These are basic safety rules. Please read and strictly follow them!
Horse-riding is an extreme sport where safety rules are based on experience gained in accidents. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind and follow every single rule in order to keep safe yourself and others and avoid traumatic and unpleasant incidents.
Horse-related activities are divided into:
- Riding in sledges and carts
- Training
- Mastering basic horse-riding skills on the riding arena
- Cross-country riding (one or more days)
- Taking children for a ride
Equipment required for horse-riding:
- Gloves
- Suitable footwear
- Helmet (available with us)
- Instructor-guide
General rules:
- immediately follow the instructor’s directions
- when leading a horse by the reins, stay at the horse’s shoulder; when leading a horse in a narrow space, for instance, through a door, walk in front of the horse
- treat a horse calmly; be strict, but not rough
- when approaching a horse, get its attention by addressing it
When leading a horse in/out of a box stall:
- check that the door is wide enough and the horse won’t get stuck
- lead the horse by the reins walking in front of it
- when leading a horse by the reins, keep a safe distance between horses to avoid being kicked by the horse in front
- before mounting a horse always check the girth un the bridle
When mounted on a horse:
- keep your knees pressed tightly to the saddle
- don’t be afraid – the horse feels it and may get nervous
- in extreme situations follow the orders of the instructor, try to stop and calm the horse
- if you fall off the horse, don’t get up and wait for the horse to run away to avoid being kicked by the hind legs
When going for a ride or a cross- country ride:
- don’t ride close to trees as a horse minds only its own size
- don‘t ride under low trees or branches – you may hurt your back
- don’t break or bend down branches – you may fall off the horse or hit the rider behind you
- don’t overtake those riding ahead of you; the other horses may regard it as a competition and start galloping or as a breach of hierarchy and attack your horse
When dismounting a horse:
- first take both feet out of the stirrups
- ask others to hold the horse and help if necessary
- always keep an eye on the horse – it may suddenly get startled and hurt the rider or other people
- never mount a horse in the stable or ride into the stable (may cause serious injuries)
- when riding or leading by the reins never tie them around the hand, neck etc.
- never let loose or drop the reins – they must always be in your hand
- when leading a horse, the end of the reins may not drag on the ground;
- never startle a horse, especially from behind