Horse Safety and Stable Courtesy

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General Safety and Courtesy  

- Never run in the stable area.
- Request non-members to remain outside of grooming areas, explaining to them the need for safety.
- Help keep your equestrian center keep clean by using the trash barrels to deposit your trash.

 

Safety around horses  

- Don’t make quick movements, throw any objects or shout/scream around any horse.
- Always talk to your horse in a quiet voice and give him a pat when going up to him in a stall, paddock, or at the tie rail.
- Always approach a horse at his shoulder; never surprise him by approaching from behind him.
- Be aware of a horse's moods; for example, a horse may be thinking about kicking or biting when his ears are laid back.

 

"Dismount"  

- Each rider lifts their right leg up and over the horse's hindquarters and to the ground, careful not to hit the horse. The left foot is then taken out of the stirrup. The reins are taken over the horse's head and the saddles are un-cinched. Riders return to attention at the left side of the horse's head.

 

Before troop  

- Before troop concentrate on grooming and saddling your horse; if you need help ask a ranking member of troop. Don’t congregate or “horse around” while grooming and saddling.
- All horses out of their stalls should be on a lead rope and be tied or held while grooming and tacking.
- Always make sure that you tie your horse to a secure, designated tie rail, never to any fences or stalls. Always ties horses properly and don’t overcrowd horses at the tie rails.
- Never tie a horse up by the reins.
- If a horse becomes frightened at the ties rails and pulls back, get away from him and stay away until he calms down. Let your officer take care of the situation.
- Never leave a lead rope or reins hanging on the ground; a horse may step on it and if frightened may hurt himself or others.
- Never kneels down beside a horse when grooming his legs; always maintain a crouching or squatting position.
- Never walk in front of your horse's chest between him and the tie rail; never crawl under your horse. Always walk behind your horse very close to his tail or too far away for him to reach you if he kicks.
- When grooming your horse, don’t leave brushes and other grooming tools on the ground where horses or other people may step on them.
- Always lead a horse on the left side. At the point of his shoulder, never walk in front of him while leading.
- Never wrap the lead rope or the reins around your hand or wrist.
- A distance of 15 feet is to be maintained between horses while leading.
- All stall doors are to be closed when not in use.
- Never barrow anything without permission.

 

During troop  

- No running or trotting of horses outside of an arena in stable area.
- All gates are to be closed while arena is in use.
- Always check your own tack before mounting.
- Don’t chew gum on horseback.
- You always ride at a speed you can control and be comfortable at.
- Always warm horse up before riding and cool them down afterwards at a walk.
- All riders may call troop halt in case of an emergency.
- Proper distance must be kept while riding. Refrain from riding up close behind another horse.
- It is important to stay dressed within units and not to lag behind a horse. Accidents from kicking horses can occur if this happens.
- Don’t let your horse eat grass or weeds.
- Horses get tired! Allow horses to rest between loping and trotting.

 

After troop  

- Pick up brooms and pitchforks lying around and put them in their proper place.
- Clean up any mess you or your horse may leave.
- Lead your horses to their stalls one at a time.
- Do not turn a horse loose at the stall or paddock entrance; walk into the stall and turn him around with him. Then turn around so he is facing the door.
- Do not rake area until it is free of horses.