Safety First!
When you are training horses, there is always a risk. They are large animals and are natural prey animals, which means that instinctively they must keep an eye out for danger and have a built in flight, fight or freeze reaction.
Even the quietest of horses can react with flight/fight if stimulated by fear, excitement or confusion and those reactions can be incredibly quick when they feel the need!
This is why I feel it is important, when training, to keep the environment around us and our horses as safe as possible.
I have compiled a list, which is by no means a complete, I’m sure that many could add to it. Having been around these wonderful animals for over 50 years, this is just a few rules that I would put at the top of my list. Please feel free to message me with some that you think should be added to the list.
Safety rules when training horses.
I’m sure I could continue to add to this, but most importantly use common sense and risk assess before you start schooling your horse.
Take care and stay safe and remember we do this to enjoy our wonderful equine friends!
Even the quietest of horses can react with flight/fight if stimulated by fear, excitement or confusion and those reactions can be incredibly quick when they feel the need!
This is why I feel it is important, when training, to keep the environment around us and our horses as safe as possible.
I have compiled a list, which is by no means a complete, I’m sure that many could add to it. Having been around these wonderful animals for over 50 years, this is just a few rules that I would put at the top of my list. Please feel free to message me with some that you think should be added to the list.
Safety rules when training horses.
1. Always wear a hard hat, gloves and stout boots both training ridden or in hand.
2. Use equipment that is in good working order and suitable.
3. Keep children and animals under control.
4. Choose your training area carefully;
5. Have good footing that neither you or your horse are likely to slip.
6. Check that the area is free from objects that may injure the horse or rider/handler.
7. Make sure that the area is enclosed and secure.
8. If the horse maybe strong or likely to take flight, whist training in hand, start your training in a stable or small enclosure.
9. Read the horses body language. (See “read the signals”)
10. Be aware of and keep out of the ‘Kick Zone’ of both front and hind legs!
11. Keep calm and breathe!
12. Break things down into small steps and be patient.
13. I have a check list that I go through with each task that I train.
14. Avoid cutting corners, I have learnt from experience that this is when things go wrong!
15. Try to keep your emotions and ego out of the training.
16. Remember there is always another day.
17. Know your limitations and If you feel out of your depth ask for professional help.
18. Remember we are only human and horses are horses, we all learn from our mistakes but try your hardest not to make mistakes detrimental to you or your horses safety
I’m sure I could continue to add to this, but most importantly use common sense and risk assess before you start schooling your horse.
Take care and stay safe and remember we do this to enjoy our wonderful equine friends!