing, you can sometimes minimize his reaction by acting quickly. Stop the horse and speak to him in a clear, calm voice to let him know that he doesn't have to be afraid. If he balks, command him to back up instead of trying to force him forward. Get him under control and then attempt to show him that the object that has startled him is no big deal.

Finally, if you haven't been able to exercise your horse for awhile and he is overly frisky, you may want to help him burn off some of that excess energy before you get on his back. A calm horse is much less likely to shy or bolt than one that is practically bouncing off the walls. Instead of riding your horse, get out the lounge line and have him trot or canter around the paddock for fifteen or twenty minutes. Once he has settled down, you can take him for a much safer and more enjoyable ride.

Men are better when riding, more just and more understanding, and more alert and more at ease and more under-taking, and better knowing of all countries and all passages; in short and long all good customs and manners cometh thereof, and the health of man and of his soul. ~Attributed to Edward Plantagenet

Read an extract from this astounding book here
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