• Until you know your horse, confine your riding to an arena or another enclosed area.
• When your horse is full of energy, exercise him on a long line or ride in an enclosed area until he is settled and calm.

(Trail riding)

• Never ride off until all riders in your group are mounted.
• Ride abreast or stay a full horse's length from the horse in front to avoid the possibility of you or your horse being kicked.
• If your horse becomes frightened, remain calm, speak to him quietly, steady him, and give him a chance to overcome his fear. Then ride or lead the horse past the obstacle.
• Allow a horse to pick his way at a walk when riding on rough ground. Give the horse his head by loosening the reins.

2. Approaching

• A horse's vision is restricted directly in front and to the rear, but his hearing is acute. Always speak to the horse as you approach him. Failure to do so may startle the horse into kicking.
• Always approach at an angle, never directly from the front or rear. This is possible even in single stalls or other confined areas.
• Always walk around a horse out of kicking range, or very close behind with your hand touching the horse's hip. Never walk under or step over the tie rope.

3. Handling/Grooming

• Always let a horse know what you intend to do. When picking up the feet, for example, do not grab the foot hurriedly. This will startle the horse and may cause him to kick. Run your hand down the full length of the leg. Learn the proper way to lift the feet and proceed cautiously.
• Work about a horse from a position as near the shoulder as possible.
• Wear footwear that will protect your feet from being stepped on by the horse. Sturdy footwear will also protect your feet from objects such as nails. Boots are the preferred footwear when working with horses. Never wear tennis shoes, moccasins, or go barefoot.

• Make the horse walk beside you when you lead him. Don't let him run ahead or lag behind. Don't try to pull your horse. A position even with the horse's head or between the horse's head and his shoulder is considered safest.
• When turning the horse, always turn to the right and walk around him.
• Never wrap the lead strap, halter shank, or reins around your hand, wrist, or body. A knot at the end of the lead shank aids in maintaining a secure grip when needed for control.

5. Tying

• Know and use the proper knots for tying and restraining a horse.
• Always tie a horse in a place that's safe for him and for you. Never tie up a horse using the bridle reins.
• Be sure to tie the horse to something strong and secure such as a post in the ground to avoid danger of breaking or coming loose if the horse pulls back.

6. Safety in Bridling, Saddling, Mounting and Dismounting

• Protect your head from the horse's head when bridling. Stand in close, just behind and to the left side of the horse's head. Use caution when handling the horse's ears.
• Check your saddle blanket and all other equipment for foreign objects. Be certain the horse's back and the cinch or girth area are clean.
• Set the saddle into position easily, not suddenly. Dropping the saddle down too quickly or hard may scare the horse.
• Pull up slowly to tighten the cinch. Check the cinch 3 times: (1) after saddling, (2) after walking a few steps (untracking) and before mounting, and (3) after mounting and riding a short distance.
• Never mount or dismount a horse in a barn or near fences, trees, or overhead projections. Side-stepping and rearing can injure riders.
• When riding, wear boots with proper heels to prevent your feet slipping through the stirrups.
• We recommend that you wear Safety Equipment Institute-certified equestrian protective headgear when riding a horse.