Horse Safety 101

• The safest way to lead is with a properly fittedhalter and lead rope. Don’t try to lead a horse without the rope.
• Stay to the side of the horse – alongside the neck – to prevent getting stepped/trampled on.
• Give the horse enough head room so that he doesn’t panic, but not so much he can jerk free.
• Never coil the end of the lead shank around your hand – neatly fold it in your free hand

• Gloves
• Closed-toed/protective boots
• Long sleeved shirt
• Durable pants

• ASTM/SEI or BSI approved HELMET!
• Boots with a heel to prevent foot from getting caught in the stirrups
• Tall boots or durable pants to prevent chaffing
• Properly fitted and well-maintained tack

• Tie the horse no lower than the height of his withers. Give the horse some slack to free his head, but not so much that he can get tangled up in the rope.
• Learn to use a quick release knot. Always use this type of knot when tying a horse.
• Never duck under the horse’s neck when he is tied up.
• Don’t put yourself in a position to be squished between the horse and a wall. Always stand the horse perpendicular to the wall while working around him.
• Never stand directly behind a horse, as this is the horse’s blind spot. To pass around behind, keep your hand on his rump, stay close to his body and quickly and calmly walk from one side to the other.
• When working around or with the horse’s legs or feet, do not kneel. Always stay on your feet, ready and able to push yourself away in case the horse jumps or kicks.