| Not everyone feels safe walking right up to a horse | | | | grip of the fingers, waterproof materials and great |
| for the first time and sometimes they can be | | | | synthetic options. Your gloves on the ranch are just as |
| intimidating, especially if you are not accustomed to | | | | important as socks in your boots. Even though some |
| handling them. Horses vary in sizes and temperament, | | | | people consider their hands to be quite strong, it is still a |
| according to breed, age, training and their social | | | | good idea to get used to wearing gloves. A good |
| environment. With all of these factors, it may take | | | | fitting glove can save your young person's hands of a |
| some time before you have found that beloved horse | | | | possible rope burn, which could take weeks to heal the |
| that you are comfortable with. Be patient and | | | | skin and much more time to overcome the fear of |
| observant before you decide that it is safe to let down | | | | that type of injury. Not to mention the dangerous |
| your guard. Horses will pick up on your confidence | | | | outcome of losing control of a horse, due to the lack |
| level and will relate to you based on their intuitive | | | | of necessary handling equipment. Gloves are also an |
| judgment of your abilities. Children are vulnerable when | | | | essential tool when pitching in with the many chores |
| they are not experienced and should always be | | | | required by all horse enthusiasts while you are on the |
| offered the safest environment and proper | | | | ranch. |
| preparations, so they can enjoy their experiences with | | | | 4. Riding boots: Steel-toe (or comparable protection) |
| horses. | | | | with ankle-support boots or shoes with a short heel. |
| Tools you will need: | | | | Most horses will not 'try' to step on your toes and the |
| 1. A list of ranch safety rules: All horse owners, horse | | | | horse that your coach would select for a young |
| trainers and ranch managers have some guidelines to | | | | person usually has a docile temperament and good |
| follow when you are a guest at their facility. If the | | | | ground manners. An accidentally placed hoof on your |
| horses and/or the facility are your own, be sure that | | | | toes though, can have lasting effects! The horse |
| children know your rules and post your expectations | | | | doesn't usually feel that it is standing on you and may |
| of visitors where they will be read more than once. It is | | | | not move off quickly, or even need a little help to |
| helpful for riders to be aware of any guidelines, so that | | | | consider moving his hoof. The proper way to remove |
| each person can be safe around the horses and a | | | | the hoof from the top of your foot is to move the |
| courteous guest at the ranch. A review of this | | | | horse - never try to pull your foot out from under a |
| information during their lesson can also save the new | | | | well placed hoof! Your feet deserve good protection |
| student from unnecessary embarrassments or | | | | from the dirt, manure, weather, water - you name it! |
| dangerous mistakes, either one would hinder the | | | | Tall socks are also a must have if you have chosen to |
| learner's absorption process and success. | | | | wear tall boots, the rubbing on the inside of the calves |
| 2. Helmet: Be sure to shop for a helmet that is SEI | | | | while riding, can cause great discomfort and sores. |
| certified. With so many styles to choose from, there | | | | The short heal is a necessary feature of the proper |
| are a few important things to keep in mind. Especially | | | | footwear, since it will help the rider keep their foot in |
| the fitting and comfort, so if you are shopping on-line, | | | | place in the stirrup and provide extra safety, by not |
| measure the rider's head before purchasing. It is also a | | | | allowing your foot to go through the stirrup and get |
| good idea to try some on at your local feed store if | | | | caught. Your trainer will remind you to keep your heels |
| one is available in your area. Do not accept | | | | down, which takes practice. A foot sliding past the |
| "hand-downs" since it may have sustained some | | | | arch is a dangerous foot position in the stirrup and can |
| damage and is vital that the helmet used is in excellent | | | | cause the rider added discomfort and poor riding |
| condition, for optimum protection. A fall from a horse | | | | habits, so make sure you wear your heels to ride! |
| can often be with the feet leaving the sides of the | | | | 5. Appropriate riding attire, such as breeches and a |
| horse last, therefore leaving the head the initial striking | | | | long-sleeve shirt should be discussed with your trainer |
| point for landing on the ground. Working with horses is | | | | and coordinate with the riding style that you have |
| often an unpredictable experience and safety first is | | | | chosen. There are different requirements for each |
| the best practice. All of my students must put their | | | | style of riding according to the standards set forth for |
| helmet on with their boots and wear it before even | | | | competition. Even if your goal is not to compete, you |
| touching the horses. | | | | will find that the attire selection for your discipline can |
| 3. Gloves: Each horse handler needs well fitting and | | | | often provide more comfort, simplicity and safety |
| flexible hand protection. There are many useful styles | | | | features; just as in any sportswear. |
| and sizes with grip material in the palms and along the | | | | Alright! Let's ride! |