Riding Safety, Riding Safely Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely NORTH AMERICAN TRAIL RIDE CONFERENCE

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely What is a safety rider/ safety person? Safety personnel are “Ride Officials” One or more safety personnel follow competitors on the trail to assist any horse or rider in the event of an emergency. Who is eligible to be a safety person? Non-competing NATRC members and non-members 18 years of age or older Reference: NATRC Rule Book, Sections 3.B.6 and 4.D.1 NORTH AMERICAN TRAIL RIDE CONFERENCE

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely But what REALLY is a safety person? An experienced horseman riding a sound, fit and well-trained equine partner (or perhaps an ATV) 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 Safely What is a safety chair? Ride managers may assign one person to coordinate the activities of the safety personnel Is a safety chair 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 Safely What does the safety chair do? Recruits qualified safety riders or safety personnel Assesses qualifications of safety riders and horses Assigns safety personnel according to qualifications Obtains emergency contact information for safety personnel Insures releases are signed by safety personnel Coordinates 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 ride Submits volunteer hours for safety personnel and horses NATRC Rule Book Reference: none North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely Safety Riding is NOT: For schooling or training a young or green horse For schooling or training a young or green rider An introduction to NATRC or competitive trail Preparation for another sport Primarily a social engagement, although it is a great volunteer opportunity! North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely The Accident Report Not the direct responsibility of safety personnel, 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 company Not the “NATRC police report” on ride management One tool used to improve NATRC rules, ride locations, judging practices and administration Needs to be honest and complete; if it happens, it should be reported NORTH AMERICAN TRAIL RIDE CONFERENCE

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely 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

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely Safety Riders or Personnel We can’t live without them Contact a ride manager to apply To find the current National Safety Chair, Visit the NATRC website Committees page. NORTH AMERICAN TRAIL RIDE CONFERENCE