Ideally, horseback riding is a relaxing and peaceful experience. Sadly, that’s not always the case, even if it’s a stroll down a trail. One slip could have you going head over heels off your horse, causing a severe injury. Therefore, it’s necessary to acquire the essential safety gear when horseback riding before you giddy-up and go.
Life’s Tough, Wear a Helmet
Riding helmets lower the risk of catastrophic head and brain injuries by minimizing the impact of a hit on the head. Helmets serve as a shield between the cranium and the force of the blow. The power of the hit disperses over a larger region when you wear a helmet, avoiding a concentrated strike in one location.
Riding helmets aim to cushion impact while also reducing the chance of a sharp item puncturing your head. Helmets have a tough exterior that shields the skull from sharp objects. Polystyrene protects the exterior shell, which softens and diffuses impact. You must ensure that your helmet fits correctly to protect you, and that the chin strap is firmly connected.
These Boots Are Made for Riding
Athletes and employees alike wear job-specific footwear. It is equally crucial to wear appropriate footwear when training horses. Trail riding is great training for your horses, but you’ll have to frequently dismount your horse during a ride. Durable boots can protect your feet from stomping and keep them from slipping through the stirrups.
Everyday shoes like sandals, flip-flops, or tennis shoes are not conducive for the stalls. Safety over style is a good motto to follow when searching for a pair of boots.
Stability With Stirrups
The addition of stirrups to horseback riding provided stability for equestrian riders; the stability provided by stirrups on the saddle altered horseback fighting methods. A balanced rider could move their horse quicker and hit opponents with lethal power. However, the usefulness of stirrups has transitioned over time, making them essential for any average rider before hopping on.
Unfortunately, some folks might have slight issues with their stirrups, such as catching their feet. If that’s the case, there could be three reasons: the size is incorrect, you’re not wearing the correct footwear, or the stirrups aren’t in the correct position.
Like a Glove
There are two reasons to wear riding gloves. They shield the hands from chafing caused by the reins and safeguard the hands from inclement weather. You can buy gloves for each season, or find a pair that lasts all year long. However, designated winter gloves will help keep your hands toasty in the cold. Conversely, you don’t want your hands to sweat profusely in the summertime, making lighter gloves a better option.
Having the essential safety gear when horseback riding will give you peace of mind when you’re atop your horse. You never know if something will spook your best friend, so wearing the proper protection will keep you from a trip to the emergency room.
