Know everything?

“It’s a wise person who never quits learning. When any human being thinks he knows all there is to know and nobody can teach him anything-then old Experience is likely to yank him up in front of the class and give him a lesson where it hurts.

That’s especially true if a guy thinks he knows everything abort working and there’s nothing he needs to learn about safe practices and attitudes.”

Horse Sense

Be safe with horses.

A horse’s vision is restricted directly in front and to the rear but its hearing is acute. Always speak to your horse before approaching or touching him. Failure to do so may startle the horse into kicking. Approach from an angle and walk around a horse out of kicking range or very close behind with your hand touching the horse’s hip.

Never mount or dismount in a barn, near fences or trees. Side-stepping and rearing could injure riders.

When riding, wear boots with proper heels to prevent your feet from slipping through the stirrups and protect your feet if stepped on by the horse, as well as from objects in the yard such as nails. Wear certified equestrian protective headgear.

Never wrap the lead strap, halter shank or reins around your hand, wrist or body. If the horse becomes startled, you might not be able to free yourself quick enough and the horse could drag you unintentionally. A knot at the end of the lead shank aids in maintaining a secure grip when needed for control. Make the horse walk beside you when you lead it. Don’t let it run ahead or lag behind. Walking at a position even with the horse’s head or between its’ head and shoulders is considered the safest.

Allow a horse to pick his way at a walk when riding on rough ground. Give the horse his head by loosening the reins.

Know and use the proper knots for tying and restraining a horse. Always tie a horse in a place that’s safe for it and for you. Never tie a horse using the bridle reins. Be certain to tie to something strong and secure such as a post in the ground to avoid danger of breaking or coming loose if the horse pulls back.

Before handling or grooming, always let a horse know what you intend to do. When picking up the feet, for example, do not grab the foot hurriedly. This will startle the horse and may cause him to kick. Run your hand down the full length of the leg. Learn the proper way to lift feet and proceed cautiously.

Set the saddle into position easily, not suddenly. Dropping the saddle down too quickly or hard may scare the horse.

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