Handling Flashcards
What are the risks to both you and the horse during mucking out and how can they be managed?
- Self: The horse could tread on you. Always work in plenty of space or tie the horse outside of the stable.
- Horse: Injury from tools - use with care.
- Others: Tools, use with care and put away afterwards.
What are the risks to both you and the horse during grooming and how can they be managed?
- Self: The horse could step on you or kick you. Tie up and work in plenty of space.
- Horse: Could step on kit. Leave kit outside stable.
- Others: Someone could step on kit. Put away after use.
What are the risks to both you and the horse during leading and how can they be managed?
- Self: External influences on the horse, or hand injury from the horse pulling away from you. Look for hazards and anticipate.
- Horse: Hazards on the route - change route. Remove hazards.
- Others: Horse reacts unexpectedly. Move horses at times when a minimal number of people are around.
What safety procedures should be followed on a yard to minimise these risks?
- Wear safety boots, gloves and a hat.
- Tie up horse if in stable or on yard
- Don’t let clients walk directly behind any horses.
- Make sure gates are closed
- Check doors are safely bolted or bars chained in
- No equipment should be left lying around
What safe methods should be used when handling horses to maintain control and confidence (in both horse and rider)?
- Ensure horse’s are tied up when grooming/tacking/mucking out.
- Don’t sit/lie/kneel on the ground next to the horse, to ensure you can get quickly out of the way if needed.
- Tie horses to suitable places with lead ropes attached to breakable points so that in an emergency the horse can release itself.
- Reduce startling by talking on approach, using slow controlled movements and show reassuring, calm behaviour.
- Do not wrap the lead rope around hands, to ensure quick release if necessary and prevent injury.
- For a strong horse, wrap the lead rope through the noseband and over the nose to give added control.
- Use a chifney or bridle for a known strong horse.
- Be aware of external factors that could cause fright and take appropriate action.
- Have someone available to hold the horse if required.
What should you always have on a yard to help with safe handling?
- Secure wall ring with twine loop.
- Serviceable headcollars/ropes.
What may the public need to be reminded of around horses?
- Not undertaking seemingly inoffensive tasks like shaking out a bag or opening an umbrella near the horse, to prevent panic.
- Non-smoking rules
What should be in place to ensure the safety of children who’s parents may leave them at the yard premises without clear communication to the adults?
Ensure that supervisory responsibility is clear and that emergency contact details are available.
