| Horseback riding is very pleasant but it's important to | | | | spine. Your horse should feel comfortable. Putting a |
| take safety measures so you and your horse will be | | | | saddle on your horse roughly can cause him to |
| protected from injury. One of the things you should do | | | | suddenly run and injure you. Be careful not to let the |
| when you ride a horse is wear a helmet. A helmet | | | | buckles hit your horse's legs. The girth or cinch needs |
| should fit correctly so it will stay on your head if you | | | | to be secured once the saddle is situated correctly. Do |
| would fall. Equestrian helmets are specifically made to | | | | this on the off-side first and be very careful the girth |
| protect the back of your head. Make sure your helmet | | | | doesn't hit the legs of your horse. Watch that your |
| meets appropriate safety standards and is ASTM/SEI | | | | horse doesn't kick you while you're adjusting his saddle. |
| certified. The chance of head injury is much lower | | | | Mounting and dismounting can cause your horse to |
| when you wear a proper helmet. | | | | respond dangerously. This is because your entire |
| Another important thing you need to do to protect | | | | weight goes to the side of your horse and causes |
| yourself when you ride a horse is wear a boot or | | | | uncomfortable pressure on his back. The saddle may |
| sturdy shoe with a good heel. This will keep your foot | | | | also pull to the side. It may be easier to mount or |
| from sliding through the stirrups. You want to be sure | | | | dismount if someone holds your horse. A mounting |
| you can get your foot free if an accident would occur. | | | | block is a great solution to ease the painful twisting of |
| Never wear sneakers, sandals, or ride your horse | | | | the saddle on your horses back. It also makes it more |
| barefoot. Toe Stoppers are great for keeping your | | | | comfortable for you to get on your horse. A mounting |
| feet in the right position. They also prevent your feet | | | | block should be sturdy and well-constructed. Your |
| from getting stuck in the stirrups. | | | | horse should be standing with his feet underneath him |
| Saddling your horse needs to be done as gently as | | | | when you mount. |
| possible so you and your horse both stay protected | | | | That being said, take care of your horse the best way |
| and safe. To protect your horses back, you need to | | | | you can, by making sure that you do what you need |
| put a saddle pad on first. Then, put the saddle in the | | | | to do. Do the recommendations listed here and you'll |
| middle of the pad so it's directly over your horse's | | | | be off to a great start! |