Natural Horsemanship

Having Fun But Staying Safe When Horse Riding   by Phil Wright

If you’re fairly new to horse riding and have just got your own animal, then the temptation can be to push yourself and get out riding as soon as possible. Don’t! Before you even think about getting on a horse you need to make sure you have all the right equipment and even more importantly, know how to use it.

Some pieces of riding equipment can be seen as desirable extras that will make the experience of horse riding more pleasurable. Safety equipment does not come into this category. Anyone who rides, irrespective of their level of competence, needs to take precautions and ensure they have the correct horse riding safety equipment.

A riding helmet is probably the most straightforward piece of safety equipment, and it is also the most vital. Fall off a horse while you are not wearing a helmet and there is a significant chance you could sustain a serious or even fatal injury.

When you are on the roads, it is more important than ever to have safety at the forefront of your mind. Figures for 2006 compiled by the Department for Transport show that there were three fatal accidents where a horse was involved, 26 serious injuries and 95 slight injuries. It’s believed many horse riding accidents go unreported. The statistics suggest you are more likely to be involved in an accident on a minor road, so just because you’re riding on a quiet country lane doesn’t mean you’re safer.

When you are riding on the roads, visibility is something you need to bear in mind. Wearing a fluorescent vest and ankle bands will make you much more visibile to other road users and help keep you and your horse safe. Riders are always advised to wear reflective garments while on public roads. The Highway Code says people should stay away from roads during the hours of darkness and when the weather conditions are poor, but if you can’t avoid the tarmac, then ensure you can be seen.

Horse riding should be about having fun and enjoying an animal, not about accidents. To make sure that’s the case you need to take safety seriously.

The leading equestrian suppliers now have a presence on the web and you’ll be able to buy all the equipment you need in one place.

If you don’t yet have all the equestrian clothing you need to start riding, or are short of safety equipment, horse saddles or horse bridles, then make sure you have a look on the internet.

About the Author

Horses can be tough to know what you need equipment for, check online to see a wide range of products and equipment that can help you make the right choice.
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