Horseback Riding Pointers for Safety

Horseback riding safety tips can save lives. For many people, riding a horse in the woods or up a mountainous trail in Colorado, is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. Horseback riding can be done at any pace, from relaxing and enjoying the outdoors to working hard to burn calories. Whatever the goal, horseback riding safety tips can help make the day enjoyable, fun and safe for everyone.

Here are some of the tips to help assure that a day used to horseback ride goes well with not snags.

Ride a horse that matches your riding skills and if you will be on a road at all, be sure your horse is safe to ride in such areas.

An ASTM approved helmet that’s securely fastened and worn at all times while on a horse is highly recommended by owners and trainers.

Shoes or boots with a one inch heel is a good choice for stability.

The saddle should harness safety or break-away stirrups if the rider is inexperienced or fairly new to riding. They will prevent the rider’s foot from catching if they were to fall, thus being drug if the horse continues on.

Riding with a friend can be more fun than if you are alone and it is always a good idea to bring along a 2-way radio or a cell phone in case there are circumstances that require immediate action.

It may be a good idea to let someone know where you plan to ride and tell them what time you are planning on return so if something were to happen and you were not able to notify anyone, at least someone would know if you were overdue and where you should be on your Colorado land.

It is a splendid plan to go the speed of your slowest rider or the one who is the least masterful because the faster you are going the less reaction time there is to correct a loss of balance, near fall or conditions you didn’t expect.

If you are going to ride in areas that there could be hunters lurking about, please take extra precautions. Reactions from an awaiting hunter may take place where you find yourself in their sites with them thinking you are their target.

Reflective riding clothes should be worn on a night ride on Colorado land, bring along a flashlight and stay on well marked trails.

An apparatus kit should accompany you that includes such things as a halter incase you need to tie up to something and a pocket knife in case you need to pick something our of the horses hoof. Also included might be sunscreen, water and snacks.

Wearing sunscreen is a good idea in the sunny climates of Colorado, along with carrying water and some snacks with you and wearing comfortable clothing. Also be sure to get down off your horse once in a while to give everyone a rest.

Although you could come up with many, many more safety tips for horseback riding on your Colorado land, the ones provided here will help you avoid unforeseen accidents.