The Not-So-Secret Diary of Diva the Shetland Pony - Floof!
18/04/2024Diva (Melland Queen of Scots) usually gets her summer coat quite early compared to other horses and ponies, but this year she has been holding onto hers for a lot longer.
If you’re keen on outdoor life then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy riding horses. However, this popular activity can come with its own set of risks. And while equestrians might be used to the more common causes of accidents, like poor equipment or speeding traffic, what about other dangers?
Before setting out on any ride you’ll have arranged suitable horse rider insurance but are you aware of the risks presented by other animals in the fields through which you might hack? Understanding how to ride safely near livestock will not only protect you and your equine companion but will also mean landowners are more likely to welcome you back!
With around 32,000km of bridleways and almost 10,000km of byways, horse riders in the UK are fortunate to have such an extensive network – enabling everyone to explore the countryside to their heart’s content. However, it’s important to appreciate how it’s only with the cooperation of landowners that such routes are kept open and enjoyable.
Landowners obviously need to use their land for a variety of purposes in order to make a living. One of the most common ways is the keeping of livestock, whether cattle, sheep, pigs or less common stock such as llamas and alpacas or even ostriches, emus and water buffaloes!
Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best intentions sometimes horse riders are prevented from using a right of way by the threatening or dangerous behaviour of livestock. If this happens, the highway authority has various legal means to remove the animals, but riders will have to provide good evidence of dangerous behaviour in order for this to happen.
Alternatively, dangers might arise if your horse meets livestock they are unfamiliar with. Even if the animals are not actually threatening it could provoke a dangerous reaction from your equine partner. According to the BHS, incidents with pigs, llamas, alpacas, emus, ostriches, deer, water buffalo, turkeys and geese have all been reported.
To help get your horse familiar with any new stock on your favourite hacking routes try asking the owner if you can introduce your horse to the animals in a safe environment. A bit of cooperation is a great way to reduce the stress on the stock as well you and your horse.
Your safety must always come first. Even with horse rider insurance it’s better to act early and avoid harm.
Many worries about livestock happen where behaviour is seen as threatening through a rider’s lack of knowledge and experience. Or where the actions of the rider have inadvertently provoked a dangerous reaction from the livestock. The following points are worth being aware of.
If you do run into a problem during your ride then mention it to the landowner and see if they have any advice. While they’re unlikely to be able to move livestock from the field, there might be other measures they could take. No landowner will want someone to come to harm on their land.
From young riders taking their first steps into the equestrian world to experienced veterans, horse rider insurance arranged through Equesure is the best way to protect yourself and your equine.
With over six decades of experience in the insurance market, our specialist team can offer you a bespoke insurance policy suited to your needs. Whether you own your own horse or not, we can arrange cover for you.
Policies from our varied and trusted panel of insurers can offer personal accident cover up to £20,000, public liability up to £1 million, saddlery and tack cover, and emergency vet fees up to the value of £1,500.
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Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
Diva (Melland Queen of Scots) usually gets her summer coat quite early compared to other horses and ponies, but this year she has been holding onto hers for a lot longer.
Is it spring yet? It’s been teasing us the last few days, going from a few dry days when I could walk across most of the field and it felt like spring, to heavy downpours, including hail, which reverted the field back to a quagmire. I didn’t let it put me off too much, though, and I’ve now managed to get all three horses back into work! Eek!
I can’t believe it has only been just over two weeks since Freya arrived! She’s kept her calm temperament, although does have her cheeky moments with her being a baby, and now discovering what treats are (my own fault!).
Following on from the previous blog, Diva and I were taking part in a clinic held by Lisa Dixon of Freelance Equine – Trick Training and Horsemanship at Truesdale Equestrian Centre.