Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
Always wear closed-toed shoes or boots around horses - preferably boots
Wear long pants when riding to avoid saddle sores and blisters
Wear a helmet when riding
Don’t ride a horse beyond your level of experience
Know your horse – understand your horse’s body language so you have a chance to prepare for spontaneous spooking
Try to ride with a partner. Riding alone can be dangerous because if you fall off or are injured, it will be difficult to get help
Wear reflective clothing if you are riding close to sun down
When you reach a problem you cannot solve, enlist a professional’s help
Do not feed a horse with curled fingers. Always hold your hand flat to avoid the horse’s teeth from biting your fingers off!
Never tie a horse by the reins
Speak to your horse when you are approaching so that you do not surprise and startle the horse
Always use a quick release knot when tying your horse
Do not turn a horse out in a nylon halter. Instead of a nylon halter, use either a leather halter or a halter with a leather breakaway strap to prevent the horse from breaking his neck in the event that his hoof becomes caught in the halter
Check all equipment to make sure that it is in good condition. You do not want to be riding and have your equipment break
Never leave the reins hanging on the ground. You do not want the horse to accidentally step on the reins, spook, and become injured
When turning your horse out, be sure to turn the horse’s head towards you so that the horse’s hindquarters automatically turn the other direction. You can then take the halter off and turn out the horse into the pasture or paddock
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