Chapter 3. Safety Around Horses
Use a breakaway halter so the horse can break free in case of an emergency.
If a horse or pony panics and pulls back against nylon halter, there is the risk the halter will not break which can lead to injury to the horse. Some nylon halters have a leather crown piece or a tiny leather flap that will break if enough pressure is applied to it. The breakable part of the halter will separate if a horse gets caught on on something, or panics, and allows the horse to break free without injuring itself. Leather halters are a good option as well that will break in an emergency. The risk of a breakaway halter is a horse can break it and get loose, causing injury to itself. Ask your riding instructor what type of halter they recommend.
Don't allow the lead rope to have slack in it.
Leave about 18” of lead rope between the horse and your hand when leading, or between the horse and the object he is tied to. Horses can step on or get tangled in long or loose lead ropes.
Haynets hung high enough so the horse can’t get tangled.
Haynets should be hung at the horse’s shoulder height or higher. Horses can get a hoof caught in the net if it is hung too low.
Safely tie the horse with a quick release knot.
Always tie a horse with a quick release knot so the horse can be untied quickly in case of an emergency.