Horse riding safety rules – 5 key things you need to know
If you’re a horse rider, you’ll probably already appreciate many of the horse riding safety rules. Familiarising yourself with the Law and industry requirements before you get into your saddle, will ensure both you and your horse stay safe, for longer.
Road rider? Read The Highway Code
It is widely accepted that horses and their riders are a vulnerable groups of road users. Whether you’re riding on a busy highway or down a quiet country lane, The Highway Code is there to keep you safe when riding on UK roads.
The Highway Code should be read by all horse riders before they take to the roads. It contains everything they need to know about riding on highways, byways, the rules to follow, protective clothing and headgear, hand signals, road signs, etc
There’s more to safety than you think
Contrary to what some riders might think, there’s a lot more to riding safety than simply donning a safety helmet. Certainly this is important, but you also need to be aware of other causes of accidents involving horses. Certainly the speed you travel at is a contributing factor to many accidents. 9 out of 10 accidents could be completely avoidable with a little more foresight and knowledge.
Controlling your speed and wearing a safety helmet will help, but you also need to consider other factors.
What can cause a riding accident?
In simple terms, anything can - a kick from a horse when you’re in the wrong position, ill-fitting boots, bad mounting and dismounting, over-exercising a tired horse, a badly fitted saddle, a spooked horse riding on a highway and so on. These are all possible scenarios that could cause a serious accident.
5 TOP TIPS
Wear a good quality safety helmet that carries relevant safety standards. This will protect your head from falls, accidents and incidents. Your head is a very vulnerable part of your body and injuries are hard to recover from – sometimes causing permanent damage. The Law has changed in recent years, so check if your hat still complies with relevant safety standards and event rules.
Slow down when you are on less familiar terrain – if you are riding in an area/field that your horse knows well, you can travel at a speed you feel comfortable with. Slow down when you are less familiar as this might be dangerous.
Check the fit of your horse’s saddle, bridle etc – be sure that everything is well fastened and secure and that both you and your horse are comfortable with everything. A quick ride around the paddock should confirm any issues or discomfort before you set off.
Invest in good boots that fit well – getting your foot caught in the stirrup is a very common occurrence. Very often this can be because your boots don’t fit or aren’t suitable. In fact, make sure all of your clothing is a good fit and you feel comfortable.
Read the Highway Code - if you intend to ride on a road of any kind. Certainly if you are new to road riding, you should for the first few times, go with a more experienced rider that can help in the event of your horse becoming spooked, uncertain etc.
Make sure too that you can fully control your horse. If you/they are nervous, don’t attempt road riding.
Night riding can be a particular challenge so be extra careful if you’re on the road at night, or visibility is poor.
Wear reflective clothing
If you are riding in poor visibility or at night (it is safer that you don’t), The Highway Code confirms that you need to wear reflective clothing and that your horse has reflective bands above the fetlock joints.
A light that shines white to the front and red to the rear, is also required, with a band to the rider’s right arm and/or leg/riding boot.
Before you take a horse on the road, you should ensure tack fits well; make sure you are in full control and never ride without a saddle or bridle.
The New Rider Generation (NRG) Helmet by Whitaker is a particular favourite amongst riders. The helmet inner shell is made from an EPS foam which is a hard foam designed to absorb shock whilst offering protection, the helmet is tested to SEI ASTM F1163-15 and VG1 standard. Available in four shell sizes, the NRG features a Dial-To-Fit system which allows the user to finely tune the fit of their helmet.
John Whitaker and the Whitaker family are well known in the equine industry, particularly within the show jumping circuit. The exclusive Whitaker brand of equestrian clothing and products, including Brogini riding boots, are available through John Whitaker International (JWI). Combining superior quality with exceptional performance, the Whitaker brand has earned the respect of both amateur and professional riders across the globe
