User:Rachellynn42

Equestrian Safety. All information can be found in the Pony Club manuals.

Safety is extremely important in any equine sport, as horses are always unpredictable. Several measures should be made regular habits to prevent a potential accident.

Helmet: The rider's helmet should be an approved helmet that fits snuggly. An ill fitting helmet can cause more damage than it prevents.

Boots: Every rider should be wearing closed toe shoes with a small heel. It is ideal that the boots are made with horseback riding in mind, as some boots have a wide heel which risk getting caught up in the stirrup, causing a dangerous situation.

Well fitting, safe tack: All tack should be in good condition. Billets and stirrup leathers should be checked for excessive wear. The tack should fit the horse properly so as to not irritate the animal or potentially come off during the ride. The rider should be taught to check his or her girth effectively prior to mounting so that the saddle does not slide during the ride.

Mounting: All riders should learn to mount from a mounting block so as to not strain the horse's back. However, they should also be capable of mounting from the ground should they ever need to do so such as on a trail ride.