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
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
