Accidents can happen at ANY time with ANY Horse. It is simple really when you consider the many times you have jumped when a wasp flew around your face, a fly bit you, a loud noise startled you. Horses are flight animals and even the best trained animal will startle upon ocassion. These are some of the simple safety rules that will help you keep both you and your horse partner safe while riding on trails or in the backyard. One minute you are sitting at a table taking a break with three great horses interested in your crackers. The next, someone can be coming around the corner at a dead run and shooting a gun THEN WHAT? How do you keep accidents to a minimum.
- Do not run around your horse. Horses can react very quickly when it sees movement without seeing the cause of it as they are flight animals.
- Never walk from behind or straight ahead of your horse as they need to see you.Always approach toward the Shoulder, even in a stall and talk to them when you approach to let them know where you are and that all is well.
- Horses have two blind spots and they cannot see you when you place yourself there; under their head and behind their tail. Speak to your horse so it knows where you are at all times and pay attention.
- To have best control of your horses head, lead a horse from the left side while walking between the head and shoulders so that you may safely walk with your horse.
- Never wrap Reins or a lead shank around your hands, arms or body as it will tighten painfully if your horse startles OR when you fall while walking. Especially do not hold the reigns or lead rope across the back of your neck. Fold any excess rope or reins in your left Hand so that if the horse bolts they won't wrap around your hand or body.
- When turning a horse, always turn it to the right (in a clockwise direction). This helps to prevent the horse from stepping on you. Push the horses head away from you using the lead shank as you walk into the horses shoulder a great way to ensure that is to have your thumb nail ready to apply pressure and encourage the horse to move in the correct direction. In circumstances when you have to turn your horse to the left (counter-clockwise), put the lead in your left hand with your right hand on the horses ribs. Gently apply pressure to the ribs as you pull them towards you.
- Never go under the Neck of a horse to get to the other side as this is one of your horse's blind spots and could spook them, or if they stomp a fly your foot may find itself under theirs. If you are circling around a horse stay close to the horse in case it does startle or kick to eliminate some of the power of the movement.
- Never sit or kneel when grooming under a horse or working on their legs or feet EVEN when you are trimming their feet.
- Always wear protective footwear when working around horses. Do not wear running shoes, flip-flops or bare feet as your feet are fragile in comparison. Always wear shoes with heels when riding so that you feet do not slide through the stirrup while riding.
- Never mount your horse inside a barn or close to the overhanging edge of a roof. Always be careful of your environment when getting on and off your horse.
- Never ride a horse into or out of a stable or barn.
- Always use a lead shank when tying your horse. Never tie your horse using your reins as they will snap completely and quickly with the smallest of movements. Make sure you tie your horse to a secure object that will not break or move if the horse pulls Back. Never tie your horse to a rail of a fence because it may break or the nails pull out if your horse pulls back.
- Always Tie your horse at least 1 meter above the ground so that they cannot step over the rope and get caught up. Especially not with a long amount of slack that could get caught up around their feet.
- Always tie your horse using a quick release knot so you can quickly untie your horse if you need to or a quick release snap.
- Keep a pocket knife handy (in your barn and trailer) so if you ever need to release your horse from it's leadshank quickly, you can cut it. Carry these in your saddle's cantle bag to make it easy to reach.
- If your horse bolts, turn in a circle, decreasing in size until your horse stops and talk to them EVERY time you are in any situation that worries you.
- Keep all your equipment in good shape, maintian clean aisles, well-constructed stalls and fences. Keep fly spray on your horse and remember that your horse enjoys your attention.
Your horse is your partner on the trail and you need to depend on them as they need to depend on you.
MMM
Genesis Tennessee Walking Horse Farm in Slaughters Kentucky specializes in mares by world champion sires with common sense, wonderful temperaments, and athletic ability who are a true pleasure to work with. We have horses in 26 states now and 2 overseas with a reputation for excellence. We guarantee our horses to be sound and as described. I'd love the opportunity to talk to you about our ladies. - Marion Miller (270) 339-4176 | Marion@genesistwh.com | Contact Us
We do not trade horses as our mares nor do we accept more than the asking price for the horse and pay the buyers costs for transportation costs for them. We run a fair and reputable business and I invite you to look at our Sold Horses - Testimonials.