Safety Around Horses

Personal safety is very important around horses as they are bigger than a human, and stronger than a human. The human [we] must take all necessary precautions to keep yourself, and ultimately your horse, and the people around you out of trouble, and out of harm's way.

Below is a safety article, and there safety equipment for sale at the bottom on the page, for the rider, and the horse!

How to Choose Safe Riding Clothes

Horses are big animals. You should always wear safe riding gear if you plan to be around them. Your choice of clothing could mean the difference between life and death for you some day.

Helmet
When choosing a helmet, first check to see if it fits. It should be snug, but not tight, and should not flop back and forth when your head moves.

Now that you have chosen a safe helmet, you can try to find it in a color that matches your tack, eyes, or something. DO NOT USE A BIKE HELMET! It will not absorb shock as well as a riding helmet, and it does not protect areas that will get hit if you fall off.

Shirt
When choosing a shirt for riding, be sure to pick something comfortable. If it is too tight or pinches you when you move, leave it in the closet.

Make sure that your shirt does not go more than an inch or two below the top of your jeans. You should never ride in a long shirt, because it can get stuck on the saddle, or flap around and scare the horse.

If you know for a fact that your horse spooks easily, wear a dark-colored shirt. Some horses do jump when someone approaches them wearing hot pink or bright orange.

Pants
First, consider your riding style. English riders usually wear breeches. Western riders normally wear jeans. There are some exceptions, however. Some English stables allow riders to wear jeans, and some western riders like to wear breeches. Make sure your pants fit correctly. They should be snug, but not tight. If you are wearing jeans, try to get special jeans that don't have a seam in the inside of the leg.

Boots
So many to choose from! Know what your shoe size is. It may not be the same as your boot size, but it will give you an idea of where to start. Choose a few boots that are a bit above and a bit below your shoe size. Try them on. If you can't even get your feet in them all the way, set them aside. Take another look at the remaining ones. Put them back on, one at a time, and make sure:
- There is a bit of space between the toe of the boot and your toe
- They don't seem to rub your legs in an uncomfortable way
- They are narrow enough to fit in the stirrup

Set any pairs that don't fit these qualifications aside. Once you are down to just a few pairs, think about price. Set aside any boots that cost more than you are willing to pay. Finally, look at color and design and choose your favorite.

Tips

You may also want to wear gloves to avoid blisters.

Warnings

This may sound strange, but you should also check your socks. If they are rough or worn-out, they can cause blisters.
Beware steel - toed boots! They may seem safe, but if a horse steps on your foot, the steel may bend and could hurt your foot.

Fluorescent Safety Vest
CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Fluorescent Safety Reflective Halter
CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Safety Cross Ties
CLICK HERE TO ORDER