Horseback Riding Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Insufficient communication between riders — Teach riders basic hand signals and verbal commands to use during rides for communication. Ensure that everyone is familiar with the agreed signals before setting off on group rides, and practice them briefly at the start.
• Overcrowding in the riding area — Limit the number of horses and riders in an arena or on a trail to prevent collisions. Establish guidelines for spacing between riders and monitor the flow of horses to avoid bunching in confined areas.
• Horse kick or bite injuries — Train riders to maintain safe distances between horses, especially when dismounted or leading their horses. Instruct participants on the body language of horses to recognize signs of irritation or aggression, ensuring quick intervention if necessary.
• Foot entrapment in stirrups — Provide proper fitting stirrups for each rider and ensure riders are trained to position their feet correctly. Consider using safety stirrups that release in the event of a fall to prevent being dragged.
• Inadequate safety briefing — Conduct thorough pre-ride briefings to cover all aspects of safety, including handling horses, emergency procedures, and route information. Ensure each rider understands the instructions by asking them to repeat key points. Provide written instructions when needed.