10 BASIC RULES
OF
SAFE HORSEMANSHIP FOR BEGINNERS
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1 1. First and foremost ALWAYS wear an approved protective helmet when working around or riding horses.
2.
Wear sturdy boots or hard-toed shoes
with a heel. No sneakers, loafers or flip-flops. A horse can accidentally step
on your toes! You need to have on boots or shoes that will fit in your stirrups.
3 3. Never walk straight up to a horse. Horses cannot see what is directly in front of them. They have extremely good peripheral vision; however there is a blind spot directly in front and directly behind a horse. Approach the horse’s shoulder from an angle. This way he can see you. This also goes for petting a horse. When petting a horse NEVER REACH FOR A HORSES HEAD OR NOSE. Begin at his shoulder where he can see you.
4. When around a horse speak and walk normally. Do NOT run or creep. Do NOT shout or whisper and DO NOT MAKE QUICK JERKING HAND MOTIONS. Work firmly and quietly with no sudden noises or movements.
5. KEEP FOCUSED! It is important that you pay strict attention to what you are doing. Do not let your mind wonder or your attention become distracted. This is when accidents happen.
6.
NEVER WALK DIRECTLY BEHIND A
HORSE. When passing behind a horse place your hand on the horse to let him know
where you are
or
walk 10 to 12 feet out from the rear of the horse. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE
HORSE ANY TIME YOU ARE PASSING BEHIND HIM.
7. 7. NEVER TEASE A HORSE OR STRIKE A HORSE IN THE FACE, ON THE NOSE OR NEAR HIS HEAD. If a horse misbehaves do not react in anger. Redirect his attention and keep calm.
8. 8. I know this is a hard one, but NEVER HAND FEED A HORSE. Sometimes thumbs and fingers get in the way. Also if you are constantly giving your horse treats he will end up nipping and pestering you for them. You can create a very bad habit.
9. If you tie up your horse stay with him. If you cannot stay with a tied horse then do not tie him up.
10. DON’T JUST JUMP ON YOUR HORSE AND GO! Until you get to know your horse and he responds to you, ride in a riding ring, arena or other enclosed area. When you are feeling confident that you are in control and are familiar with your horse it is time to graduate to more open spaces and trail rides.
