Horse Serious

As a parent, our biggest fear is something bad happening to our kids. If your child is an equestrian, that fear can be heightened due to the risks involved with horseback riding. With that being said, there is plenty you can do to keep your young rider safe. These safety tips for young equestrians are easy ways to ensure that your kid stays safe while they do what they love.

Safety Tips For Young Equestrians

If you are an equestrian yourself, there is a good chance your kid will one day ride a horse too. However, if you do not ride but your kids do, it is important that you understand the safety measures that are required to protect young riders. Whether they are recreational or competitive, following proper safety precautions is vital. There are many ways to protect our kids, here are some of the top safety tips for young equestrians.

Proper Footwear

This should go without saying, but wearing appropriate footwear is important. Not only for comfort but also to protect your feet. Toes can be broken very easily by a horse’s hooves. Avoid wearing open-toed, mesh, or thin shoes at the barn. When you ride, it is always best to have a good pair of boots. There are hundreds of brands out there to choose from. Some can be worn outside the barn as well.

Helmet

When riding, a helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment you need. A head injury can have life-long consequences or worse, can be fatal. It is also important you know how to maintain your helmet. Wearing someone else’s helmet or a helmet that is too old can be just as risky as not wearing one at all.

Read more about helmet care here!

Quiet & Calmness

Being quiet and calm around a horse will also help ensure your safety. Horses spook fairly easily, so ensuring you and your child use indoor voices will keep everyone at ease. Loud or sudden movements can trigger a kick or a buck which can result in serious injury should you be on your horse or near their back legs.

Learning a Quick Release Knot

A quick release knot will come in handy for all equestrians. If your horse spooks or pulls it means they can free themselves easily. When a horse feels constrained it can become even more scared, causing them to panic. This can lead them to hurt themselves or you.

Body Protectors & Airbag Vests

Wearing an equestrian airbag vest when you are on the horse along with a helmet ensures that you are optimally protected. Although there are plenty of airbags on the market, we recommend Helite. They have been around for over 20 years and have more experience in personal protective equipment than any other brand on the market.

When you put on an airbag vest, you are keeping your young rider safe and protected. If you are recreational or competitive, there is always a risk. Horses are animals and can sometimes be unpredictable. Wearing the proper safety equipment ensures your protection.

Double Check Your Tack

The last safety tip for young riders is to double-check your tack. Once you tack up and head to the arena or ring, check the tack again right before you get on. Check the girth to ensure it is tight enough and check your stirrups to ensure they are at the right length. Loose threads, old leather, or an ill-fitted saddle can cause serious accidents. Additionally, horses can be picky. Sometimes the tack may look like it fits but the horse may still not be comfortable in it. Before making expensive purchases, try before you buy.