Safety Equipment

Stirrups

• Toe stops on stirrups
  Have toe stops on the stirrup so that your foot does not get caught in it. Note: There are many types of safety precautions for stirrups. Having your stirrup bar down, or a type of stirrup that allows for breakaway is a good place to start.  
• Safety stirrup
  The safety latch on my stirrup was too loose and gave away as I was about to mount a young horse. This spooked the horse. Be sure to tighten the screw on your safety lever to your weight so that it takes a good pull as if you had fallen and your foot was still in the stirrup.
  Note: Make sure you check your tack and equipment for safety and any needed repairs on a regular basis. 
• Choosing the correct stirrup
  The horse tossed me and my foot stayed in the stirrup. I didn't pick the stirrup - someone else did - and it was too small and tight. Pick the right size stirrup for your feet.
  Note: Always make sure you are wearing proper footwear so that your foot comes out of the stirrup easily if you are to get thrown. Also, make sure the boots fits the stirrup like you said. Most western boots won't fit in English stirrups, etc.  
• Keeping your feet in stirrups
  I took my feet out of my stirrups while cruising along the river bed. When I turned to look where friends were I lost my balance, dislocated my right shoulder, and broke my arm. Keep your feet in the stirrup; that is why they are there.
  Note: Make sure you use riding equipment properly and have a balanced seat for the type of riding you will be engaged in. Seek professional instruction if needed. 

Other Equipment

• Emergency contact information
  
  Wear a fanny pack that contains emergency contact information for you and your horse. List your vet and insurance information, as well as allergies to medications. Put your cell phone and car keys in your fanny pack, not a saddlebag or horn bag. If you fall off your horse and it takes off, you’ve lost your phone.
  
  Note: Be mindful that fanny packs and backpacks may become easily entangled in brush and low tree limbs. 
• Glasses
  
  If you wear glasses, make sure they have shatterproof lenses.
• Breaking a horse to saddle
  
  Wear long pants (no shorts). It is also a good idea to wear chaps over pants, a vest and an approved helmet. Keep to the arena, riding ring or round pen. Have someone nearby in case you get into trouble. 
  
  Note: Safety precautions are of utmost importance when working with young horses. Always prepare for the unexpected.  
• Gloves
  
  To avoid finger cuts when opening and closing gates or lifting chains, wear gloves.
  
  Note: Gloves are great tools when working, and they help keep your hands safe and warm during the winter. 
• Eye glasses
  
  Use safety or sunglasses to protect your eyes from branches while on a trail ride. 
  
  Note: Although visors on helmets help protect against this to some degree, it's a good idea to have more protection.  
• Riding gear
  
  Make sure you wear proper riding pants, boots, and a helmet every time you ride. 
  
  Note: Just like in many other hazardous jobs, proper "work" gear is the first step towards preventing accidents. 
• Vest
  
  Wear a safety vest during cross country jumping. 
  
  Note: There are many times when a vest is a good idea (starting young horses, first time on a trail ride, etc), but while schooling and riding cross-country (and fox hunting) it is an absolute must.  
• Correct clothing
  
  Wear fitted clothing that is not too loose, such as western shirts. 
  
  Note: You should never wear clothing or jewelry that could get caught up in tack, trees etc. 
• Vests and safety
  
  Some horse people think wearing a safety vest is overkill when practicing jumping at home. I see vests as a piece of basic safety equipment standard.
  
  Note: It is never silly to wear protective gear. If a rider feels comfortable in a helmet and vest, no one should ever fault that person for taking precaution.