Riding Safety, Riding Safely

North American Trail Ride

Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelyWhat is a Safety Rider?

Safety Riders are “Ride Officials”One or more Safety Riders follow competitors on the trail to assist

any horse or rider in the event of an emergency.

Who is eligible to be a Safety Rider?Non-competing NATRC members and non-members 18 years of

age or older

Reference: NATRC Rule Book, Sections 3.B.7 and 4.D.1

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelyBut what REALLY is a Safety Rider?

An experienced horseman riding a sound, fit and well-trained equine partner

A first-responder who provides immediate first-aid care to an injured horse or rider

A person of sound judgment with effective crisis management skills

A competent horse handler with knowledge of horse training methods

Someone who cares about people, horses and NATRC

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelyWhat is a Safety Chairperson?

Ride Managers may assign one person to coordinate the activities of the Safety Riders

Is a Safety Chairperson required?No, but one is highly recommended to relieve Ride

Manager of many important duties pertaining to the safety of rides

NATRC Rule Book Reference: none

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelyWhat does the Safety Chairperson do?

Recruits qualified Safety Riders Assesses qualifications of Safety riders and horsesAssigns Safety Riders according to qualificationsObtains emergency contact information for Safety Riders Insures releases are signed by Safety ridersCoordinates Coggins check of Safety horses Insures Safety riders are properly equipped with vests, radios or

phones, first aid supplies, halter and lead.Collects NATRC Safety equipment at close of rideSubmits volunteer hours for Safety Riders and horses

NATRC Rule Book Reference: none

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelySafety Riding is NOT:

For schooling or training a young or green horseFor schooling or training a young or green riderAn introduction to NATRC or competitive trailPreparation for another sport Primarily a social engagement, although it is a great

volunteer opportunity!

NORTH AMERICAN TRAIL RIDE CONFERENCE

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelyThe Accident Report

Not the direct responsibility of Safety Rider, but he/she may be the only accident witness available to make a statement

Contains accidents of all types: Injury or non-injury Medical attention or no medical attention

Does not go directly to the Insurance companyNot the “NATRC police report” on ride managementOne tool used to improve NATRC rules, ride locations,

judging practices and administrationNeeds to be honest and complete; if it happens, it

should be reported

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelyResources available to Safety Riders

“Safety Rider Requirements” and “Safety Guidelines” from Ride Manager and on www.natrc.org

Emergency contact phone numbers and instructionsCurrent rider list with names and rider numbersIntroductory letter from National Safety CommitteeCopies of past well done Accident Reports as

examplesCurrent and Past Safety Riders and other experienced

Safety Riders by e-mail and phone

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding SafelyInteresting Circumstances and what to do

Life-threatening rider injury Secure the scene to prevent more injuries Call or send for help FIRST, including 911 and ride management Do not move victim or allow victim to move, if possible Administer comfort until help arrives

Non-life threatening rider injury and/or horse injury Secure the scene Assess need and administer first-aid Alert ride management Assist horse/rider to camp

Unexpected dangerous trail Halt riders and alert ride management Flag around danger, if possible

North American Trail Ride Conference

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely

Safety RidersWe can’t live without them Contact a Ride Manager to apply

To find the current National Safety Chair, Visit the NATRC website Committees page.