Safety Tips

Staying safe

Horses are unpredictable. These steps take minutes and make a real difference.

Riding SafetyFarrier Safety

Start with an intro call

Before committing to anything, arrange a quick call through our messaging. Get a feel for each other, ask about the horse, and listen for anything that doesn’t sit right. It’s low pressure — and well worth it.

Always do a meet & greet

Meet the horse on the ground before anyone rides. Owners — watch how the rider handles themselves in the yard. Riders — see how the horse behaves up close. If anything concerns you, trust your instincts. A good neighbour will understand.

Meet & greets are arranged at your own risk. Make sure you have appropriate insurance before visiting any yard — even just to view a horse.

Sort your insurance first

Both owners and riders need cover before any activity. Riders — don’t assume the owner’s policy covers you. It often doesn’t.

Simplest option for riders

BHS Gold membership includes up to £30m public liability and personal accident cover for recreational riding — from around £8.50/month. Visit bhs.org.uk/membership/gold-membership

Useful organisations

Trusted resources for safety, welfare, and verification.

British Horse Society

Safety advice, welfare guidance, insurance, and incident reporting. Visit bhs.org.uk

Central Equine Database (Equine Register)

Check any horse’s microchip, passport, and registered owner. All UK horses are legally required to be registered. Visit equineregister.co.uk/chipchecker

RSPCA

Horse welfare. Report concerns about a horse’s welfare — you don’t need to know who owns it. Visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/horses

Report an incident

British Horse Society

If you’re involved in any incident on the road or in a public place, however minor, report it to the BHS. They collect data across the UK and use it to lobby for safer laws and better driver awareness. It takes a few minutes and genuinely helps. Report via the BHS Horse i app or their online incident form: bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/record-an-incident/incident-report-form

Check your horse is ready

Before the appointment, make sure your horse has been caught, is tied up safely, and has had their feet picked out. Arriving prepared shows respect for the farrier’s time and makes the visit safer for your horse.

Be present, or arrange cover

You or a responsible adult should be on site during the appointment. Don’t leave a farrier alone with a horse they’ve never met. If you can’t be there yourself, make sure someone who knows the horse is.

Be honest about your horse's behaviour

If your horse has a history of being difficult with farrier (lifting, pulling back, kicking) say so upfront in the booking. A good farrier will appreciate the heads-up and can come prepared. Surprises on the day help nobody.

Never book a farrier for a horse that is known to be dangerous to handle without disclosing this in advance. Both parties are responsible for each other’s safety on the day.

Make sure you have appropriate insurance

As a horse owner, you should hold appropriate public liability insurance before any professional visits your yard. Check your policy covers third-party visits and professional services.

BHS Gold membership includes public liability cover for horse owners from around £8.50/month. Check your existing policy first, yard or livery insurance may already cover you. bhs.org.uk/membership/gold-membership

Keep records

After each visit, note what was done, trimming, shoeing type, any corrective work. This helps your next farrier understand your horse’s history and ensures continuity of care.