CHAPTER 7 ­ RIDING PREPARATIONS AND PROCEDURES

A RIDER

Each rider must be in good physical and mental condition. Any rider appearing intoxicated or under the influence is not allowed to ride. Any person that has not signed a Waiver, Code of Conduct, nor paid dues is not covered by ASI/Rec Sports Insurance is therefore not allowed to ride.

Each rider is required to wear long pants and boots. Chaps are recommended. Do not attempt to catch horses by throwing rocks at the them, swinging halters or chase/corralling them in any way. Use grain to encourage their obedience, or walk slowly up to the horses.

Horses are to be ridden only in favorable weather conditions and either after or before being fed.

When tacking up a horse, you must follow the following procedures:

1. Pick out feet ­ checking for injuries, cuts, bumps, bruises, swollen legs, and anything else putt the horse at risk if ridden.

2. Curry comb the horse, neck to butt ­ getting out all the dirt and releasing old hair.

3. Brush horse ­ making sure to brush face, lags, and under belly. Use a rag to remove any dust.

4. Bridle ­ obtain the horses designated bridle, remove halter from head but leave attached around the horse's neck. Standing to the left of the horse (not in front) slowly slip reins, martingale, and breast collar over the horse's head. Release halter and place the bridle on the horse's head, holding the bit in the left hand and bridle in the right. Take special care on Level III horses when placing the bridle around the ears, as they have a tendency to raise their head and pull away. Tighten curb chain and secure the throat strap. Place halter back on the horse. If there are draw reins put them on after they are saddled.

5. Saddling ­ Place two blankets down evenly on the back of the horse. Place saddle on horse checking the withers and shoulder for tightness or pinching from the saddle. Attach the girth to one side then proceed to the other side. When on the other side slide girth through martingale and tighten. Attach breast collar to the girth and not leathers. Return to the offside and attach the other side of the breast collar now. You should never leave your horse unattended with the saddle loose or attached to the bridle. If you have draw reins, release the halter and place them on the horse now. Replace halter when finished.

6. Check all tack - Make sure it properly fits, it is not broken, and it is all there. If anything is questionable ­ don't hesitate to ask.

7. Mounting ­ Lead horse away from tie rack, tighten girth and walk the horse again to allow it to comfort itself with the tack. Mount from the nearside with the reins in the left hand and the right hand on the back of the saddle. A truck bed can be used for assistance or a leg up from a club member. Do not use anything, such as a bucket to mount, because it might spook the horse.

8. The seat ­ Check the length of stirrups and all tack positioning.

Riding ­ Walk the horse to and from the track or horse unit. (Whenever riding at the horse unit, you are required to wear a helmet ­ no exceptions.) Always walk when first arriving to the track or arena. Starting them at a canter will always ingrain bad habits. Walk the horse on the track before leaving to return to the polo unit. A horse should never be allow to trot or run home. While riding be alert and aware of all things around you.

Trails ­ Stay on trails when riding. Do not leave a trail except in case of emergency. Open and close every gate that you come across and obey all posted signs. Do not chase, herd, torment, run at, or push over any cattle on pastures. Do mot run on trails that are rocky, narrow, downhill, or have blind corners or hard ground. Always trail ride in pairs.

Miles ­ Never pony more than two horses. Keep one horse on each side. Warm the horses up at a trot for at least ten minutes. If two horses are not getting along take one home. Don't continue to ride a horse with a frustrated or aggravated temperament. The horse could endanger you or your mount. Don't allow the horses to go at a full gallop, remain in complete control, slow your horses and return home. If a horse breaks away from your grasp and starts for home do not chase it. Slowly follow the horse home. A horse can easily slip on the pavement or trip on its lead rope.

POLO ­ following the same procedures as #1 - #8 plus the following:

1. Wrap the legs of the horses. Start below the joint and completely cover the cannon bone and fetlock joint. Put on bell boots when practicing.

2. Put the horse's tail in a braid or with tape.

3. Wear a helmet. They are required at all practices.

4. Follow all rules in the USPA handbook regarding sportsmanship and rider conduct toward other players and the horses.

When returning from riding you must follow the standard procedures:

1. Dismount and tie up the horse, put up the stirrups and loosen girth.

2. Undue the girth and release martingale and breast collar quickly proceed to release the breast collar on the other side. taking care to prevent the horse from being spooked with the saddle still attached to the bridle.

3. Remove saddle and girth, and put away in their designated places in the tack room.

4. Remove blankets and flip them upside down on saddle to dry.

5. Remove halter and undue curb chair, and throat strap.

6. Place halter around the horses' neck, and then proceed to take off bridle. When finished, place halter back on the horse.

7. Hang bridle in tack room with the reins, martingale, and breast collar secured on the throat strap.

8. Remove all other tack, wraps, bell boots, etc. Place each in their respective places.

9. Take horse to wash area and let water run on legs. Hose off back and butt and scrape when finished. Put horse away and secure gate. If it is too cold to bathe, brush horse thoroughly on back and legs.

10. Pick up all manure around polo unit, put away all brushes and tack, or anything else laying around.

11. Lock tack room and turn off or unplug all lights.

Feeding

Each horse should get one flake of hay. Load cart with one to three extra flakes. Place hay in bins and on manger. Most horses won't eat together so make sure there is at least six to seven separate hay flakes. Do not throw food on ground unless absolutely necessary. Check water levels and quality. While feeding, look for any horses that appear lame, ill or have any new injury.

Trailering

Load one horse at a time. Never put more horses in a trailer than allowed. Put all horses in facing the same way. If available, cover the horse's legs. Never whip a horse for not wanting to load. Make sure gate is locked and shut before leaving and ensure all lights and turning signals are working.

Table of Contents| Forward | Chapter 1: Getting Started | Chapter 2: Contacts | Chapter 3: Fund Raising & Help | Chapter 4: Mentoring Coordinator | Chapter 5: Marketing ProgramChapter 6: Safety Around Horses | Chapter 7: Riding Preparations | Chapter 8: Code of Conduct | Chapter 9: Sample By Laws | Chapter 10: Summer Horse Lease | Chapter 11: CoChair-Member Duties | Chapter 12: CoChair - Team Duties | Chapter 13: Public Relations Chair | Chapter 14: Horse Manager Duties | Chapter 15: Horse Donation Program |Attachment Sample -Handbook By Sue Sally Hale