Safety First

Safety, when it comes to horses is often overlooked if not completely ignored. Safety must become our primary consideration when working with an animal that has the potential to cause us serious injury.

We need to work through some basic points that will enable us to work safely around horses.

Sensible Clothing

Leather boots or shoes are the best protection that you can give your feet if a horse happens to stand on your foot. Steel caps may give a false sense of security as they may be flattened against your toes causing an even greater injury.

If a horse bites, a long sleeved shirt and long pants will increase the chances of your clothes being bitten rather than your skin.

Due to the nature of the therapy, gloves ARE NOT an option for working in, but if you need to handle an unknown or tempermental horse before you begin, then pull on a pair of gloves as rope burns can be severe.

Although helmets are not commonly worn by therapist, the choice is yours if you feel you need head protection.

Jewellery is a hazard. Rings, bracelets, dangling earrings and long necklaces have been known to get caught on buckles, tangled in manes and tails causing severe injury. It is recommended they be removed.

Four danger areas around a horse

There are 4 danger areas around a horse. Be aware of these areas as your safety depends on your understanding and awareness.

Area 1 – The Front of the Horse

In this area there is a likelihood of being bitten, struck, crushed or trampled. Always stand to the side of the horse, never directly in front. Should the horse run forward or strike out you will be clear of him and you will have warning when he attempts to bite.

Area 2 – The Shoulders

This is an area of lesser hazard but there is still a risk of being crushed, pushed over or having your foot trodden on. Stay alert, endevour to remain in constant contact with the horse. The first sign of trouble will come through this contact.

Area 3 – The Barrel

Again this is an area of lesser hazard but there is still the risk of being crushed, pushed over or cow kicked. Avoid working with your animal in small or crowded stalls and always allow room to be able to step out of harms way.

Area 4 – Behind the Horse

This is a high risk area. Working behind the horse should be done with the utmost caution. The risk of injury from being kicked can be very high. Where possible stand to the side of the horse. When moving around the animal, either walk well back, out of the kick zone or move as close as possible to the horse, while maintaining contact by keeping a hand on the horses rump. The closer you are the less impact you will receive from a kick.

• Be aware of your environment, work in an area clear of other people.
• Maintain constant contact with the horse so as to “feel” if he becomes startled or agitated or shows signs of kicking or biting
• Always ensure someone holding the horse stands on the same side of the horse as you – there is no exception to this rule. That way if the horse jumps away from you or the handler, nobody should get hurt.
• Always place a firm hand on the horse before you begin to remind him you are there and that there is no reason for fear or fright.

Leading

• Horses should be led by the lead rope, not the halter.
• Allow up to 30cm of slack
• Always lead a horse from the side
• Horses should be led at a reasonable pace
• Look where you are walking, not back at the horse as you may trip and fall under the horse.

Duty of Care

Duty of care means that we have an obligation to look after our own safety and that of others. With the varying levels of expertise in horse handling skills and the differing temperments of horses you need to be on the lookout for potential problems during a treatment.

Stay alert!