How to Stay Safe When You're Alone at the Barn

Horses, though dearly loved, are rather unpredictable at times so it’s important to learn about different ways to stay safe when you’re around them – especially if you’re alone! Here’s How to Stay Safe When You’re Alone at the Barn!

As a college student myself, I spend a lot of time alone at the barn. And especially so since I was blessed enough to bring my horse with me and board nearby.

Unfortunately, going for an afternoon ride, with no tag-alongs, proposes some risks… such as falling off with no aid around, or similar injuries like getting kicked. And though the chances of getting seriously injured as a skilled horse owner are low, I personally like to take precautions just in case!

So if you’re like me and also spend time at the barn alone, here’s how to stay safe when you’re alone at the barn!

Let someone know where you are

The first thing I do when I get to the barn is text my family group chat. I let them know that I’m at the barn and am riding my horse, Theo. Sometimes it feels silly, but it’s so important that someone knows where you are – just in case.

Most of the time I text even if I’m riding around in arena, but absolutely if we’re hitting the trails! If your barn is active, then riding in the arena is a bit more sound; if you’re going out of the usual routine and trail riding by yourself, letting someone know where you are (and where you’re going) is a must.

Be sure to tell your friends and family to check up if they don’t hear from you in x amount of time!

Check out: Handling a Fresh Horse: The Ultimate Guide

Keep your phone on you (or a walkie talkie)

Thereupon letting someone know that you’re at the barn, it’s just as important to keep your phone on you. There are a couple of reasons for this. A) if you were to fall off and, say… twist or break something, then you’ll want to have a phone nearby to contact someone. And B) if you’re trail riding and end up lost, you’ll also need a way to contact someone or pull up a map.

If you live nearby, then consider taking a durable walkie talkie with you. (A, it’s fun, and B, it’s practical).

Stick to the usual routine

There’s a time and a place to raise that jump, and there’s a time and a place to gallop your horse in an open field for the first time. By yourself, is not the correct answer. It’s also better to be safe than sorry, so spend the time working towards strengthening the foundations of riding, fixing your position, or having a restful day.

Wear safety equipment

I know, I know, it’s so much easier to hop on bareback. But look, the time it takes to grab your helmet is insignificant compared to the road to recovery ; )

Stay safe at the barn by grabbing your helmet before hopping on, and even throwing on a saddle for more assurance. And if your horse is especially unpredictable, considering investing in some body armor as well!

Check out this post on The Best Helmets for Equestrians!

Have a first-aid kit on hand

Staying safe at the barn can range from preventing tiny scratches, skinned knees, or broken bones. Having a first-aid kit on hand is a good place to start! Add ointments for yourself and your horse, bandages, saline, etc. Anything that could be helpful if you were suffer from an injury without readily available help.

If you decide to build your own, then check out this post on Horse First Aid Kit Essentials!

Stay on the ground

If you’re not entirely comfortable riding alone, then consider taking the taking the time to just enjoy the barn. Always remember that sticking to groundwork does not make you a bad rider, just a responsible one. So here are some ideas of things you can fill your time with instead:

Have a spa day (whip out the mane and tail shampoo)
Clean your tack
Teach your horse some new tricks
Groundwork (work on respect and boundaries)
Film some videos or take photos
Take a hike (hand-walk your horse along with you)

If you would like some extra ideas, then check out these blogposts: Make this the BEST Summer as an Equestrian & Things to When You CANT Ride Your Horse!

At the end of the day…

Have fun – but stay safe! As fun as horseback riding is, it also comes with certain risks that we should always be aware of. Heres a quick round up on how to stay safe when you’re alone at the barn: