Common Sense and Horse Sense
By horse trainer Doris Eraldi
The worst horse accidents I've seen could have been prevented by a little common sense. Loose cinches, horses tied to "moveable" objects, riders who aren't paying attention - all can add up to a frightening if not dangerous chain of events. While beginners might make errors out of lack of knowledge, sometimes these situations happen to experienced riders, who simply got in a hurry or got too casual with their horses.
Horsemen often joke that one should never say that a particular horse NEVER spooks, bucks or pulls back, but the joke is based in horse sense. Given the right situation, even the most bomb-proof horse can end up in trouble. One of my most reliable lesson horses, a mare about 30 years old, proved this in dramatic fashion. A student tied Candy to the water spigot in the barn alley. When her rope caught on the faucet handle and turned the water on, the sudden splash caused her to jump back, pulling the plumbing from the wall. In a panic, she fled the barn amid spewing broken pipes. The worst part is, this student was a person who had been around horses for years, and certainly if asked would never have recommended tying a horse to something flimsy like a PVC pipe. But the student was late for her lesson and the regular ties rings were taken. She got in a hurry and neglected her horse sense.
When we are around our horses all the time, it's easy to get casual. Maybe your horse has never kicked at another horse, but there's always the chance that he will take a disliking to a new riding companion and blast him one. You want to get something out of the cooler in the truck -- is it really safe to drape the reins around the mirror of the pick-up? How about when you turn your horse out -- do you always follow the good horsemanship habits that keep you safely away if she kicks up her heels? How often do you go into a pasture with several loose horses and do something - feed, pick out feet, fly spray - while the other horses are milling about? I personally knew someone who was killed when a young horse kicked at another horse in such a situation. And I can't say I haven't done exactly such a risky activity myself. It's too easy to think that it won't happen to you.
We all need to be aware when we are around our horses. We need to pay attention to the horse's reactions and what is going on. We need to be thinking at all times that we are with horses, and not get caught up with conversation or sightseeing or bluster. Our own health and well being is important, but we are also responsible for our horses. We have the ability to notice the accidents waiting to happen. Horses do not. Too many accidents which result in catastrophic injury to the horse or handler can be prevented with a little common sense and horse sense. Use your common sense and your horse sense to have a safe enjoyable ride.
Doris Eraldi of Potter Valley has over 30 years experience training and teaching. Contact her at dyan@eraldi.net
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