Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2012/January 2013 | Page 85
EQUESTRIAN
mind to withstand the elements. If you
don’t want to wear a plain old tabard,
shop around and see what kit is on offer
in other sports. Don’t forget to put
hi-viz something on your horse, too –
not only will it boost your combined
visibility, but if you fall off your horse
isn’t left in the dark. A set of brushing
boots or simple leg wraps are cheap,
easy and can be seen from all angles.
It isn’t only when riding on the roads
that you need to be visible. If you fall
off in a remote location, and are either
unconscious or have no mobile phone
signal, you are reliant on someone
spotting you. They will have a much
better chance of noticing you if you
and your horse are wearing something
hi-viz. Tell someone at home or at your
yard where you intend to ride, so if you
don’t return when expected they know
where to start looking.
Don’t forget to take your mobile
phone with you every time you ride
in case of an emergency. Make sure
you have emergency numbers saved on
your phone, too – save them with ICE
(standing for In Case of Emergency) in
the contact name, so that the emergency
services know who to notify.
Another simple idea that is really
helpful in an emergency is an ID tag.
There are a couple of products on the
market that offer a central registration
system, but you can also simply attach a
key ring to your saddle with emergency
phone numbers for rider, yard manager
etc.
Finally, minimise your chances
of having one of those infuriating
accidents that, in hindsight, could so
easily have been avoided. Don’t set
out without enough time to get home
in good light, and don’t be tempted
to hack out in icy conditions – there’s
always another day, but an accident
could put you and your horse out of
action for weeks! Enjoy your winter
riding, stay safe, and be seen.
The BHS Riding and
Road Safety Test
Taken by more than 4,000 candidates
a year, the Riding and Road Safety Test
helps educate riders in road safety in order
to minimise the risk when riding on the
road. The test is available from 12 years of
age, and is supported by the Department
for Transport.
It is the only test that any rider will
undertake that has the potential to save
not only their own life but that of their
horse and other road users as well. For
more information visit www.bhs.org.uk
Been involved in an equine accident?
Report it at www.horseaccidents.org.uk.
Statistics make a difference – help the
BHS make a change. Check out the Horse
Accidents website for a reporting form,
and to see incidents reported in your area.
If the incident you wish to report is not
covered by the standard forms online,
please send details to [email protected].
www.visitislandlife.com
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