If you're a horse lover, a horse racing aficionado or even if you simply like to spend some time around horses, it's always a good idea to take the cautious approach. Equines may generally be peaceful animals, but with certain stimuli around their environment, they can sometimes act in ways that could endanger the lives of people around them. They are as strong as they graceful and fast as they are beautiful and as such, should be respected. It's always better to keep this power in mind and observe a few general principles when being around horses.
For starters, if you're meeting a horse riding for the first time (such as when you're introduced to it for a riding lesson), stay about 45 degrees from the shoulder so you reduce chances of getting kicked. Even if the instructor assures you that a horse is gentle, there's really no way of knowing how he'll react to the sight or smell of you. Thus, it's best to stay at this angle so you don't get struck in case a horse doesn't like you for one reason or another. Together with this, always observe the age-old advice of never turning your back on the horse.
In tying your horse, always observe a few safety precautions. Never tie the equine by his reins since there is always a risk of injury to his head, neck or mouth when he pulls back. Moreover, make sure that you tie your horse to a safe and secure place. Old and run-down fences are no places to tie a horse in since they can easily break them and drag them all over the place. When securing your horse, tie a slip-knot.
When you have to walk behind your horse (although this is not generally a good idea), always make sure that the horse knows you are there. Put your hand on the horse's back so he won't strike at you.
Finally, you might want to consider your outfit when riding. Wear riding breeches for English riding and jeans for Western riding. And while you might feel like a cowboy straight out of a Hollywood movie by wearing metal-toed boots, avoid the urge to. In the event that a horse steps on your foot, its weight is strong enough to pinch the metal down your toes and cause you extreme pain. Ouch!
Horses are awesome animals. But you can't let your guard around them. Stay safe!
by Kevin Hutto
For starters, if you're meeting a horse riding for the first time (such as when you're introduced to it for a riding lesson), stay about 45 degrees from the shoulder so you reduce chances of getting kicked. Even if the instructor assures you that a horse is gentle, there's really no way of knowing how he'll react to the sight or smell of you. Thus, it's best to stay at this angle so you don't get struck in case a horse doesn't like you for one reason or another. Together with this, always observe the age-old advice of never turning your back on the horse.
In tying your horse, always observe a few safety precautions. Never tie the equine by his reins since there is always a risk of injury to his head, neck or mouth when he pulls back. Moreover, make sure that you tie your horse to a safe and secure place. Old and run-down fences are no places to tie a horse in since they can easily break them and drag them all over the place. When securing your horse, tie a slip-knot.
When you have to walk behind your horse (although this is not generally a good idea), always make sure that the horse knows you are there. Put your hand on the horse's back so he won't strike at you.
Finally, you might want to consider your outfit when riding. Wear riding breeches for English riding and jeans for Western riding. And while you might feel like a cowboy straight out of a Hollywood movie by wearing metal-toed boots, avoid the urge to. In the event that a horse steps on your foot, its weight is strong enough to pinch the metal down your toes and cause you extreme pain. Ouch!
Horses are awesome animals. But you can't let your guard around them. Stay safe!
by Kevin Hutto
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