Safety Checks
4 February 2010
Wednesday’s Horsemanship was all about Safety Checks: around the stable and before riding for tack, riding area and rider. Here is what Sherman ably demonstrated with Bella and Josie…
Around the stable be sure you keep tools put away, first aid kits (human and equine) handy, emergency numbers posted. Secure your horse in a safe way with break away cross ties or a quick release knot if tying to a fence post (never to a rail!).
Your tack keeps you safe and in the saddle when you ride, so be sure the stitching and leather are sound on your billets, your girth is snug and comfy on your pony, the saddle pad is even, and that your stirrup leathers are safe. Every time you tack up and mount take a look at all these things! Make sure the bridle fits and is well adjusted for your pony – no pinched lips or ears, 4 fingers fit beneath the throat latch and 2 fingers under the caveson. A comfy bridle makes for a good ride for you and your pony!
How do you find out if your riding area is safe? Check the footing – it’s the only thing the pony touches (other than you and the tack) while you’re riding, and you want to make sure it’s not slippery or rocky. Empty jump cups should be removed from standards. Jump rails and other jump components should be stacked in one spot or removed. If you’re going out on the trail, be sure to look ahead if you doubt the safety of the ground – too many rocks? mud? giant puddles that may be deep and sticky? Turn around and go home if you worry about anything on the trail. One last obvious one: don’t ride alone! Someone should be around, in case you need help.
Check yourself out from head to toe to have a safe, fun ride each time you get on! Helmet: harness adjusted to just below your ears, fit is snug but not tight, chinstrap is 1-2 fingers beneath your chin. Wear layers that zip/button in front so you can peel like a banana as you get warm – be comfotable from start to finish. No hoods – they can catch on things and be really dangerous. Hoods are great until you get on. Pants should be comfy and cover you down to your boots. Boots must have a heel, and you should always wear sox! Some riders come to lessons without sox and they’ll get rubs on their legs from the stirrup leathers. This drives Emily crazy and she’s going to have to get some tube sox for riders to borrow!
When you prepare to ride safely from the ground to the horse to you, you’ll have fun and be comfortable! Did you notice how many times my big hooves typed “comfy” and “comfortable” in this posting? This is Biscuit the Fjord Horse, wrapping up our Safety Check topic. See you next time!
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