Thursday, August 6, 2009

Equestrian Safety: How To Protect You And Your Horse

By Riche Goldmann

Horseback riding can be a fun and pleasurable experience, but it is extremely important to take the proper safety precautions to protect both you and your horse from unnecessary injury. One of the easiest, yet so important, things that you should do when riding a horse is wear a safety helmet. You helmet needs to fit your head properly so that is will stay on your head in the event you fall. There are equestrian helmets on the market and meet very important safety standards. Any helmet you buy should meet ASTM/SEI certifications.

Another important thing you need to do to protect yourself when you ride a horse is wear a boot or sturdy shoe with a good heel. This will keep your foot from sliding through the stirrups. You want to be sure you can get your foot free if an accident would occur. Never wear sneakers, sandals, or ride your horse barefoot. Toe Stoppers are great for keeping your feet in the right position. They also prevent your feet from getting stuck in the stirrups.

You also need to know how to saddle your horse correctly so that you both stay protected and safe. Begin by putting a saddle pad on your horse; this will protect your horse's back. Next, place the actual saddle in the middle of the pad so that it is directly above your horse's spine. This should be comfortable for your horse. Make sure that you are gentle throughout this process, as any roughness could cause him pain and to injure you as a result. Be careful in making sure that the buckles do not hit the horse's legs. In addition, make sure that the saddle is fastened securely once it is situated. Also, be sure that you position yourself so that the horse doesn't kick you while putting the saddle on him.

Mounting and dismounting can cause your horse to respond dangerously. This is because your entire weight goes to the side of your horse and causes uncomfortable pressure on his back. The saddle may also pull to the side. It may be easier to mount or dismount if someone holds your horse. A mounting block is a great solution to ease the painful twisting of the saddle on your horses back. It also makes it more comfortable for you to get on your horse. A mounting block should be sturdy and well-constructed. Your horse should be standing with his feet underneath him when you mount.

Riding a horse isn't easy, and it certainly isn't easy to take care of one. But it can be relatively easy to make sure that you are safe just by following these suggesstions!

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