Safety and club rules

Horse riding is a potentially dangerous sport. It is most important that you feel safe and in control of your horse when riding. For this reason and also for our insurance, we have a few standard rules.

  • Approved ASA standard helmets and safety footwear must be worn at all times whilst mounted. (Runners/Blundstone boots are not permitted while mounted.) Insurance cover is voided if an accident occurs whilst mounted and the rider is not wearing an approved equestrian helmet with a fixed harness. Approved equestrian helmets must comply with the following standards: AS/NZS 3838 (AU), ASTM F 1163 (USA), PAS 015 (UK) and/or VG1 (Europe). The EN 1384 (Europe) standard is only acceptable for helmets that were manufactured prior to 2016.

  • Riders are responsible for ensuring their own and their horse’s equipment is in a safe condition fit for its purpose.

  • No smoking while mounted.

  • Medical armbands must be worn while jumping.

  • The front gate and hand gates are kept closed at all times. When entering and leaving the grounds please close the gate behind you so a loose horse cannot get out on to the road.

  • In the event of an accident, an incident report is to be completed. These are found in the club room in a red folder marked First Aid. The report is to be handed to a committee member.

  • If your horse is prone to kicking other horses, please keep a safe distance from other horses and riders, and tie a red ribbon on its tail.

  • Lunging in the arena prior to/during a lesson can be a hazard to other horses and riders warming up nearby. Take care, to keep your horse separate, calm, and under your control when lunging.

  • If your horse is sick or infectious, please do not bring it to the club.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For safety, we recommend that members;

  • have ambulance cover

  • wear protective vests and medical armbands when jumping

  • arrive at rallies early so there is ample time to check and safely prepare your horse

  • check your gear regularly to ensure that stitching, buckles, girths and leathers are in good safe condition

  • familiarise young horses to the club grounds and environment before participating in a mounted lesson

  • park floats in a thoughtful manner leaving space for horses to be tied safely without damaging vehicles

  • be considerate using the yards if your horse is known to kick or bite other neighbouring horses

  • read and respect the “Arena Etiquette and Safety” sheet as published on our website

  • ensure your horse is calm and under control if lunging near other horses