Riding Safety, Riding Safely North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely What 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 Safely But 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 Safely What 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 Safely What does the Safety Chairperson do? Recruits qualified Safety Riders Assesses qualifications of Safety riders and horses Assigns Safety Riders according to qualifications Obtains emergency contact information for Safety Riders Insures releases are signed by Safety riders 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 Riders 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 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 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 Resources available to Safety Riders “Safety Rider Requirements” and “Safety Guidelines” from Ride Manager and on Emergency contact phone numbers and instructions Current rider list with names and rider numbers Introductory letter from National Safety Committee Copies of past well done Accident Reports as examples Current and Past Safety Riders and other experienced Safety Riders by and phone North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First! Riding Safety, Riding Safely Interesting 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 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.website