Horseback Riding Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Falling off the horse — Riders should always wear helmets, gloves, and body protectors. Conduct pre-ride training to teach correct posture, proper rein management, and emergency dismounts. Ensure experienced supervision, particularly for new or nervous riders.
• Tack failure — Regularly inspect all equipment for wear and tear, and replace any worn-out tack before use. Teach riders how to identify signs of tack failure, such as frayed stirrups or loose buckles, and emphasize the importance of reporting issues promptly.
• Horse-rider mismatch — Match horses to riders by considering rider weight, height, skill level, and personality. Temperament testing of horses ensures compatibility. Regularly reassess pairings to ensure horse and rider comfort and safety.
• Uncontrolled horse bolting — Provide riders with specific training on how to safely stop a bolting horse, including the use of one-rein stops. Limit rides for beginners to enclosed areas until they can demonstrate safe control in more open environments.
• Wildlife encounters — Educate riders about the possibility of encountering wildlife, such as deer, snakes, or birds, and how to safely navigate these situations. Carry basic safety tools like air horns, and ensure that horses have been exposed to wildlife before rides.