Before taking your group of kids to a horse barn, equine vet clinic, horse show, or any other place with horses, talk to them about horse safety.
This is so important! Don’t assume that they know how to act or that anyone has taught them. This discussion should also include barn etiquette when you’re at someone else’s facility.
Going to a barn and using a real horse for this lesson is a great horse clinic idea especially if the kids are young or mostly new to horses. It will also give them a little hands on horse time if they don’t have their own horse.
If you don’t have a horse that you can use for this lesson, try to find a large model horse or one of the larger standing horses at the meeting. It’s easier to visualize when you have something to use for reference.
Some of the things that you want to talk about:
- No running or fast movements around horses
- No screaming or yelling
- Do not stand within 6 feet of the horse’s back feet
- When you go to touch a horse, touch them on their shoulder or neck first
- Wear a helmet and boots with a 1/2″ heel if riding
- How to tell when a horse is mad by looking at it’s ears
- Watch your feet when you’re standing close to a horse
- How to brush and groom the horse in a safe manner
- The best way to give a horse a treat
Details coming soon!