How to Have a Child Safe Horse Riding
Like any sport, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure your child is safe when they go horseback riding, whether it's English or Western.Remember the horse is a powerful animal, and even the most well-trained horse can be startled and shy at an unexpected sound or movement.Here are some practical steps to keep your child safe.
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Instructions
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Keep Your Child Safe When Horseback Riding
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Wear a riding helmet. Make sure your child is wearing a properly fitted riding helmet. Many riding schools will provide a helmet, or you can purchase one at a sporting good store or tack shop. This protects your child's head if they fall.
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Choose where you're riding based on experience. Don't let a beginner rider go on trail, or mix with more experienced riders in the ring. It takes time to learn to control a horse, and keeping them in the proper environment reduces the risk of problems.
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Wear sturdy boots. Do not wear sneakers, soft or open-toed shoes. It's important to wear boots that come above the ankle. This prevents stirrup chafing and supports the foot. It also gives the rider greater control when they must use their heels to get the horse to advance to the next gait.
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Wear long pants, jodphurs or leather chaps. Do not wear shorts or lightweight slacks. Riders need to grip with the knees, and their legs will rub against the saddle and horse's sides. Long pants protect the leg from chafing-and the occasional attempted nip by a horse annoyed with its rider.
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Teach them respect for the horse. Unlike other sports equipment, a horse is a living animal, which does not appreciate having a rider haul on the bit or thump its sides. They tend to resist, which can result in safety risks for your child. Explain to your children the importance of respecting the horse and treating it properly because they will learn faster and get a better ride, and it will be a safer riding experience.
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Teach them patience. Most kids get on a horse and think it's "ride 'em cowboy." Make them understand that like learning to ride a bike, or any sport, it takes time to learn all the skills. Getting on a horse, flapping the reins, kicking the side, etc. can be an invitation to being bucked or reared off.
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Tips & Warnings
Research a riding stable before having your children take lessons. Ask for referrals. Go to the stable and watch how they teach students. Ask about their safety policies. You want to choose a place that practices conscientious safety--for your child's sake.
Don't buy a horse at the outset. Many children are fascinated by horses and horse-back riding. But they may not be so interested in mucking out, horse care, and the time it takes to really learn to ride. Have them take lessons for some time, and consult with the riding instructor if and when you're thinking of buying your child a horse.
Always ask that your child not be placed on a horse above their experience level. Horses are smart and can quickly figure out just what a rider does and does not know. The less skilled your child, the gentler and more patient a horse they should be riding.
