Equestrian Safety
Equestrian Safety Ideas
Being able to ride a horse and becoming an equestrian are two different things. Working with a horse is quite challenging as the animal mental world is completely different from ours. There is therefore a mixture of excitement and scare when working with horses. It is therefore important that one gets to know their horse if the ultimate intent is to become an equestrian. Becoming familiar with your horse can save you from injury. This is an important first step in equestrian safety. Other important steps may include the following:
Wearing the appropriate attire: Wear equestrian pants. There are pants designed specially for equestrians. The bottom line is, avoid loose pants as much as possible as it may cause you to be entangled with the saddle. Also, avoid tennis shoes to prevent you from being stuck in the stirrups, in case you accidentally fall from the horse. The preferred shoes is a slim riding boots that have narrow toes so that it can easily slip out of the stirrups. This will safe you from being dragged if you accidentally fall from the horse.
Wearing safety helmet: Similar to motor bike riders, safety helmet is one of the most important things you cannot afford to miss. There are so many places you can get the appropriate safety helmet. If you do not get one from your local store, you might get a pretty good deal online. The important thing is that it must fit your riding style.
Examining your saddle: Double-check your saddle to ensure that it is done properly. Being done properly means it will not loosen up while riding. To be on a safer side, especially if you are a beginner, get an experienced rider to inspect your cinch on the saddle before you take the horse for a ride. Also make sure you are comfortable with the saddle by riding around a shorter distance. This will give you an opportunity to test the security of the saddle.
Limit your intake of alcohol and avoid drugs: Most horse riders know to avoid alcohol (and drugs, for the same reasons) if they plan to go anywhere near their horses. Be careful not to self-medicate with alcohol while you are feeling low and bored, it will not make you feel any happier or any better. You are only delaying the healing process; a very unwise approach.
Learn how to fall: Martial arts students spend a lot of time learning how to fall without injuring themselves. As do stunt men and women and rodeo clowns, etc, etc. If you haven't mastered this useful art yet, take some time to do so now. You will be investing in your own future.
Buy insurance, personal, horse and third party: Make sure you and your horse are fully insured. The last thing you need when you are recuperating from the physical and mental effects of a Horse Riding injury is to worry about doctors or vets bills. Accidents happen, even to experienced equestrians, so protect yourself and your horse adequately by buying an insurance. The final thought is that there are several free online reading materials to educate you very well, and in addition to getting an experienced rider to practically train you, you should be enjoying the beauty of being an equestrian.