Those with young horses...

[siennamum]

I've always believed that Peacock Irons are unsuitable for adults, wouldn't fancy going XC in them myself. I only use flexible irons, I think they are the safest (though could be deluding myself)

Always have a neck strap or similar. Tend to prefer not to wear a BP, I find them a bit too restrictive, and as people have said a lack of ceremony or special measures can be more likely to lead to a positive outcome.

I do agree with whoever said about a mobile, I carry one all the time, I also think doing too much on your own and not having anyone know where you are or when you are due to finish is risky. that's something worth bearing in mind at all times tho.

I also ensure horse is completely prepared & have never had a horse react badly to being backed BUT I wouldn't assume that's because I have a special bond or am amazingly skilled. I've taken precautions but have also had a bit of luck & I always prepare for them to surprise me.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

no bp (dislike them) although I do have one of those MH body protector coats-most waterproof, well thought out riding coat I've ever owned! I do have a neckstrap and always a phone but then I do anyway, as am always doing them by myself.

Because I am an old crock, I have endurance irons with cages-before then I just had flexi irons. I don't ride in trainers but do ride in short, lace up boots almost all of the time.

 

[SpringArising]

I don't do anything different.

I've never understood how neck straps work. Surely if the horse bucked or whatever you'd have more chance of coming off, because your hands are fixed and in your lap?

I tend to ride a bit shorter for youngsters - that way if they play up I can just get up into two-point so they have nothing to boing out the saddle.

 

[PorkChop]

I always ride with a neck strap, that's about it - but then I often ride the older ones with a neck strap too

 

[Stormynight]

A good handful of mane has saved me more times than any specialised kit.

Don't hog them. We're good to go

 

[FfionWinnie]

Really depends on the horse. Any crazy horse I would take precautions. My young horse isn't crazy so apart from a neck strap (she's hogged) there's nothing else different.

 

[Clodagh]

I love the name 'Holy Crap Strap' we call the grab rails in the car 'Jesus bars' in the same way.

 

[OwnedbyJoe]

Gaiters, sticky bum jodhs, grab strap, always a helmet (that's normal on any horse) and I always have the first 10 or so rides in a stock of halfbreed saddle.. I also have the first 10 or so rides in a full cheek snaffle.