Equestrian Saftey
(Horse back riding saftey)
Approximately 60% of all horse-related deaths are due to head injury. Always wear a helmet, which is estimated to decrease death from head injury by 70-80%
Horse back riding is dangerous sport here are some tips:
• Always wear an equestrian helmet that meets
• Supervise riding at all times.
• Ensure that both the horse and riding activity
are appropriate for the child’s skill level.
• Always wear boots or shoes with a heel
• Ensure that all equipment is free of damage
and secured.
• Prior to mounting a horse, fasten the harness (saddle).
Do not unfasten it until after dismounting.
• Be aware of anything that may spook your
horse
Horses Blind Spot
Approcing
Approach the horse by the shoulder, then the horse has the ability to step aside if scared. If the horse moves away step toward the head or tail to prevent the horse escaping. This angle also helps a handler avoid contact with both the front and hind
feet.
Bad way to approach a horse
Good way to approach a horse
Look For Ribbons at Shows
Kicking
The kick is one of your horse's most powerful forms of communication.
The sheer mechanical force of an horse kick that it is an urgent message.
The destructive potential of an horse kick is to the impact of a small automobile moving at 20 miles per hour.
A kick can shatter bones and traumatize soft tissue.
In fact, medical journals document people going into cardiac arrest after sustaining a kick to the chest.
Behavior
Ear Signs
This is a sign of anger and is often accompanied with swishing tail and kicking out by either one or both hind legs.
- One Ear Back
This is a sign that the horse is listening.
- Ears Forward
This is an alert and attentive sign, often showing happiness.
Eye Signs
Is a sign of an alert horse who is taking in their surroundings.
- Eyes Half Shut
Is a sign that the horse is tired or dozing. Extra signs of this would be ears to the side with head mid to low and resting a hind leg and with a droopy bottom lip.
- One Eye Shut
This usually indicates that the horse has a medical issue with the closed eye, so look to see if the eye is weeping or has any discharge and seek veterinary advice.
Fore Leg Signs
Pawing the ground can be a sign of impatience, hunger and Colic
- Stamping Ground
Stamping the ground is a sign of impatience and can also be due to discomfort caused by for example a cut or flies on the leg.
- Resting Leg
Resting one foreleg is a sign of discomfort in that limb.