Horse Rider Safety - What you need to know
Whether you are a beginner or are experienced at horseback riding, horse rider safety is very important. Before you climb onto the back of an animal to take a ride, there are some things you need to consider.
There has been extensive research done regarding head injuries caused because proper horse rider safety was not put into practice. It was found that most riding injuries occurred with experienced riders, ages 25 or older. Head injuries associated with horseback riding accounted for sixty percent of the related deaths. Sixty-two percent of the reported injuries occurred at home or on farm. As you can see, even if you are an adult, you should always wear a helmet when horseback riding. Helmets are not just for children. Head injuries caused by falls from horses may result in lowered attention span, memory loss, distractibility, decrease speed of mental process, learning disabilities, lowering a person’s IQ, and acceleration of the aging process.
To ensure proper horse rider safety, there are certain things you should look for when choosing a helmet. Look for helmets that have been approved by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and SEI. These stickers should be on the helmet somewhere. It is suggested that you do not buy a helmet without these stickers to ensure horse rider safety. A good helmet should be priced more than $50. This may seem pricey, but how much is your life or the life of someone you love worth?
Once you have bought a helmet that is right for you, you need to be sure to wear it properly to ensure horse rider safety. Be sure it fits snugly on your head and does not flop frontward or backward as you ride. Also be sure that it is fastened snugly under your chin. Adults should always wear helmets, but especially around children who are also horseback riding. This sets a good example for the children who will grow up using horse rider safety techniques.
When riding, you should always wear the proper shoes as well. Do not wear sandals or any other open toed shoe when riding. Always wear a closed shoe with a heel, such as a boot. If your foot gets stepped on and you are not wearing proper shoes, you will be in a lot of pain, and you may not be able to walk for a while. The heel on the shoe will prevent the stirrup from sliding back onto your leg, causing your foot to slide the whole way through the stirrup, which could spook the animal and cause you to be thrown.
If you are a beginner, look for a stable and instructor who practices good horse rider safety. Do not take lessons or have your children take lessons from anyone who does not practice good horse rider safety. Your life and the life of your child may depend on it, so don’t risk it. While horseback riding can be great fun, it can also be tragic if horse rider safety is not practiced at all times.
If you have questions regarding helmets or other issues or need more information regarding horse rider safety, do some research at your local library or online!