Equine Safety
EQUINE SAFETY at Horse Riding and Training
Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship. This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship.
Handling horses can be dangerous. Whether mounted or working on the ground, safety should be a top priority. While accidents can happen when handling any horse, handling young horses or horses without much training require increased safety awareness. Because of the nature of the equipment used in ground training as well as the unpredictable outbursts characteristic of young horses, you may be particularly vulnerable during ground work and your horse’s first rides. During this early training things can quickly get confusing and dangerous. By practicing safe horse handling and riding practices you will greatly minimize your chances of accidents when working with a young horse. Most horse – related mishaps are caused by one of the following:
1. A lack of understanding in reading a horse’s body language; lack of experience in handling horses; lack of ability or not having a way with horses.
2. Carelessness, lack of attention, and over – confidence.
3. Working in unsafe facilities.
4. Inadequate or improper training of the horse.
5. Inadequate or improper training and / or supervision of the handler or rider.
6. Unsuitable horse.
7. Equipment failure.
8. Poor equipment fit.
9. Bad luck such as a horse spooking, slipping, or falling.
10. Handler or rider hasn’t planned for emergencies.
11. Loss of temper.
12. Presence of other horses and riders.
Short cutting proper safety practices is probably the number one cause of equine – related accidents. Do not try to teach a horse something that is beyond your own capabilities and do not attempt a maneuver that is far too advanced for a particular horse. Keep the pace of your training schedule conservative and steady.
