The yard is one of the most exciting places in the world, but it’s also full of big, strong animals and potential hazards. Following these essential safety rules will help ensure that you have fun while staying safe around horses and equipment.
Rule #1: Always announce your presence
Never surprise a horse! Always speak to them before entering their space. A simple ‘Hello’ or ‘How are you today?’ lets them know you’re there. Horses have blind spots directly in front and behind them, so vocal communication is crucial for everyone’s safety.
Rule #2: Wear proper shoes
Always wear closed-toe shoes or boots in the barn – never sandals, flip-flops, or bare feet. Horse hooves are heavy, and even an accidental step can cause serious injury. Sturdy boots also protect your feet from dropped tools, nails, or rough surfaces.
Rule #3: Move slowly and deliberately
Quick, sudden movements can startle horses and trigger their flight response. Walk, don’t run, in the barn. If you need to move quickly, step away from the horses first, then move faster once you’re at a safe distance.
Rule #4: Stay focused
The barn is not the place for phones, headphones, or daydreaming. You need to be completely aware of what’s happening around you. Pay attention to horse body language, other people moving around, and potential hazards in your environment.
Rule #5: Approach from the side
Always approach a horse from the side, near their shoulder, where they can see you clearly. Never walk up directly behind a horse or directly in front of them. If you need to move behind a horse, either walk far enough away that you’re out of kicking range, or stay very close with your hand on their body so they know where you are.
Rule #6: Tie safely (or not at all)
Only tie horses to solid, stable objects using proper quick-release knots. Never tie a horse to anything that could break or move or use a knot that is not a quick-release knot. If you don’t know how to tie a proper quick-release knot, ask an adult to help or hold the horse instead. Never tie a horse by the bridle – only use halters.
Rule #7: Keep walkways clear
Never leave tools, buckets, or equipment where people or horses might trip over them. Barn aisles should be wide enough for horses to pass comfortably, but if they are full of equipment, they can be hazardous. If you need to groom or tack up, use designated areas, not the middle of walkways.
Rule #8: Handle tools properly
Carry tools safely – rakes and brooms should be held with tines pointing down – and put them away as soon as you are done with them. Never leave sharp tools lying around where someone might step on them or where horses might get injured. If you’re too small to handle a tool safely, ask for help.
Rule #9: Know where adults are
Young riders should never work around horses completely alone. Always make sure a responsible adult knows where you are and what you’re doing. If something goes wrong, you need to be able to get help quickly. Don’t hesitate to call for assistance if you feel unsafe or unsure about anything.
Rule #10: Trust your instincts
If something feels wrong or unsafe, trust that feeling. It’s always better to be cautious than sorry. If a horse seems unusually upset, if equipment looks damaged, or if you simply don’t feel comfortable with a situation, step away and ask for help. There’s no such thing as being ‘too careful’ around horses.
