Tack Safety Checklist
As riders we know that there are certain risks involved with our sport so it's important to be good risk managers and take the necessary steps to minimize risks. One thing that can be done and is often overlooked is tack checks. We often carefully look over our horse, the riding arena/footing and ourselves but sometimes forget to inspect our tack for safety elements, especially if we've been using it for some time.
Thanks to our friends at Dover Saddlery, here is a great article on things to look for when going over your tack for safety. The article includes 8 things to double-check as you inspect your tack and help minimize risks of an accident due to poor or broken tack.
"Ideally, you clean your horse tack on a regular basis, which makes it last longer and feel better against a horse's skin. During cleaning, you're able to check the condition of your leather and its stitching, and address problems promptly. Inspect stitching carefully, as over time it can fray and become loose. Cracking, fraying and dryness in leather or nylon components of your horse tack are all signs that it may need replacement or repair. Buckle holes, whether on bridles, martingales, stirrup leathers or billet straps, should not be torn or ripped (DoverSaddlery.com)."
And as always, #1 on your safety checklist should be wearing your Ride Safe ID bracelet at all times. We can't stress this enough! The bracelets are made to be comfortable and fashionable so you can wear them 24-7 and not have to worry about later saying "that one time I forgot to put it on..." Learn more here: www.teamridesafe.com.
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| Photo credit: Doversaddlery.com |
"Ideally, you clean your horse tack on a regular basis, which makes it last longer and feel better against a horse's skin. During cleaning, you're able to check the condition of your leather and its stitching, and address problems promptly. Inspect stitching carefully, as over time it can fray and become loose. Cracking, fraying and dryness in leather or nylon components of your horse tack are all signs that it may need replacement or repair. Buckle holes, whether on bridles, martingales, stirrup leathers or billet straps, should not be torn or ripped (DoverSaddlery.com)."
And as always, #1 on your safety checklist should be wearing your Ride Safe ID bracelet at all times. We can't stress this enough! The bracelets are made to be comfortable and fashionable so you can wear them 24-7 and not have to worry about later saying "that one time I forgot to put it on..." Learn more here: www.teamridesafe.com.
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