Beginner-Trail-Rides-short-ridesStandards For Horseriding Programs
The Horse Safety Australia Document “Standards for Group Riding Programs” is available for download here:
HSA STANDARDS current 32019
Policy: Concussion Policy, and remounting after fall from a horse.
At clinics HSA has always talked about procedures following a fall from a horse, which should be linked to three things:
- the possibility of an adrenaline surge which masks an injury… (We recommend that at least 20 minutes should elapse prior to the rider re-mounting their horse, and then this only is to occur if all seems well after this time and there is no possibility of any injuries, especially concussion. )
- never remounting if there is the possibility of concussion or other injuries. (In the case of suspected concussion medical attention is required prior to continuing the activity. Remember concussion can occur if you land heavily on either your feet or bottom, not just if you hit your head on the ground)
- the instructor/trail guide having current first aid qualifications so they can make a reasonable assessment of the symptoms and possibility of injuries
See the Concussion and Re-mounting Policy here: concussion and falls
Standard Operating Procedures:
Beginner Trail Rides
As a result of many requests, the Horse Safety Australia SOPs for beginner trail rides are available Beginner-Trail-Rides-short-rides
There are many reasons for the way beginner trail rides are described through these SOPs. They are based on our Standards for Group Riding Programs, the AHIC Code of Practice and the accumulation of many years of experience of a large number of good operators. This is not to say that there are not other ways of running trail rides, however, we believe that the details in these SOPs cover general principles basic to all such activities involving beginner riders. Of course, appropriate horses, good weather and terrain, and most importantly informed, qualified and dedicated staff are fundamental parts of a safe and enjoyable experience on a horse.
Helmets
Please note that where Horse Safety Australia recommends that riders wear AS/NZ 3838 (2006 onwards) helmets with the SAI Global mark or equivalent products.
The ‘equivalent’ refers to:
- American helmets: ASTM F 1163 (2004a or 04a onwards) provided they are marked with the SEI or SNELL E2001 logos
- British and European helmets: PAS 015 (2011) or VG1 01.040: 2014-12, provided they are BSI Kitemarked.
NOTE: The EN1384 helmets are NOT now being produced for the European/British market…and were withdrawn from the UK lists of accepted helmets at the end of 2015. What happens to the EN 1384 helmets with a Kitemark? If you have one of these and it is within the 5 years from date of manufacture (and has not had an impact which compromises its integrity) there is no reason to believe that it is not just as safe for use as it was before.
What is the Kitemark? It is an extra logo/evidence of a standards, which demonstrates that this batch of helmets adheres to the standards under which they were certified. It is a guarantee that all helmets from this group meet the required safety standards. Without this type of benchmark / logo there is no guarantee that your new helmet will actually meet the general standard under which it was manufactured.
BHS and BETA guide: 2017 BHS Approvals Hat Guide
SUMMARY : THE BETA WEBSITE AND BHS INFORMATION RECOMMEND:
Australian – AS/NZS 3838: 2006 onwards, provided they are SAI Global marked
British – PAS 015: 1998 or 2011 provided they are BSI Kitemarked or VG1 01.040: 2014-12 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
European – VG1 01.040: 2014-12 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
American – ASTM F1163: 2004a or 04a onwards provided they are SEI marked or SNELL E2001