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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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