Six Safety Issues that Humans Have with Horses

Articles on Horses | Topics: horses, horse, equestrian

by Mateo Levine

If you're learning to handle your first horse, or just enjoy observing, it is important to learn about safety precautions to prevent any possible accidents and injuries. Even the calmest, most gentle horse has the potential to hurt somebody when startled or scared. Horses don't have to be aggressive to injure a person. Just the fact that they are much larger and stronger than a person can cause them to unintentionally hurt somebody. Despite their size and strengths, horses are gentle giants that can have wonderful relationships with people as long as the proper safety measures have been taken. The horse is by nature a prey animal, making his ability to react quickly and out-run a predator a key to survival in the wild. This survival instinct still remains strong in domestic horses.

Here is some advice that may help you avoid kicks, bites, trampled toes, drags, or runaways. If you are a new horse owner, do not feel overwhelmed by all the information you need to remember, safety rules can become habits very quickly and before you know it, you'll have it all down pat.

1. Leading: While on the ground with your horse, you want to remain calm and quiet. Any sudden movements can cause a horse to jump sideways (shy) or to kick out. The safest way to lead a horse is by using a halter and a lead rope. When leading the horse through a doorway, make sure the door is open wide enough so the horse doesn't hit the door on the way out. This can startle the horse and cause you to be dragged or trampled. Never hook your fingers through the straps of the hater, nor the bit or the rings. If for some reason the horse pulls away from you, your fingers could become trapped and injured or you be dragged.

2. Standing: Never stand directly behind the horse for any reason. Even if you're grooming the tail, stand off to one side and gently pull the tail over to you. When cleaning the hooves or applying bandages, never kneel or squat. Always bend over so if the horse suddenly moves, you will be able to get out of the way. You want to make sure the horse will be able to see you and not hiding behind him. The safest place to stand is either beside his shoulder or at least ten feet away. You will also want to be in a position to move quickly if needed.

Historical Quote

Nature has not placed us in an inferior rank to men, no more than the females of other animals, where we see no distinction of capacity, though I am persuaded if there was a commonwealth of rational horses ... it would be an established maxim amongst them that a mare could not be taught to pace.

—Mary Wortley, Lady Montagu (1689–1762)

3. Finger and toes: When using reins, long lines or lead ropes, never loop them around your hands or any other body part. If the horse becomes startled and pulls away from you, you could be injured and dragged. When feeding treats, always use a bucket or tub to avoid your fingers from being mistaken of a carrot. Horses don't always stop to look and smell to see if that finger is a carrot or not. Footwear is also very important. You never want to wear thin shoes or sandals when around horses. Boots or other sturdy steel toed shoe should be worn instead to protect your feet if the horse accidentally steps on them.

4. Quick release: Whether you're cleaning a stall, grooming or saddling up, tie up your horse. Never leave a tied up horse unattended. When tying up your horse, it would be a good idea to learn how to tie a quick release knot (panic snap) in case for some reason the horse becomes frightened and begins pulling then he can free himself. Sometimes the feeling of being constrained can cause a horse to panic to a point where he can hurt himself and even you as you are trying to release him or calm him down.

5. Mount up: Always be sure to wear the appropriate riding gear. Start by protecting your head by wearing an ASTM approved riding helmet. Next, wear sturdy boots with minimal tread and one inch heels. If you use stirrups, the boots you wear should make you able to release your foot easily and not slip through. If you fall, you can be dragged and injured if you are not able to release your foot. As always, be in complete control.

6. Communication: Always tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. It is best to ride with a buddy or to bring along a two-way radio or a cell phone in case of emergencies.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Six Safety Issues that Humans Have with Horses" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by DogsPetsCats.com.

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