Horse Safety! By Valerie Netto
Safety Comes First

Most horse related accident happen while on the ground. I believe the main cause for these accidents is the inability to spend the quality of time with our horses that we need to due to a work schedule, family etc. then we become inattentive and hurried.

The horse does not get the exercise nor the discipline required to “keep them honest”. Even the best horse in the world will feel frisky and can catch us off guard.

There are things that can be done to help make handling and riding safer.

1. Never assume your horse “would never do that” . Always pay attention while around your horse. Make sure your horse is at the best age, has the best attitude and training level for you. Keep them on a routine all year. If you do not have access to a covered arena in the winter, find a routine that includes good ground work for obedience. Then make time to do it!

2. Analyze your feed products. Are you feeding too rich for the work your horse gets causing him to “be high”? Or are you not feeding enough proper nutrients causing him to be “lazy“? Talk to your veterinarian.

3. Keep yourself fit and limber. Good muscle tone and flexibility can help reduce the severity of injuries.

4. Never tie your horse to anything not designed for solid strength. Tie no lower than the horses head and no longer than your own arm.
Never duck under your horses’ lead, always walk around. Never assume that your horse will not pull back while tied.

5. When trailering always untie your horse before you open the door or divider. Be prepared to catch them. Even a horse who does not “pull back:” can try to get out of the trailer as you open the door or divider. I see it a lot.

6. Wear an approved helmet every time every ride. Make certain the helmet fits right and is adjusted correctly. Other helmets such a bike helmets are not adequate. The most common reason among riders for hospital admission and death are head injuries. A fall from 2 feet can cause permanent brain damage. A rider while mounted can be elevated to 8 feet and higher. The skull can be shattered by an impact of 4 to 6 mph. A horse can gallop at approximately 45 mph. Racing organizations require helmets and as a result jockeys now suffer fewer head injuries than pleasure riders. Most deaths from head injury can be prevented by wearing an ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) approved SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) certified helmet. For more information go to www.riding-instructor.com and click on Focus on Safety.

7. Wear proper riding attire. Loose clothing can catch on a protrusion such as the saddle horn. Boots designed for riding are a must. Riding boots will have a smoother sole than work and hiking boots so your foot will come out of the stirrup easily. Every year people are injured just trying to dismount with soles that stick in the stirrup. Boots will help keep ours toes from being crushed by the horse.

8. Buy well made equipment. Well made equipment is an investment in safety and comfort and it will last much longer than a cheaper purchase. All equipment was designed with a purpose and proper fit, know how to fit and use your equipment properly.

9. Always check you equipment before you ride. Check all buckles, screws, straps, girths, cinches and ties. Make sure the leather is soft and pliable but strong. When leather get stiff it can tear. When any leather starts to become thin, replace it. It can break.
Keep your equipment clean and conditioned and it will last much longer.

10. ALWAYS have a riding buddy, a first aid kit and a cell phone. Let others know where you will be and for how long.


About Valerie Netto Equine Assistance

Valerie Netto lives with her husband Bill near Placerville, California where she trains and gives riding lessons, she also travels to her clients’ location. "It is a bit harder to travel out, but I like to help horse owner’s utilize their natural surroundings and to work effectively where they will be spending the most time, at home. Valerie says. "My clients do trailer in and I will meet them at various places , that way we get a more rounded experience."
Valerie has been training professionally for over 15 years, though she has been riding all of her life.
She earned her certification through The American Riding Instructors Certification Program™ and her membership to The AQHA Professional Horsemen.
She is also certified through The American Society OF Equine Appraisers.

Valerie Netto has worked with many great trainers in her life, but has spent the last 15 years working with Richard Shrake with whom she has held a certification in Resistance Free Training™ since 1997.

Valerie’s focus is on training horse owners to train their own horses and to ride them effectively whether in the show ring or on the trail. No matter what your discipline Valerie believes in balance in both horse and rider with the obedience to go both fast and slow in a safe and controlled manner. Valerie says, "What I do is not a training method, it is a lifestyle. I do not compromise my values; a rider’s success is my success."
Valerie is available on a limited basis for clinics and seminars at your facility.

Contact: Valerie Netto
P.O. Box 955
Somerset, California 95684
Phone: 530-620-1152 or 530-919-8933
Email: vnetto@directcon.net
Website: www.directcon.net/vnetto/

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