Horse riders can reduce the potential for injury to themselves and their horses by practicing safety measures before, during and after a horse ride. Horses are prey animals and rely on fight or flight instincts when they perceive danger, so riders can reduce the possibility of dangerous situations by properly choosing and maintaining tack, following safe mounting and dismounting procedures and using appropriate safety measures while riding in different terrain.
Safe tack and attire
Tack maintenance - check for damage
Faulty riding equipment can present a danger to both rider and horse. All tack and equipment should be routinely inspected for tears, cracking or damaged buckles; do not use worn out equipment. The condition of reins, girths and stirrup leathers or fenders is especially important as malfunction of any of these components can lead to rider injury. Cleaning leather tack periodically also provides an opportunity to inspect equipment for damage. Good quality saddles can last decades with routine inspections and maintenance.
A key component to ensure tack stays in good repair is proper cleaning and conditioning. Leather dries out over time which can lead to dry rot and cracking, but there are many methods and products to keep tack from wearing out prematurely. Typically, a soap or detergent is needed to remove dirt or mildew, and a leather conditioner or oil is applied after cleaning. Cleaning frequency depends on how the tack is stored and how often it is used. During the cleaning and conditioning process, make sure to check that Chicago screws, ties, and buckles are in good, working order.
Tack storage
Quality tack is expensive and proper storage is essential to protect tack investment. If possible, avoid storing riding equipment in areas with high moisture, humidity, and weather extremes. Humidity can cause mildew build up on leather, damaging tack over time. Fans, calcium chloride-based moisture absorber buckets, dehumidifiers, or air conditioning units can be used to reduce humidity that causes mildew. Another method to protect saddles from moisture is to store sweaty saddle pads on separate racks. Care should be taken to ensure the storage area for horse tack is free of pests including moths and rodents.
Proper riding footwear
Riders should wear closed-toe footwear (preferably made from leather) with heels. It is not uncommon for horses to step on the handler’s feet; therefore, handling and riding horses in flip flops or tennis shoes is discouraged as these shoes do not provide adequate protection and are more likely to get caught in stirrups. Boots with thick, lug soles should be avoided for the same reason. Specific riding boot fit and design comes down to rider preference and discipline. For example, some western riders prefer to use cowboy boots with a taller heel called a “riding heel” to prevent their foot from sliding through the stirrup.
Selecting a helmet for protection
Wearing a riding helmet protects the rider from brain injuries if a fall occurs. Helmets may be required if showing in English events or riding at certain facilities. Helmets that have been through falls may have damage that is not visible, therefore, it is best to purchase a new helmet rather than a used helmet. Helmets should be replaced after falls where the helmet has contacted the ground. When purchasing helmets, look for helmets that have been inspected by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). The label inside the helmet will show the manufacturing date as well as the inspection. Helmets should also be replaced every six years. Newer helmets are designed to provide added protection to the brain stem at the base of the neck.
Helmet fit is also important. Make sure the helmet does not slip around on the head as this can impair the rider’s vision while riding and indicate that the helmet is too large or the straps need to be tightened.
Preparing for a ride
Check tack fit for the horse and rider
Even equipment in good condition can cause dangerous situations if not properly fitted to the horse. Check the adjustment of the bit, browband, noseband and saddle as it sits on the horse's back. Poorly adjusted equipment can chafe and irritate the horse causing soreness, which in turn may cause the horse to become sour when tacked up or ridden.
See that accessories such as martingales, breast collars, tiedowns, and draw reins are correctly adjusted and attached. Breast collars that are too large or loose-fitting can restrict shoulder movement of the horse. On English saddles, leave stirrup bars open to ensure that in an emergency, the leathers will pull free and prevent the rider from being dragged by the horse (Figure 5). Stirrup size is an important consideration for the rider. Stirrups that are too small are hard to kick out of in the event of an emergency. Some riders use breakaway stirrups to prevent being dragged by the horse in the event they fall off. Rubber bands should not be used to keep a rider’s feet in the stirrups. It is ill-advised to use any kind of apparatus to secure a rider to the saddle due to potential for rider injury if the horse falls.
Riders should make sure the saddle size fits their body type. If the seat size is too big, riders tend to slide around more and have less support. Seats that are too small for the rider are uncomfortable and do not allow the rider to move effectively in the saddle. Either scenario can be a safety risk.
Check the horse
It is important for riders to examine their horses prior to riding. Below is a list of safety precautions to consider:
- Check the horse for lameness. Observe the horse as it is lead from the stall or pasture to see if it travels soundly. If the horse seems off, investigate before getting on the horse.
- Pick out the horse’s hooves. If shod, check for loose or missing shoes.
- When grooming, make sure the area behind the horse’s elbow is free of dirt or debris that can cause friction and sores.
- Check for existing girth or wither sores.
- Consider lunging a horse that is high energy or has not been ridden recently.
- Horses that have pasture-mates may behave differently if separated.
Mount safely
Check the cinch
Before mounting the horse, make sure the girth is snug but not too tight. Avoid over-tightening the girth by placing a hand between the girth and the horse’s chest floor, where the girth will be tightest. Tightening the girth as much as possible when the saddle is first put on can lead to a loose girth when mounting or riding because some horses learn to hold their breath while being saddled. Tighten the girth and then lead the horse for a short distance and tighten the girth again before mounting.
If using a back cinch, make sure that the horse is used to the cinch and that it is not too loose. A rule of thumb is that there should be no more than a 2-finger gap between the belly and the cinch. A back cinch that is too loose has no purpose and can be a safety hazard.
Check stirrup length before and after mounting
Stirrups should be adjusted to roughly the right length before mounting. Once mounted, stirrup leathers and fender length can be adjusted as needed. When seated in the saddle with legs relaxed, hunt seat rider's stirrups should reach just below the ankle bones. For western riders, discipline and personal preference play more of a role in stirrup length. There can be some variation up or down, depending on the type of riding, the style of saddle, and the rider's physical limitations or comfort. For example, a rider who anticipates jumping fences may wish to have the irons higher, and conversely, a trail rider may want to have a longer stirrup length to put less stress on the knees.
Stirrups should fit the rider’s boots. The width of the stirrup should be 1/2 to 3/4 inches wider than the width of the boot at the ball of the foot (Figure 8). A rider’s foot can get caught in small stirrups. Conversely, stirrups that are too large may be easier to lose, potentially causing the rider to become unbalanced or unseated.
Correct length of stirrup leathers helps the rider maintain correct leg and foot position. The balls of the feet should rest directly over the treads of the stirrup irons with the rider’s heels lower than the toes. This is the safest, most comfortable position for most kinds of riding. Some riders prefer to have their feet "home" in the stirrups with their boot heels butted up against the tread of the stirrups. This position feels more secure, but it is easier for the boots to get caught in the stirrups.
Riders should keep their heels down. A high heel position, riding with toes pointed downward, distributes the rider’s weight incorrectly causing an off-balance seat. This off-balance may give the horse confusing cues, and if the rider is wearing spurs, hey may unintentionally jab the horse.
Mounting
Before mounting, the rider should double check the girth to make sure it is tight, then lead the horse away from objects that could injure the horse or themself. Avoid mounting in stables with low ceilings or slippery floors. Lead the horse away from trees, buildings, vehicles, fences, and other horses.
Riders should learn to mount smoothly and quickly without help. Beginning riders may prefer to have an assistant hold the horse while mounting. However, depending on an assistant beyond the learning stage is not advisable. Some help in mounting is convenient for short riders or tall horses. A friend can help by "giving a leg up," or the rider may use a mounting block. It also is possible to lower the left stirrup a few notches, then readjust it after mounting.
Complete control of the horse is essential for safe mounting. The left hand holds the reins and the right hand grasps the saddle (Figure 11). In this position, the rider maintains maximum control while retaining balance.
A horse should be trained to stand still until the rider is mounted, has feet in stirrups, and asks the horse to walk off. Horses should not be allowed to walk off while the rider tries to mount and get settled in the saddle. Do not attempt to mount a horse that is not standing quietly. If the horse begins to move, the rider can pull up on the reins with their left hand. If the rider is quick and smooth with mounting, the whole procedure will be much safer, and the horse will be less likely to move.
As the rider mounts, they should brace themselves on their hands and straighten through the left leg. The right leg will then swing over the horse’s back (Figure 11). Riders should settle lightly into the saddle and pick up their right stirrup as quickly as possible. If the horse stands still, pressure on the reins is unnecessary. Bumping the horse’s croup with the right leg while mounting should be avoided because this may startle the horse and throw the mounter off balance (Figure 12).
Riding the "edge" off
If the horse is unfamiliar with the rider, or is nervous or excited, the horse can be ridden in an arena or enclosed area until it settles down. As a precaution, avoid riding a horse alone, especially if the horse is young, fresh, or has behavioral issues. Horses with extra energy may be lunged before they are ridden. Novice riders should avoid riding horses with any of these issues.
If the horse runs away and does not respond to normal cues, use one rein to pull it in a small circle to slow the horse and regain control. Lunging or turning the horse out before riding may reduce the chance of this behavior but all riders may run into scenarios where a horse gets spooked or is fresh.
Riders should take a leadership role, controlling where the horse goes and the pace at which it travels. If the horse is allowed to be the leader, respect for the rider is lost and they may become unwilling to obey commands. Some horses are easily frightened and need constant reassurance from their riders. A training program designed to desensitize them to perceived threats builds the horse's confidence and makes it safer to ride.
Dismounting
Dismounting is the reverse of mounting, and the same safety rules apply. The horse should stand still for dismounting.
An important safety procedure for riders is to kick free of the stirrups before touching the ground. As the rider swings their right leg over the horse's back, they should stand on their left. Then lean over the horse, bracing themselves with their hands or lean belly across the saddle, and kick the left foot free of the stirrup before jumping lightly to the ground.
Stepping down from the saddle with the left foot in the stirrup as the right foot touches the ground is dangerous, especially for hunt seat riders. It is very easy for the foot to become caught in the stirrup and may be difficult to stop a moving horse. A short-legged person mounted on a tall horse would be in an awkward position when stepping down.
Safety while riding
Riding in groups
Riding in groups is usually safer than riding alone, but group riding also has unique hazards. All riders should wait until everyone on the ride is mounted before beginning to move away. Horses instinctively want to be in groups and the ones left behind will want to hurry to catch up. This makes mounting rather hazardous.
Allow at least one horse's length or more between each horse. This will eliminate danger from kicks or bites. Traditionally, a red ribbon in the tail of a horse denotes a known kicker. However, most horses will kick if they feel threatened by the horse behind them.
Riding on roads or in pastures
When riding along roads, the group should try to minimize hazards to themselves and to traffic. Crossing roads can be especially dangerous and all horses should cross simultaneously. Riders should cross the road on a long, straight stretch where oncoming motorists will be able to see the riders and slow down.
If riding on a hard surfaced road or a very narrow road shoulder, do not proceed faster than a trot. The horse will be under more control and will be in much less danger of slipping. If such riding is routine, the rider may wish to purchase special shoes for the horse or have regular horseshoes treated to increase their grip. Riders also may wish to have their farriers put pads on the horse's feet, especially if there is large, sharp gravel on the ride.
Most state laws specify that horse traffic must move in the same direction as vehicular traffic. Obviously, there will be times when this is impossible, but riders must pay close attention to all legal aspects of using a horse on public roads and make every effort to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
Riding in fields and pastures can also be hazardous. Avoid soft, deep footing that can rip horseshoes off and pull on the horse’s tendons. Do not ride if loose horses are present as they may run at the ridden horse and kick, bite or tease. If the ride must go through loose horses, the rider must keep speed to a minimum and not try to outrun the loose horses.
Riding in steep terrain
When going up a steep incline, the rider must make the horse as comfortable and balanced as possible by leaning forward slightly and giving the horse the free hand. The rider’s body placed over the horse's center of gravity assists the horse in climbing the incline.
Going downhill requires that the horse maintains correct footing. To accomplish this, the rider should lean slightly backward and allow the horse to choose their path, with the rider keeping their hands low so that the horse may use his head and neck for balance. The horse must keep its hindquarters under it and its head and neck down, especially going down a steep slope.
Riding in water
When crossing water, pick the shallowest, calmest spot and head diagonally into the current. Stream crossings should have solid bottoms and banks that can be negotiated without danger of the horse falling. In a swift stream, when water reaches halfway up a horse’s side, its feet may be swept from under it. Some riders may choose to kick their feet from the stirrups in case the horse should fall. Children should cross streams only with supervision, particularly if they are on small ponies. If a horse is refusing to cross the stream, a more seasoned horse can be used to give the other confidence by riding in front of or beside the greener horse. When crossing streams, riders should pay attention as horses may try to paw and roll in the water.
Special considerations
Arena etiquette
Typically, in common use arenas, faster moving horses commonly stay to the outside. It is courteous to call out “inside” or “outside” when passing another rider so that rider knows on which side they will be passed. To avoid collisions in a crowded arena, it is safer for the rider to check behind themselves before downward transitioning or stopping. Be mindful of providing adequate space between horses. Riders should also be courteous to others by finding a place out of the way for conversations.
Catching a loose horse
If a horse has gotten away from its rider or has broken loose, do not chase after the horse. Chasing only makes loose horses run faster. Talk soothingly and walk toward the horse. The loose horse also may be lured in with another horse. Loose horses may cause other horses to become excited; some riders may prefer to dismount until the loose horse is caught.
Emergency dismount
Some riders prefer to prepare for emergency situations by learning to make emergency dismounts. This requires a great deal of practice and should begin in an arena at the walk, then at the trot and eventually at the canter. Use a quiet, well-trained horse for practice. During the ride, the rider should kick both feet out of the stirrups and drop their hands to the withers while maintaining contact with the reins.
Aided by the natural rhythm of the horse's movement, the rider should push away with their hands, swinging the right leg back over the croup and bringing both legs forward quickly and as close together as possible. The rider maintains balance by holding onto the front of the saddle or the horse's mane. Practice dismounting this way on both sides of the horse.
Cool the horse after riding
At the end of each ride, a horse should be cooled down by walking it slowly until its respiration has returned to normal, helping to prevent colic or other serious problems. Don't feed grain for at least an hour after hard work or allow the horse to drink a large quantity of water until it is completely cooled down.