Top Tips for Paddock Safety

Top Tips for Paddock Safety 

It might seem simple going into the paddock to catch your horse but for some less experienced riders there might be a few “potholes” they are unaware of. Below is a list of a few simple measures you can take to keep both yourself and your horse safe.  

• Correctly latch the paddock gate behind you when you enter the paddock, this helps avoid any escapees 

• Make your presence known. Always let your horse know you are approaching so as not to startle them 

• Wear appropriate footwear such as boots, this is not to just save your toes from a wayward hoof, but there could also be a slippery snake hiding in the grass.  

• Stay alert to your surroundings and any possible things that may spook your horse 

• Avoid areas in the paddock such as corners where you might get caught up if your horse gets a fright.  

• Allow yourself plenty of room when approaching your horse especially if they are in the paddock with other horses. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of some social hierarchy within the group 

• Approach your horse on the correct side (left) that way if your horse goes to move off you aren’t in their path and you can easily move out of the way 

• Let them know what you are about to do, such as putting on a halter or headcollar, talk to them in a calm voice  

• Avoid sudden movements that may startle 

• Always remain calm, horses respond to your emotions so if you are excited or angry they will feel that and respond accordingly 

• If your horse is paddocked with other horses beware of where they are in relation to you, never take food in with you this could make things difficult and dangerous if they all approach you at the same time 

• Never wrap the lead rope around your hand in case your horse does pull back or take fright 

• If your horse does spook at something and goes to run off, let the lead go, you can leave yourself open to injury trying to hold onto a horse as it is running off 

• If you find your horse is stirred up, especially with other horses in the paddock the best thing you can do is walk away and come back when everyone has calmed down. This not only keeps you safe but your horse as well, you don’t want them running around silly with the potential for injury.  

Some of these principles may seem second-nature and obvious to most, but sometimes even the most experienced horse people can forget the basics and sometimes even the quietest horse can get a fright. It never hurts to refresh our memories, and we all stay safe.