Should I use a red or green ribbon?

O

OneInAMillion

Well-Known Member
Joined
1 August 2008
Messages
4,897
Location
norfolk
Visit site
I know it's a real numpty question but I will try to explain my reasoning :o

My ex-racer should (fingers crossed) be making his SJ debut this weekend. He is absolutely fine warming up with other horses for dressage but when we took him in a SJ warm up he got very excited and then upset and was a little unsure when people came near him (ears flat against head)

However today when hacking my friends horse shoved right up behind him and then went backwards and once the other horse backed off he lifted his back leg up and waved at the other horse! He DIDN'T kick though.

Do I put a green ribbon in to let people know he is in-experienced or do people not take note of a green and is he better with a red (even though *touches wood* he's never kicked out)?

Or shall I use both?

Sorry if I haven't explained myself very well :o
 
Last edited:
Red, definitely.

Even if there's the slightest slightest chance he may kick out, at least if some numpty does come very close you have all bases covered and can say 'well he's got a red ribbon in' and not be blamed ;)
 
Funny you have posted this, i had the same question in my head about my youngster. Im taking her to her first show on sunday @ Kingswood and although she has never kicked she hasnt been in the warm up with lots of other horses. A friend come and rode one of my other in the school with her and she was just a little anxious when the other horse come towards her so i was going to put a green and red one on, that way im well covered :D
 
Most people don't know what a green ribbon is and a lot of people will come up to ask you what it is, if you go with red everyone knows what it means and will try and avoid you
 
I'd love to know if anyone has any legal experiences with this.
I used to ride a horse that did occasionally kick (after warning with ears back, tail swishing etc) but was told to not use a red ribbon (or green) as it was tantamount to accepting liability.
 
Puffin said:
I'd love to know if anyone has any legal experiences with this.
I used to ride a horse that did occasionally kick (after warning with ears back, tail swishing etc) but was told to not use a red ribbon (or green) as it was tantamount to accepting liability.
Click to expand...

surely if your horse injures another horse you are liable anyway, regardless of whether or not you have a ribbon?

My horse can panick if hemmed in by another particularly on an arena fence for example and i always wear a ribbon. He hasn't kicked out in years but i dont trust him and certainly dont trust other riders not to invade our space. I do my very best to keep out of people's way, and he's not the type to reverse into a horse to kick, more of a panic 'get away from me' kicker, but if he does injure another horse its my responsiliby...no?
 
I agree, red. It's hard enough getting people to respect red, with green you have no chance imo.

Surely the horse needs to have a history of actually kicking other horses for there to be a liability issue? Not that I'm an expert on legal issues.
 
I would say use a red one as well as people will keep out of your way. My little mare gets really wound up by other horses in the show jumping and x-country warm (she's now 9 so should know better haha). I used a red ribbon last time out even though she has never kicked out in her life (had her since a 4 year old) and she was much more settled as people respected her personal space. I always try keep her out of the way but you know what warm-ups can be like. She can jump away from the other horses and it was getting daft so I put the ribbon for the safety of us and the other horses and riders :).
 
But surely knowing your horse kicks and not doing anything about it is making you more liable?

If you put a red ribbon in and some idiot still comes close enough to be kicked, then that's their fault and not yours as you did warn them... Surely?! I know people sue a lot but even idiots could accept that that would be their fault not yours?
 
Liability in this sphere is very difficult that you are dealing with animals, horses.

All horses stand the potential to kick, bite, be unpredictable, even the 'quiet ones'.

There is a 'code of conduct' which would mean you would be taking reasonable care to those also in the vicinity - that is to wear the RED.

Most do not know what GREEN means.

If your horse kicks out and damages property (which can include another horse) regardless of the ribbon you are liable. hence the need for adequate insurance (third party liability).

Make sure you have good TP insurance, use a ribbon and common sense. You will be fine.

Warm up/collecting rings can be total nightmare places - and never my favourite place to be honest, so be ultra careful, and just keep your eyes open for the usual 'liabilities' (the prats likely to cause an accident).
 
Last edited:
nikkimariet said:
Red!! Naughty Archie! (I guess you're talking about Archie, good luck for debut!)
Click to expand...

Yes! I can completely understand his reason for doing it when someone has shot up behind you like other horse did! Just don't want to run the risk!! I *think* he will be fine but at least if he wears a ribbon I can say I told you so ;) I think it is worth being over cautious for the first time anyway :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top