| If you are an avid horseman or woman, chances are | | | | of equipment you need to maintain horse and rider |
| that you have been well versed in horse and rider | | | | safety. You need to wear a helmet, especially if you |
| safety. However, there are beginning riders or ones | | | | are riding English style. This can protect your head in |
| who are learning outside of a riding stable environment | | | | the event that you fall off of your horse. If you are |
| that may not know much about how to stay safe | | | | riding through terrain where there are trees, it prevents |
| when you are on or around horses. | | | | you from being struck in the head by low hanging |
| One thing that many people may not realize is just | | | | branches. A specially made riding helmet is always a |
| how large horses can be. This can be especially true | | | | great idea but if you are just riding for the day you can |
| of the large draft horses such as Clydesdales, | | | | wear a bicycle or multi-sport helmet. |
| Percherons and Shire horses. They are normally quite | | | | You should wear boots with heels on your feet. There |
| gentle but if they are startled or feel threatened they | | | | are several reasons for this. A closed boot will protect |
| can bite or kick. Keeping this in mind can help you stay | | | | your foot if you are stepped on or if you are hit by |
| safe around horses. | | | | branches or other items. The heels will help you to |
| Remember that the most dangerous place to stand is | | | | keep your feet in the stirrups which can be critical to |
| directly behind a horse. They may move around and | | | | horse and rider safety if you are riding at more than a |
| bump you and with very large horses this can | | | | walk. This is equally true of English and Western riding |
| accidentally knock you over without even noticing. You | | | | styles. The style of boot is the only difference. |
| should remember that fact whenever you are around | | | | If you are serious about horse and rider safety you will |
| horses. Always speak softly and do not suddenly rush | | | | find that you are much more likely to have a good |
| up on a horse as this can startle them. Allow a horse | | | | riding experience. Keeping an eye out as you ride and |
| to smell and get to know you before you rush up on | | | | staying away from anything that your horse can be |
| them and you will find that you will be much safer as a | | | | injured by is important and can make sure that you |
| result. | | | | and your horse have an excellent working relationship |
| If you will be riding a horse, there are a few key pieces | | | | for years to come. |