Safety for you and your horse

By Jennifer Kunz, AnimalForum.com staff

No one thinks it can happen to them. An accident, an injury, or a devastating death can all result from poor or forgotten safety practices. Both horse and rider are at risk and should be considered at all times. Adults as well as children, seasoned horses as well as young ones are just as susceptible to accident or injury.

Here are some tips for keeping you and your horse safe:

• Lock medicine, supplements, and grain in horse proof containers. A loose horse can easily poison himself if he gets into the wrong thing.
• Only tie horses to sturdy objects, never a fence rail or flimsy board. Use a quick release knot!
• Don't tie to an unhitched horse trailer, a panicked horse can drag it down the road.
• Wear proper footwear around horses, toes are easily crushed in sandals or sneakers.
• Don't leave loose tack or halters dangling in alleyways or from fences. These are a hazard for a loose horse.
• Make sure your horse can’t reach any electrical cords or wires such as water tank heating equipment.
• Repair loose or broken boards and rails in paddocks and stalls immediately.
• Do a fence check of your entire perimeter on a regular basis.
• Use salt or sand on icy patches in or around the barn and paddocks.
• Install shatterproof glass or wire grates over windows.
• Make sure all gates and latches are working properly.
• Don't allow loose pets such as dogs to run around in the barn.
• Have a functioning fire extinguisher (or as many as necessary) in your barn and make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it.
• Carry a pocketknife for cutting things in an emergency.
• Post emergency numbers right next to the phone and keep them updated.
• Don't get complacent around your horses, they will spook if properly provoked, no matter how long you've had them.
• Young children should always be supervised.
• Make sure everyone in the barn knows the rules and what is expected of them. Don’t make exceptions.
• Check the lights, brakes, and condition of any truck and horse trailer you are hauling.
• Double check the hitch.
• If something happens, take a deep breath, calm down, and do what's needed. Don't scream!

• Heeled footwear is essential. No one wants to get dragged when their foot slides right through a stirrup.
• An approved helmet is strongly recommended, especially for novice riders.
• Check the screws and fasteners on your bridle and other tack before each ride.
• Check the stirrups, girth, and general condition of your saddle before each ride.
• Tuck in loose clothing to prevent it catching on a saddle horn or other tack.
• Undo the back cinch FIRST if you use a western saddle with two girths.
• Approach new objects and situations slowly, let your horse get used to the sights and sounds.

• Carry a first aid kit, matches, and cell phone with you.
• Include some emergency rations such as granola bars and bottled water in your trail kit.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you are expected back.
• Take a spare halter and leadshank along.
• If you're riding in the backcountry, attach a small bell to your saddle to keep away the lions and tigers and bears.
• Know where you're going, carry a compass and waterproof map if needed.
• Make sure there is a water source along the way for your horse.
• Consider taking an Easyboot and farrier's rasp along in case of a blown shoe.
• Take a warm jacket and gloves, no matter what the weather when you start out.

Don't be paranoid, but always think ahead and consider the possibilities of the situation. Keep an eye out for hazards and correct them as soon as possible. No one needs an astronomical vet or hospital bill to deal with and you'll be keeping both you and your horse safe.

Happy (and safe) trails!