From Katherine Blocksdorf,
Your Guide to Horses.
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Are you planning a vacation that may include a horseback ride? Many tropical destinations offer horseback tours and trail rides are an attraction at many vacation spots. Before heading on out trail here a few tips that may keep you safe and comfortable.

If at all possible wear a helmet. An ASTM approved equestrian helmet is ideal, but any helmet available is better than nothing in a pinch. Even at Western style dude ranches a helmet is safer than a cowboy hat.

Adjust the length of the stirrups so that the bottom of the stirrup hits your ankle bone when your legs are hanging loosely.

Wear sturdy shoes. Opened toed sandals, flip flops, light canvas sneakers, or other dress-type shoes are not safe around horses. A one inch (2.5 cm) heel is recommended if a safety stirrup is not provided on the saddle.

Choose a pair of pants with flat inseams. Shorts and pants with bulky seams will quickly cause chaffing—especially uncomfortable if you’ll be swimming in salt water afterwards. Wearing shorts where you may encounter picky shrubs and brush will leave your legs scratched as well. Exercise tights or pants work well.

Be quiet and steady around horses. My nephew learned this the hard way. He decided to play ‘cowboy’, yelled ‘Haw!’ and clapped his legs hard against the horse’s side. The horse bolted. Being young and athletic, he held on. But a runaway horse is a danger to the rider and those around him.

Be respectful. My sister vacationed in a country where food was precious for the local population. Taking food such as apples and sugar lumps and feeding them to the horses was frowned upon.

Don’t wear loose clothing and jewelry. Sweaters tied around your neck by the sleeves may look stylish, but they could get tangled on the saddle or bridle if you fall. I’ve had an earring ripped out of my ear when it caught on a branch. Not a major injury, but still unpleasant.

How to Stop Fast

If your horse starts galloping very fast and you feel out of control and are leaving the rest of the group behind here is how to stop.

1. Be sure you are not causing the problem. Make sure your heels are not digging into the horse’s sides. Yelling “Whoa, stop, or halt!” and flapping arms and clothes may only excite the horse more.

2. Hold the reins tightly in each hand.

3. Pull on one rein more strongly than the other and turn the horse in large, then smaller, and smaller circles. This will take a bit more balance and control on your part—and some space to maneuver. But it can be effective in stopping a runaway.

Emergency stops don't work for all riders, in all situations, or with all horses. The best way to prevent a runaway is to ride in control. Check the horse's speed before it begins going too fast for your comfort.

Read over the basic riding skills described in Correct Seat in the Saddle, How to Walk and Halt, and Posting the Trot. You won’t remember everything, but enough might stick with you to make your ride more comfortable.