SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Step 1: Find a safe location.
 

It is recommended to move away from buildings, fences, trees, etc. before mountain, also if there are people or other horses near they may make you horse shy away. Never try to mount a horse if it standing on a slippery surface or if there are objects hanging above, also in areas where there is a lot of traffic.

Before mounting make sure all the tack is correctly fitted, and girth and stirrups are properly adjusted. Most people mount their horses fron the left side, however all horses should be used to being mounted from either side.

Step 2: Restrain the Horse.

Horses should be used to standing quietly as you mount. You can restrain the horse's movements by tightening the reins until light contact is made with the horse's mouth. Young or unfamiliar horses sometimes require a handler to restrain the horse's movement, if you don't have one bend the horse's head and neck back towards you to limit movement.

Step 3: Mounting your horse.

When you mount hold the reins gripping the horse's mane just in front of the saddle, this helps keep your horse calm. Stand facing the side or rear of the horse and place your left foot in the stirrup, sometimes the stirrup must be twisted using your hand. Grip the saddle while you turn your body towards the horse's shoulder. Hop once on your foot standing up in the stirrup, keep the body weight close to the horse's body. Don't dig your toes into the horse's ribs. Raise your other foot and swing your other leg over the horse clearing the rump. Place the other foot in the stirrup and sit into the saddle. Sit down slowly and smoothly so you don't scare the horse.

   1    2    3    4    5    6