Caring for the horse
The horses always have access to clean water and receive basic daily care with inspection and grooming. The horses are tied up for all care, every part of the horse is checked, dirt, sweat and loose hair are brushed off, eyes and nostrils are kept clean and the hooves are picked out every day. Look at the horse’s urine and droppings too when you get the chance – consistency, colour and smell say a lot about how the horse is doing – and check whether the saddle pad is dirty and needs changing. Equipment is always kept whole and clean – tack is cleaned straight after every ride, the bit is rinsed and the leg protection brushed off.
Inspection
Let your hands glide over the horse’s body and feel for anything unusual such as local heat or swelling. The legs are checked by following the tendons from top to bottom. Look at the horse’s general condition, check the breathing (normally 8–16 breaths per minute) and the pulse (normally 28–40 beats per minute).
Our horses
- are shod or trimmed regularly by a trained farrier
- get analysed, adapted feed at regular times, free access to forage and free access to water
- receive the veterinary care they need
- live in boxes of approved size in a good, well-ventilated stable climate
- spend time outdoors every day and get daily exercise and care
- have well-fitting equipment chosen by a saddle fitter
- are matched to riders and lessons and follow a sound training plan according to the Swedish Equestrian Federation’s guidelines
- are looked after by approved, trained staff
Safety rules
- Riding: a helmet with hair tied up is mandatory for all riding. Riding breeches and riding boots, or riding shoes with half chaps, are recommended. No open jackets or scarves that can get caught. Gloves are a good idea.
- Body protector: recommended for everyone, including at club competitions; mandatory in competition for riders up to 18 since January 2008.
- Lungeing & long-reining: gloves, and a helmet for anyone under 18.
- Stable work: suitable clothing, ideally safety-toe shoes. No headphones when handling the horses.
- Handling horses: we never lead more than one horse at a time, with a headcollar and lead rope. A chain lead rope must be available. Trainees wear a helmet when bringing horses in and turning them out.
- Mobile phones: not used while riding or handling a horse.
- Reflectors: worn when riding in the dark.
- Jumping: riders under 18 jump with an instructor or trainer, or with a responsible person over 18 in the arena. If you are over 18, tell someone in the stable before you jump.
- Riding out: tell someone when and where you are riding out. Take a mobile phone. Slow down to walk and make room when you meet others – the ride is adapted to the least experienced rider.
Turning out through a gate
Open the gate fully, lead the horse in and turn it to face the gate before letting it go. When turning out several horses, line them all up with their heads towards the fence where the gate is, about 3 metres apart, and release them at the same time on a given signal. Then close the gate.
Keeping things safe and tidy
The stable aisle is kept clear of objects, tools and rugs are stored in their proper place, and nothing is left on the box walls or in the aisle. Knowledge and good judgement around horses means understanding and partly predicting the horse’s reactions, keeping things in order and working sensibly, efficiently and safely. Read the arena rules before riding – and always say hello to everyone in the stable: everyone is welcome here, and it should feel that way.