Riding Tips & Skills
Tips for Horseback Riding in Maryland
A little local know-how goes a long way. Here is what Maryland riders learn.
Read articleHorseback Riding Safety Tips for Maryland Families
Peace of Mind, On and Off the Horse
A handful of horseback riding safety tips for families can turn a slightly nerve-racking idea into a confident, joyful activity for parents and children alike.
Safety in riding is mostly about good habits and good choices.
Always wear a certified helmet
A properly fitted, equestrian-certified helmet is the single most important safety habit. Every rider, every ride, no exceptions.
Dress for safety
Long pants and closed-toe footwear with a small heel protect legs and keep feet from sliding through the stirrup. Skip loose, dangling clothing and jewelry.
Learn ground safety
Much of horse safety happens on the ground. Approach a horse calmly where it can see you, speak softly, and never stand directly behind a horse.
Children especially benefit from learning these rules early.
Choose the right farm
- Calm, well-trained horses suited to beginners
- Small lesson sizes and real supervision
- An experienced, patient instructor
- A tidy, well-kept facility
Listen to your instructor
A good instructor sets the pace and the rules for a reason. Following their guidance is the heart of safe, happy riding — something we prioritize in every lesson.
Is horseback riding safe for children?
Horseback riding can be a reasonably safe and rewarding activity for children when sensible precautions are followed: a properly fitted certified helmet, suitable footwear, calm well-trained horses, good supervision, and an experienced instructor. Choosing the right farm is one of the most important safety decisions.
Key takeaways
- A certified, well-fitted helmet is the top safety priority.
- Long pants and heeled closed-toe shoes protect riders.
- Ground safety around horses matters as much as riding.
- Choosing a calm, well-run farm is a key safety decision.
Ride with Solitude Stables
We are a small family farm in Harwood, MD offering horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for riders across Anne Arundel County. We would love to welcome you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
More on this topic, answered simply.
Always wearing a properly fitted, equestrian-certified helmet is the single most important safety rule. It applies to every rider on every ride, beginner or experienced.
Look for calm, well-trained horses, small lesson sizes, genuine supervision, an experienced and patient instructor, and a tidy, well-maintained facility. Trust your instincts when you visit.
Always. Children should be supervised around horses at all times and taught basic ground rules early, such as approaching calmly and never standing directly behind a horse.
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With sensible safety habits, horseback riding becomes a joyful, lasting activity for Maryland families.
Have a question first? Email us at [email protected].