9 Safety Tips To Remember When Riding A Horse

Horses can be quite sensitive and unpredictable. This is why horse riding birmingham — while fun and thrill-inducing — is often considered as an inherently dangerous sport. From being observant of your horse’s behaviour to wearing safety gear to knowing how to do an emergency dismount, there are several things you need to remember in order to make your horse riding experience as safe as possible.
In this feature, we’ve compiled nine safety tips to help you out.
Select your horse wisely. When you take horse riding lessons in birmingham, one fundamental knowledge that you will learn is that your horse should match your riding skills. If you are new to this sport, it’s better to seek help from experts when choosing a horse that’s suitable for you.
Be keen on your horse’s behaviour. Horses, like people, have their own moods. Therefore, it is a necessary skill for any rider to learn how to read — and communicate with — their horses. Never ride a horse that is not in great condition, or else, there’s a high chance for you to meet an accident while riding.
Always wear safety gear. Your safety should always be a priority when riding a horse. Some of the gear you should have include properly fitting helmets, vests, and sturdy boots. Take note that your headgear in particular should meet standards set by the concerned organisations or government agencies.
Check all your equipment beforehand. Another essential horse riding Birmingham tip is ensuring that all necessary equipment and accessories are in tip-top shape — from halters and toes to hobbles and saddle blankets. You should also take with you a first aid kit and extra pieces of leather or rawhide and spare horseshoe nails for emergency repair purposes.
Learn how to do an emergency dismount. In case of an emergency, the safest thing to do is to get off your horse as soon as possible. When dismounting, make sure to follow the basic rules in order to minimise impact and avoid injuries.
Know the terrain you will traverse. Always familiarise yourself with the area where you’ll be riding your horse. Take note of accident-prone zones and be careful of things that may trigger your horse.
Take breaks. Both rider and horse can get tired while out in the field. And when one or both get too exhausted, there’s a high chance for an accident to arise. Take a break whenever needed and make sure you and your horse are hydrated — especially during hot days.
Ride with a buddy or in a group. Especially if you’re a novice horse rider, you should always go out in the field under the supervision of a coach or an expert. It’s also not advisable to ride alone even if you’re already a veteran, for safety purposes. As an added measure, it’s also recommended for horse riding enthusiasts to carry two-way radios.
Observe proper distance. Speaking of horse riding Birmingham in pairs or in groups, it’s significant to know that proper distancing should always be observed. The general rule of thumb is to keep a distance of at least one horse length. This is to prevent horses from accidentally kicking each other.