When Things Go Wrong
Why Accidents Happen
Horses are large prey animals with instincts and feelings.
Sometimes horses:
• Get startled by a sound
• Pull away from a handler
• Step back suddenly
• Wander through an open gate
• Spill buckets, roll in mud, or make a mess
This is all just part of being around horses.
What matters most is how we respond.
Rule #1: Stay Calm
If something unexpected happens:
• Freeze for a moment
• Take a breath
• Look before you move
Running, yelling, or trying to “fix it” alone can make a situation worse.
Loose Horse: What To Do
Seeing a loose horse can be exciting and scary.
• Stop moving immediately
• Do not chase the horse
• Step out of the way
• Close gates or doors if you are next to them, otherwise stay still
• Tell the nearest adult right away
If Someone Falls or Gets Hurt
• Stay back and let adults respond
• Do not crowd the rider or horse
• Quiet your voice
• Move out of the way so adults and trainers have room
• If you’re riding with someone that fell off, stop your horse and have them stand patiently
If a Horse Acts Upset
Sometimes horses signal they don’t feel okay.
If you see:
• Pinned ears
• Stomping feet
• Tail swishing hard
• Eyes wide
• Jerky or fast movements
Make sure you:
• Step back
• Give the horse space
• Call for an adult
• Don’t try to fix the situation alone
Space = Safety.
If You Don’t Know What to Do
There’s a three-step safety plan that can follow:
Stop moving
Step back
Get an adult
Asking for help is always the right choice.