Equine Activity Liability Protection Act 

Following are basic safety guidelines. This is not a comprehensive list; if in doubt, ask for help.

 

• Let the horse know where you are by talking and touching it – be confident in both

• Approach horse at left shoulder, put lead rope over neck to initiate control, and buckle on the halter

• Walk on the left side of the horse with right hand close to, but not touching, the snap. Never allow your fingers through any snap or ring, on halter or lead rope. There should be about 18 inches of slack between your hands, and extra lead rope should be gathered in a figure 8 formation in your left hand.  Always turn the horse away from you.

• Always tie your horse using a quick release knot (slipknot). Always tie to a secure post, never to a board nor gate. Posts on wire fences are not acceptable. Horses should be tied at about their eye level, not too low or high, with about an arm’s length of slack between horse and post

• When moving around a horse, be aware of its blind spots – directly in front and behind, and underneath. When moving behind a horse stay as close to it as possible and keep a hand on it at all times. If a horse is unfamiliar to you or seems nervous, circle far around its rear instead – at least two horse lengths

• Never climb over or under the lead line nor underneath the belly of the horse

• When releasing a horse into stall or pasture, turn the horse around to face the gate before removing halter

 

There are specific reasons for each of these guidelines with implications for your safety and/or the safety of the horse. If you have any questions, or if you have questions while tacking up, mounting, or at any other time, please ask academy staff. We are happy to help!