Safety Tips You Must Follow When Around Horses

If you or your children are new to horses, there are certain safety tips you should use in order to make this a safe and pleasant experience for everyone. Horses are only animals, and no matter how calm and safe a horse may seem, anything can happen. Experienced horse owners will tell you that the minute you don't follow a safety rule, an accident will happen.

Here are some tips you should use. These are simple, but often taken for granted.

1. Never get between two loose horses in a field. You never know what they are thinking, and anything can spook them into a wild gallop. It could be something as simple as a bee sting, or something off in the woods that might have startled them.

2. Always use a lead line when leading your horse. Again, you never know what a horse is thinking and you don't want to take the chance your horse will get away from you.

3. Always let everyone know you're coming up behind a horse. Even if someone is holding a horse, let him or her know you're coming from behind. This goes along with never touching a horse unless they are aware you are there. Horses cannot see behind themselves, and can startle easily and kick out.

4. Never let your reins hang down, or tie a horse using them. If your horse were to startle, he or she could seriously hurt themselves by pulling back with a bit in their mouth.

5. Always use a quick release knot when tying your horse. A horse can spook very easily, make sure you can release them quickly if the need arises. I've heard stories of horses breaking their necks by flipping up and over while being tied up. You don't want to witness that.

6. If you are going riding alone, make sure to leave a note saying what time you left, where you are going and the approximate time you will be back. Don't take chances of being hurt on a trail where no one can find you. You can carry a cell phone with you, but many rural areas do not have service.

7. Never wrap a horse's lead line around your hand, wrist or arm. If your horse decides to take off, he will. You won't be able to stop a 1500-pound animal with determination, you will lose.

8. Never lead two horses at one time. If one decides to take off, chances are the other one will want to follow.

9. Wear a helmet when riding. Same reasons that you would wear a helmet when riding a bike, skiing or riding your motorcycle.

10. Don't let your children or dogs run loose around the barn or where there are horses.

Horses are unpredictable animals, and it doesn't take much for one to go into a wild frenzy at any given moment. Even though your horse might seem safe, he or she is still only an animal. Riding can be a great pastime, just make sure you follow safety tips to make it the most enjoyable!