• Do not run or yell around horses. They may think you are trying to hurt them.

• Never approach a horse directly from behind. He can not see behind himself and you may startle him. Call gently to him as you approach. This way you can be sure he knows you are there.

• If you have to walk behind a horse who is tied up, do so with one hand on his hip so he know where you are at all times.

• Always mount your horse from the left side.

• Always untie your horse before mounting.

• Do not tie the horse up by its reins. Use the lead rope and string loops. Always tie a horse with a slipknot. If the horse panics, he will be able to get loose rather than hurting himself or breaking the hitching post.

• Saddle and bridle the horse from the left side.

• Always use a lead rope to lead a horse into the corral.

• Brush the horse before you saddle him and after the ride. Brushing before removes any dirt or burrs he may have picked up in the corral. Brushing after removes dirt, loose hair, and sweat that he may have acquired while giving you a nice ride. It is also a really great way to say thank you!

• Make sure your horse’s hoofs are clean before a ride. He may have loose stones and packed mud stuck in them. Just as it is good hygiene for you to have clean fingernails, so is it good hygiene for the horse to have clean hoofs.

• Pet your horse and tell him he’s wonderful. He does his best to make sure you have a good time!

Safety on the Trail and the Road

• Avoid horseplay

• Always keep one horse length between your horse and the one in front. Many horses do not like being crowded.

• Ride in single file.

• Do not trot or lope past other horses on the trail. Some horses get excited when others run by them, causing accidents to the less experienced riders in the group.