• What law applies
• Safety information for riders
• Training and education
• Workplace environment
• Safety when riding
• General health and safety issues
  • Workplace amenities
  • Manual tasks
  • Insecticides and other harmful chemicals
  • Machinery and electrical safety
  • Injury, illness and dangerous events

The Horse Riding Industry Code of Practice 2002

• First aid
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Sun safety and heat stress
• Safety switches
• Risk management

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Safety information for riders

Horse riding can be dangerous. Horses are capable of acting independently and can cause:

• head and spinal injuries
• fractures of arms and legs
• death.

Injuries can happen by being:

• thrown or falling from the horse
• crushed by the horse
• kicked by the horse.

The horse:

• The size and temperament of the horse or pony needs to suit the experience, skill and age of the rider.
• Riders should be given information about the horse¿s character and behaviour.
• Horses are large and powerful animals which can be easily upset or frightened.
• Riders should respect and understand the instinct of horses.
• Horses should be in good condition with bright eyes, a shiny coat and manicured feet.

The rider:

• The beginner rider can range from someone who has never ridden a horse, to someone who can mount, dismount and stop a horse, and may be confident at riding the horse at a walk.
• The medium rider is competent at riding the horse at a walk and a rising trot.
• The competent rider is confident and competent at riding a horse at a walk, trot and canter, and displays abilities at controlling the horse.

Helmets, boots and clothing

As a rider:

• Always wear a helmet that complies with the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3838 Helmets for horse riding and horse related activities (non-Queensland Government link).
• Wear smooth-soled, elastic sided, heeled shoes or boots.
• Do not wear trainers or sandals unless suitable and safe adaptations have been made, check with your instructor or person in charge of the ride.
• Wear comfortable long trousers and shirt which covers the arms and shoulders.
• Secure any loose clothing which could flap around and distract the horse.
• Avoid wearing jewellery particularly rings and earrings.
• Don't carry any loose items such as backpacks and cameras.

Riding equipment:

• Saddles should be the appropriate size for the horse and rider.
• Saddles, bridles and stirrup leathers should be clean, supple and well maintained.
• Stitching should be free from rot.
• Safety irons may be available for children and novice riders.

The instructor:

• Instructors should have appropriate qualifications (or equivalent) from an equestrian organisation.
• Ask if they are insured.

Road safety:

• Only ride a horse which has been trained with traffic.
• Riders with the least experience should ride in the middle of the group.
• Avoid riding in failing light or darkness.
• Always follow the directions of the person in charge of the ride.

Visitors should not interfere with riders, horses or equipment.