Horseback riding is generally a very safe activity, but like any activity, it carries potential risks—often due to human negligence or overconfidence. By adhering to these riding precautions, you can avoid unpleasant experiences or injuries.
Make it a habit to wear a riding helmet. (Safety helmet.) Developing the habit of wearing a helmet while horseback riding helps reduce the risk of head injury in case of an accidental fall.
Do not ride if you are dressed inappropriately. Avoid riding if you are mentally or physically unwell or have consumed alcohol, as this may lead to dangerous situations.
At all times—before mounting, after dismounting, and while on the horse—always hold the reins. Even when adjusting the girth or stirrups, which requires both hands, hook the reins over your arm to prevent the horse from running off.
When mounting or dismounting, shorten the reins and hold them firmly—never loosen them—to prevent the horse from becoming nervous, slipping free, and running away.
When dismounting, always remove both feet from the stirrups before getting off, especially the left foot. If your left foot remains in the stirrup and your right foot accidentally kicks the horse’s rear while dismounting—or if something nearby startles the horse into running—your left foot caught in the stirrup can result in you being dragged, which is extremely dangerous.
Do not ride directly behind another horse, to avoid being kicked by the one in front. Maintain at least one horse’s length of distance.
When two horses meet face-to-face while riding, both should generally pass on the right. That means the rider going clockwise should yield to the one going counterclockwise, allowing passage on the inner side.(Near the center of the circle.)When passing. However, exceptions apply—if the other rider is a beginner who cannot control the horse to move closer to the inside, or if they are executing a specific route, you should yield early by moving left.
When two horses pass each other, do not come too close or brush past each other, to avoid riders’ feet or knees colliding, or horses kicking or biting each other.
When cantering or trotting, pay close attention to the movements of the horse in front. When passing is necessary, change direction early to avoid collision.
Do not ride outdoors during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes—even in indoor arenas, beware of horses being startled by thunder. After rain, be cautious of slippery ground when riding outdoors. Nighttime riding requires extra caution, as horses tend to be more nervous.
If a horse becomes out of control and runs, grip the reins firmly, avoid screaming, and never jump off the horse. Pull one rein to guide the horse into a gradually tightening circle or steer close to the railing to slow down, while making a"“Whoo…”"sound—the horse will slow down.
If another horse is running out of control in the arena, other riders should immediately stop, shorten the reins, and stand still to prevent their own horses from joining in. Experienced riders should help block the runaway horse to limit its range and decrease speed.
If you fall off the horse, try to hold onto the horse’s neck and the reins, and only let go once you hit the ground—this reduces the impact of the fall. After falling, do not quickly move or try to stand up to avoid being stepped on. As long as you lie still, the horse will not step on you. Once the horse has moved away, slowly check your body for injuries. If you’re unharmed, get back on the horse—preferably at a walk—to prevent building up fear from the fall, which may cause anxiety in future rides.
Do not switch riding areas without instructor permission, to avoid danger. Just because others can ride in the wild or outdoors doesn’t mean you or your horse should. Without a coach or assistant present, do not attempt to jump obstacles.
When riding outdoors, it is best to ride in a group, maintaining spacing in a single-file line. The lead horse should not canter or gallop freely, nor should following horses overtake without reason. When riding on roads, avoid metal covers to prevent the horse from slipping.
