The three most essential safety items for kids learning to ride!
Horse riding and learning to ride can be a lot of fun and hugely beneficial for kids, however it does of course have an element of danger and risk. If you are a non-horsey parent with a pony obsessed child, the equestrian world can seem a little daunting. Saddlery stores are packed full of wonderful but often costly clothing and equipment and everyone will have different opinions on what you need to buy. However when your child is just starting out, much of it is unnecessary. There are however two main essential safety items you should focus on in the beginning, with a third consideration that often isn't on parents radars but can drastically reduce the chance of injury in the event of a fall. One Stop Horse Shop is run primarily by two very safety conscious parents - so this is what we recommend to help keep those precious little people safe when learning to ride.
1. Helmet
The most obvious and number one priority when your child starts learning to ride, is an approved riding helmet. If your child is starting at a reputable riding school, they should be able to provide a helmet for the early lessons, to save expense before you determine whether your child will want to continue riding. However, once your child proves to get the 'pony mad' bug and wants to continue with horses, investing in their very own helmet is very worthwhile. This way you can ensure the helmet your child is wearing is new and safe (hasn't suffered any wear that might damage the helmet or reduce its effectiveness), and is properly fitted to and comfortable for, your child.
It is wise to note that the current safety standards for riding helmets have recently changed. The old European standard EN1384 is no longer recommended, but instead helmets should have the new CE EN1384 VG1 standard, the Australian standard of AS/NZS 3838 or the American standard of ASTM F1163. Some Australian riding schools and pony clubs however do prefer a helmet that complies with the Australian standard, so please check this with the body your child is riding with, before purchasing.
When visiting your local riding helmet retailer, you should ensure you take a suitable amount of time trying on different styles and brands of helmet until you find the one that fits and feels the best. The retailer should be able to assist you, but as a general rule, helmets should be tight enough that when wiggled forward and backwards, the helmet does not slip or slide, and can gently move the skin on the forehead. Care must be taken that you don't choose one that is too tight however, as this can cause headaches.
Often parents question whether a basic bike helmet might do the trick for horse riding, as they tend to be more readily available and much cheaper. Bike helmets however are not recommended. Whilst a bike helmet is better than nothing, falls from a horse differ greatly that falls from a bike. Riding helmets provide much more coverage around the head to provide more protection from high impact falls from a living, moving animal with the potential to trample and kick the rider. So whilst for an initial short pony ride (where the rider is held by an adult, on a led pony) it might be acceptable to simply use a bike helmet, anything more than that and you absolutely DO need to invest in a proper certified riding helmet.
You can view our helmet range here: http://www.onestophorse.com.au/helmets/.
2. Boots
Riding boots are the second most important safety items when beginning horse riding. Some riding schools do supply these, but again after some initial lessons, the best thing is for the child to have their own. Riding boots are flat, smooth soled boots, with a slight heel. They are generally made of leather (although some are PVC or similar), and have elastic sides. Riding boots are specifically designed so that they are less likely to get stuck or trapped in stirrups in the event of a fall. Boots with tread (such as Bludstones or other farm type boots) are not suitable as they tend to be too big and bulky, with too much grip, and therefore tend to get stuck in stirrups. Runners or sneakers are also unsuitable.
Again, your local horse retailer should be able to assist you in fitting and choosing the right boots for your child. Riding boots for kids don't have to be overly expensive however. There are quite a few affordable brands that are sturdy and safe, whilst your child is still growing. Check out our Showcraft Tackers and Showcraft Masters for a quality yet affordable option. Or you might be able to find a decent pair second hand.
3. Safety Stirrups
Stirrups are often overlooked as being an important safety item. However if your child were to fall (and lets face it, it can happen quite often with beginner kids!), getting a foot stuck in the stirrup can greatly increase the likelihood of serious injury. You DO NOT want to see your child fall, get stuck in a stirrup, and then get dragged, trampled and kicked by the pony they have been riding!
You may not be aware that their are several different designs of stirrups, some of which are better than others at releasing the foot in the event of a fall. A basic 'safety stirrup' has a curved bar on one side to assist in allowing the riders foot to slip out in the event of an accident. Often these are used at riding schools - and we would suggest that this would be a basic safety requirement whilst learning to ride.
However whilst the above is helpful, it is not foolproof as feet can still sometimes get stuck in basic safety stirrups. If your child has their own pony or horse, or moving up to more advanced riding, your next best option is a Peacock Safety Iron. These stirrups have a sturdy elastic band on one side of the stirrup, instead of a metal bar. The elastic band is designed to break or snap when pressure is applied (ie when a foot gets trapped) to release the foot. These are brilliant for kids and a product we strongly recommend to parents.
A more advanced and sophisticated, but often more costly option are the Quick Release Stirrups. These come in a variety of styles and brands, and tend to be a better looking option if competing. These can be particularly useful for jumping.
And if you have toddlers and really tiny children riding, then 'clogs' are great! Clogs are stirrups with an enclosed toe, which help to ensure that the riders foot sits in exactly the right place, and does not slip right through. This is very beneficial for both helping child riders in in learning to position their feet correctly, but also keeping them safe if they fall. These are often sold with toddler 'pony pads' but can be purchased separately also.
Besides the style of stirrup, care must also be taken to ensure that the stirrup is correctly sized for the riders foot. A stirrup that is too small, will not allow the riders foot to come out freely in the event of a fall. However stirrups that are overly large, can be cumbersome and difficult to ride in.
So there are our three top childrens safety essentials! If you need any further assistance in purchasing the correct equipment for your child, we are always happy to help - just email us!