Horse Riding Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Horse tripping over obstacles in the riding area — Maintain clear and obstacle-free riding areas. Remove any objects or debris that could cause tripping. Use designated pathways to guide horse and rider movements. Educate riders on maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
• Horse kicking or damaging property — Train horses to remain calm and controlled around property and obstacles. Use appropriate barriers to protect property from accidental kicks. Educate riders on managing horse behavior to prevent property damage. Supervise interactions to ensure horses do not engage in destructive behavior.
• Horse not being properly tied up or secured — Implement secure tying and securing protocols using appropriate equipment. Educate riders and handlers on safe tying practices. Regularly inspect tying equipment for integrity and functionality. Use double-locking knots or safety mechanisms to prevent accidental releases.
• Horse reacting aggressively in group settings or in a herd environment — Train horses to remain calm and controlled in group settings. Implement safe handling techniques for interacting with multiple horses. Educate riders on managing horse interactions within a herd. Supervise group riding sessions to enforce safety protocols.
• Horse and rider encountering dangerous wildlife — Maintain clear and secure riding areas to minimize wildlife encounters. Educate riders on safe practices when encountering wildlife. Implement safety protocols for handling unexpected wildlife interactions. Use barriers or fencing to protect both horses and riders from wildlife.