From the article: Trail Riding Safety
Do you and a tip that may help trail riders stay safe. Share your trail riding safety tips. Share Your Tips
whether forcast
- now the weather and what it will be like don't go for a ride if it calls for rain that's a dumb decision I've learned the hard way so don't get sick or your horse and watch weather !!!!!!!!!
- —Guest cowgirl11
know your horse
- and if you go on a trail know what your horse willact like spooky calm is what you want
- —Guest cowgirl11
first aid for you and your horse
- always always when trail riding you should know at least some first aid for your safty and the horse so when your out take cloth, bandages ,and other thing that protect you and your horse i did this to and it hepled me i brought that kinda of stuff and guess what my horse leg got caught in a fallen fence but with the cloth i stoped the bleeding until we got back to my house and got real medical help the vet told me i prety much saved my horses life he wolud of bled to much if it wasent for that cloth so know and bring fist aid you never know when youll need it or your horse :)
- —Guest cowgirl
more the maryer
- also if you were to go on a trail ride you also may concider taking a friend or someone to go with you once i was out there were some guys there and i think they were armed so bring a friend for safty and company :)
- —Guest cowgirl11
Some People Are Just Jerks
- I live on a County HWY and for the most part, it's quiet and drivers respect me and get over if they can and slow down but you'll always have those jerks that are inconsiderate and trouble makers. I had a semi jake break right next to me and my horse, he could have waited a few seconds later but no, luckily I had a good grip on the reins and horn and calmed him down in a couple seconds. You can never know if a back fire will happen as it did for me, so I suggest just always being aware, especially while on the road and never get too relaxed because you never know what or who will pop out and if you're not seated right or don't have the reins good, you might not be able to handle the situation and get thrown. Very good posts here :)
- —Guest tmar
Trail tips
- Try to carry wire cutters "just in case of accident". Put a good sash around your waist to act as a bandage "just in case" Wonderful tips on here!
- —ShirleyVH
Group rides
- When riding in groups, keep the activity at the comfort level of the least experienced rider. This will keep everyone safe, even if the advanced riders want more. Never chase a runaway horse on another horse. Quite often the runaway will either stop or return to the group if everyone else stops. More horses galloping will just encourage him to go faster.
- —Guest sisikaa
helmet
- Horsemans should not ride without helmet.to have helmet,one of the most important elements(factors) of equitation, in safety
- —Guest Nasrin Namdari(From Canada)
Safe Trail Riding
- When in doubt-dismount! If you or your horse are ever REALLY unsure about anything, are starting to become tense for no "good" reason, etc-get off. You can always remount (you can remount without a block, right? If you can't, you need to figure out/devise some way to do so...buy a stirrup extender, run down your English leathers, teach your horse to be OK with possibly having to mount from the right, etc) And ALWAYS wear an approved helmet!
- —Guest Lynda
added precautions
- When riding on a trail, I make sure that my family knows the area I will be riding. And because I live in an area that has cellphone blackouts, I carry a walkie talkie that makes up for those spots. That way my family is available if for some reason I need assistance either by cell or the walkie.
- —Guest J Mowat
A spooking Cinder.
- You also have to pay attention while out on the trails and I learned that the hard way. I was daydreaming while riding on my Arabian gelding Cinder on the trails in Hayward, and something scared him and he spooked and I almost fell of, but I didn't. That was very stupid of me and so I learned my lesson to always pay attention to your horse and your surroundings.
- —Guest Posygirl.ross
horse babe
- br carefull on the trail the other day i was with my horse we was troting then suddenly he canterd and i couldnt stop him he done two massive bucks but i dident fall of and im 11 but i was 10 i can jump 3 ft at the moment
- —Guest loz
Tag Your Horse and Helmet
- Before heading out on trail, put a luggage tag on your saddle. If your and your horse get separated, the tag will help get him home. Also, use a labeler to put emergency info in your helmet: Name, Insurance, Emergency Contact, Allergies, etc. If you're not wearing a helmet...GET ONE! If you went to college, consider it protection for your investment. I also carried a whip, cellphone and whistle on trail, just in case. Don't assume that because you and your horse are great partners in the arena, that you'll know what to do on trail. When in doubt, get some help!
- —Guest Q31
Animals and Clothing
- Make sure you wear bright colors so people on the road or that are hiking will know it is a horse coming and move out of the way or slow down. Nice bright colored saddle pads and polo wraps work great. You can wear reflective vests and bright colored shirts, too. Also, make sure there aren't any animals that could spook your horse around. For example, my horse is deathly terrified of foxes. I found this out when I was on a trail with her. I ended up on the ground, but she only ran off a few steps before realizing I wasn't with her. She came back and waited for me, but I also look for animal homes before I ride her out on the trail. Also, if you are on a trail that is used by other walkers, dog-walkers, hikers, bikers, etc, when you are coming around a turn yell out, "Horse(s) on trail!" So people know to leash their dogs, pull their bikes over, or look out because a horse is coming. It's a great thing that's saved me many bucks and rears or nervous side-steps. --Equestrian996
- —Guest Equestrian996
Horse Lover
- Be aware of hunting seasons. A couple of weeks ago I was riding in a wooded area in South Louisiana. To my surprise and much to close for comfort I heard gun shots which spooked myself and my horse. Luckily we got out of there alive and unharmed. It was opening season for deer and there I was a top a big brown horse in a camo jacket. How dangerous! I'll be keeping track of hunting season opening dates now!
- —Guest Jan LeBlanc
