| If you're fairly new to horse riding and have just got | | | | where a horse was involved, 26 serious injuries and 95 |
| your own animal, then the temptation can be to push | | | | slight injuries. It's believed many horse riding accidents |
| yourself and get out riding as soon as possible. Don't! | | | | go unreported. The statistics suggest you are more |
| Before you even think about getting on a horse you | | | | likely to be involved in an accident on a minor road, so |
| need to make sure you have all the right equipment | | | | just because you're riding on a quiet country lane |
| and even more importantly, know how to use it. | | | | doesn't mean you're safer. |
| Some pieces of riding equipment can be seen as | | | | When you are riding on the roads, visibility is something |
| desirable extras that will make the experience of | | | | you need to bear in mind. Wearing a fluorescent vest |
| horse riding more pleasurable. Safety equipment does | | | | and ankle bands will make you much more visibile to |
| not come into this category. Anyone who rides, | | | | other road users and help keep you and your horse |
| irrespective of their level of competence, needs to | | | | safe. Riders are always advised to wear reflective |
| take precautions and ensure they have the correct | | | | garments while on public roads. The Highway Code |
| horse riding safety equipment. | | | | says people should stay away from roads during the |
| A riding helmet is probably the most straightforward | | | | hours of darkness and when the weather conditions |
| piece of safety equipment, and it is also the most vital. | | | | are poor, but if you can't avoid the tarmac, then ensure |
| Fall off a horse while you are not wearing a helmet | | | | you can be seen. |
| and there is a significant chance you could sustain a | | | | Horse riding should be about having fun and enjoying |
| serious or even fatal injury. | | | | an animal, not about accidents. To make sure that's |
| When you are on the roads, it is more important than | | | | the case you need to take safety seriously. |
| ever to have safety at the forefront of your mind. | | | | The leading equestrian suppliers now have a presence |
| Figures for 2006 compiled by the Department for | | | | on the web and you'll be able to buy all the equipment |
| Transport show that there were three fatal accidents | | | | you need in one place. |