Trail Safety

[Kenzie_Kelly@spc.com]

     The articles on mounted safety did appear in Practical Horseman, as
     some have pointed out.  I regret any confusion the error may have
     caused.  :)  The gist of several of the moves was to go into the
     attacker, which makes sense when you think about it, but you aren't
     really thinking when someone grabs you.

     Which is why I think I'll organize a safety practice session this
     weekend.  We can practice turning towards an "attacker", maybe set up
     targets for mace/pepper spray, check out cell phone reception at the
     furthest trail head, and make sure our whistles are in good working
     order.

     I've had several instances of running into scary people.  I suppose
     that's one of those things I deal with for being in a state park.  Any
     idiot with $2 can go where ever they like.  Luckily, most of my
     run-ins have been at the barn, where I can raise my voice and people
     come running.

     I don't have to deal with hunters here, but the land across the street
     from my family's ranch is a hunting club operation.  They bus the
     hunters in, leave them in a tree stand, and then come back and get
     them later (all this luxury for $300 and up a head).  They are told
     NOT to leave that tree stand.  I try to know the schedule of pick-ups
     and drop-offs, so I can ride when there isn't anyone out there in the
     woods (notwithstanding poachers - which is why my Pit Bull accompanies
     me on rides down there).  And the management company is pretty good
     about telling us when they have people out, and telling the people
     that there are going to be horses and riders on the road.

     I wouldn't carry a gun on rides just because I don't believe in them,
     and I'm too scared of them for it to be effective if I did - but I
     respect those of you who do carry them and have taken all the safety
     courses.

     This thread has been excellent as a source of safety ideas for the
     trail.  Really got me thinking about how to be safer on my next solo
     ride.  I mean, horseback riding is dangerous enough, so every little
     bit helps.

     Kenzie & Zane (I get new, different shoes so we'll know who I've run
     over? :)
     Birmingham, AL




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