As we start to make preparations to grow our horseback riding lesson business, the discussion of safety rules at the horse barn has come up. To ensure order and prevent bodily harm at the barn, it is always wise to have a few concrete rules in place. This list sums up a few that we came up with and we hope we inspire you to enact some of that at your barn!
1. Always approach horses from the front so that they can see you. Horses cannot see directly behind them and can startle easily if approached from behind. If you must approach a horse from behind, always ensure you speak softly so that they know you are there.
2. Stop, Look, and Listen. No running, jumping, yelling, etc. when you are around the horses. Horses are flight animals which means that they can be easily startled and may kick out.
3. Always speak calmly and quietly in a reassuring voice. Shouting and/or behaving erratically around horses can startle them.
4. When giving treats, ensure that you present them on the flat of your palm with your fingers extended. If your fingers are curled, they might get accidentally nipped by the horse’s teeth.
5. Horses, like humans, can be ticklish. When brushing or petting, be aware of the horse’s flank and area behind their elbow. These are common ticklish spots and your horse may react negatively when touched there.
6. Never feed any treats without permission or supervision. Most horses are on a specific diet and too many or the wrong kind of treats can have negative effects on them.
7. Never climb on stalls, fences, etc. Always keep your feet on the ground (unless, of course, you are riding).
8. Treat equipment and facilities with care and always clean up after yourself and your horse. If your horse poops in the arena, be considerate and clean it up.
9. Never handle horses that you don’t have permission to.
Thank you so much for reading about safety rules at the horse barn. Let me know if anything in this post surprised you! I’d love to hear from you.
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