There are inherent risks involved in horse riding. The best behaved horse can be unpredictable at times and all manner of situations can frighten them. Accidents can happen at any time including within the riding centre. In our experience the following will help minimise accidents and injury.
We rely on the information you provide us to match you with the right holiday so it is very important that you are open and honest about your riding. The description of your riding experience will be forwarded to the ride operator when we confirm your holiday.
But it is still your responsibility to ensure that the person who allocates your horse to you is aware of your riding ability and experience, particularly if you are less experienced.
If you have any doubt that your riding skills or fitness are not of the level required for your chosen holiday you should contact us immediately and if you are already on holiday then speak directly to the ride operator or guide. Your safety is paramount.
Riding is a strenuous activity and some riding holidays are particularly strenuous involving many hours on horseback, in extreme temperatures and in remote locations. Many falls from horses are because the rider has become tired or too hot.
You should do as much riding as you can before your holiday to ensure you are fully fit. If for whatever reason you are not able to put in hours of riding, then we recommend other strenuous exercise such as hill walking, cycling or swimming. All of this will help your core strength and keep you safer when riding.
When on holiday it is your responsibility to drink plenty of water, with rehydration salts as necessary, to ensure you don't become dehydrated.
You must wear a hard hat/riding helmet when riding or around horses. We recommend for your own safety that you wear a hard hat that meets current safety standards. You should always replace your hat if you have had a fall and if you haven't had a fall, it is recommended that you replace your hat every 5 years.
Here are some links for more information:
Safety Standards Explained
Safety & Your Head
Guide to Riding Helmets
On some rides there may be hats to hire locally but you must not rely on these hats and you should always take your own. It is important that your hat fits properly. Some riders choose to wear a lightweight endurance style hat, such as made by Uvex, Troxel or Champion. Alternatively, wide brimmed covers in a range of materials which are designed to fit over a skull cap are available to purchase in the UK from Hatrick.
If you wear a body protector when riding at home, then we recommend you take it with you on holiday where you will be riding a strange horse and perhaps over hard or stony ground.
Body protectors, and air jackets, are becoming more and more comfortable for many hours in the saddle. If you are an older rider, then a fall could have more serious implications for you which might be reduced by wearing a body protector.
For a full range of body protectors we recommend Treehouse.
The following notes are reminders of best practice around horses, which we hope are helpful to all, including those who have been riding many years. Horses can be unpredictable and accidents can happen. However, if safety precautions and common sense are used then serious mishaps can be prevented.
Riding safety and etiquette is a combination of common sense, good manners and respecting the horses and riders around you.