![Sitting safely on a horse]()
A helmet, proper footwear and safety stirrups, and good riding skills will help to keep you safe in the saddle.
2005 K. Blocksdorf
The safest way to learn to ride is with an experienced coach on a quiet school horse. An instructor can teach you safe riding skills like stopping and turning, and how to cue for transitions between gaits.
- Ride a suitable horse for your riding skill level.
- The safest way to learn to ride is with an experienced riding instructor or coach.
- Wear an ASTM approved riding helmet. Numerous agencies and safety committees cite that the majority of rider fatalities are due to head injuries.
- Wear sturdy boots with minimal tread and a 1 inch (2.5 cm) heel. Alternatively use safety stirrups or cages. If you fall you could be dragged if your foot slips through a stirrup.
- Always ride in complete control. As with cars or bikes, the faster you go the faster things can go wrong.
- Leave a map of your route when riding out on trail and the approximate time you will return. That way the folks back home will know when to start worrying and where to look if you are overdue.
- Always ride out with a buddy. As an extra precaution carry a cell phone or two-way radio.
- In a group ride the speed of the least experienced rider.
These are very basic rules. Here are more safety tips for different situations you may encounter:
