| Ride Safe |
 |
 |
| Blog Category |
| Written by Rohan More |
|
One of the biggest concerns of all riders is the safety factor when you go to ride, because if taught incorrectly or with disregard to safety regulations it can be an extremely dangerous sport. When I began to ride I remember that like all beginners I was afraid of falling, and who isn’t? that’s where I remember my instructor saying “ I don’t guarantee you becoming a top shot rider, but if you continue to ride I guarantee you will fall some day” by this I don’t mean that you shouldn’t ride, do so by all means. Because statistically speaking the chances of you falling in the bathroom are more than the chances of you falling off a horse. And more importantly, few things can compare to the thrill of riding a calm and responsive horse. But before you mount up pay heed to what can you do to make your ride a safer one. First off and most important NEVER ride with out a helmet. It might mess up your hairdo, but its ok considering if you don’t wear one you might not have much of a head left. I speak from personal experience here I was one of those “I am good enough so I don’t need a helmet” type. Once fortunately I was wearing a helmet (it was one of those blue moons) and I took a toss and landed between the horses hooves and the fence. Other than a smashed helmet (it would have been my head) and a bruised ego (I fell in a pile of horse dung) I was ok. But I learnt my lesson. So learn from my mistakes. It is extremely important to be able to feel safe and trust your instructors teaching technique. Unless you feel comfortable your learning will be seriously hampered. Make sure the instructor you go to has a reputation for safety, he might be the best, but what’s the point, when you end up hurt? This is one race where slower and safer definitely wins Don’t set out to be a hero, if you feel your horse is unsafe ask for another. It isn’t fun riding a difficult horse whose sole intention is to get you off its back. During your learning days a quiet horse helps you go a long way to become a confident and calm rider. Remember it takes only one bad ride to put you off riding forever. Make sure the tack (riding equipment) used is in decent condition, bad tack which pinches can make a horse buck or rear, give it a bad saddle sore or at the very least make the ride very uncomfortable for you besides a blistered bottom. Finally respect another riders, they have as much a right to enjoy a safe ride as you do, if you are riding a horse which kicks or bites other horses the onus is on YOU to steer clear of the others and keep your rank and file discipline perfect. Incase there are more than one riders working in different directions the faster horse has right of way. Following these simple dos and don’ts will help you go a long way in ensuring a safe ride for you. Remember, whilst riding falls are inevitable but the fewer you have does definitely help, doesn’t it?
|
Comments
but i had loads of fun...
and i miss her loads !
Reminds me of my Julia. But now I enjoy riding her...