Makes sure instructors have thorough knowledge of safety practices, equipment use and maintenance, and technique.

Reviews the rules and operating procedures with the girls before each session.

Makes sure the safety rules are written, understood, practiced, and posted at the site.

Secures all equipment in a dry, locked storage area.

Makes sure girls and adults avoid wearing jewelry, especially pierced earrings, looped earrings, bracelets, and necklaces in contact sports or where jewelry may become entangled in equipment.

Makes sure a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those for emergency rescue ser vices and the police, is posted or carried by the adult in charge.

Teaches girls to take shelter away from tall objects in a storm with lightning and thunder. Find the lowest point in an open flat area.. Squat low to the ground on the balls of the feet. Have girls place their hands on their knees with their heads between them. Instruct girls to make themselves the smallest targets possible and to minimize their contact with the ground.

Riding instructors are adults who have current certification from an accredited horsemanship instructor training organization or documented proof of a minimum of three years’ experience successfully instructing in a general horseback riding program.

Assistant riding instructors are at least 16 years old and are currently certified by an accredited horsemanship instructor training organization or have documented proof of at least one year’s experience successfully instructing in a general horseback riding program.

Riders are supervised by instructors or assistant instructors at all times when in the proximity of horses, whether mounted or not.

Each rider is tested and classified according to her riding ability. The horse and the riding area are assigned according to the rider’s ability.

Beginning riders attend an introductory safety lesson, including information on horse psychology and behavior and approaching, handling, and leading a horse.

Before trail riding, a beginning rider rides in a ring or a corral. Riders must feel confident and demonstrate basic skills in controlling the horse (stop, start, and steer) and maintaining proper distance.

An instructor makes a safety check of each rider’s clothing, footwear, and helmet, the horse’s tack, and the riding area before each riding session.

Only one rider is allowed on a horse at any time.

There is no eating or drinking while riding.

At least one instructor and one assistant instructor supervise a group of 10 or fewer riders, with one additional instructor or assistant instructor for every five additional riders.

A pre-ride demonstration is given to all first-time riders, including mounting, dismounting, starting, stopping, steering, and maintaining a balanced body position.

Each horse and rider is under the observation of an instructor at all times.

The riding ring has good footing for the horses and is free of dangerous obstructions. The fencing is at least 42 inches high, visible, and well maintained. Gates to the ring are shut.

Each group is limited to no more than 10 riders, excluding an instructor and assistant instructor. For beginning riders or younger girls, or for difficult trails, increased supervision may be needed.

The length of the trail ride and the gait of the horses are geared to the ability of the least experienced rider.

Riding trails have good footing and are free of dangerous obstructions such as low-hanging branches.

Trails are marked, mapped, regularly inspected, and maintained.

Equipment for a trail ride includes helmets, halters, lead ropes, and rain gear.

Gates are left as found, open or shut.

Gear and first-aid kit are tied to the saddle or packed in saddlebags. Riders do not wear backpacks, day packs, fanny packs, etc.

Before the trail ride, riders warm up in a ring or corral to ensure that they are well suited to their horses and can control all the gaits and functions required during the trail ride.

The participants ride single file, one full horse length apart, with an instructor at the head and at the rear of the group.

Riders have control of their horses, maintain the spacing between horses, and increase distances between horses when the horses’ speed increases.

Public roads and highways are avoided whenever possible. (If a group must cross a road, the instructor first halts the group in a line well before the road, checks for traffic, and then signals the group to cross. At the signal, all horses are turned to face the high way and all cross at the same time.)

Horses are walked up and down hills, and for the final 10 minutes of any riding period in order to cool down.

In other riding situations, such as open range riding, horse shows, or parades, a written safety management plan specific to the activity is prepared.

Some activities, such as riding for girls with disabilities, vaulting, pack trips, driving, and games, may require special equipment, as well as horses and instructors with specialized training.

Long pants and appropriate protective clothing are worn. Clothing is snug to prevent tangling with the saddle.

Boots or shoes with a smooth sole and at least a half-inch heel are worn to prevent feet from sliding through the stirrups.

If tappaderos (a covering across the front of the stirrup that holds the foot in) are used, an athletic shoe with a nonskid sole may be worn.

Riders may not ride barefoot, in sandals, or in hiking boots with lug soles.

Riders may wear well-fitting gloves to protect hands from blisters, rope burns, and cuts.

Protective headgear with a properly fitting safety harness that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F-1163-88 requirements, displaying the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) seal, is worn by girls and adults, including all instructors, wranglers, stable hands, etc., while riding and preparing to ride.

Equipment is properly adjusted for each rider and horse.

Saddle size is appropriate for each rider.

Girth straps are fitted properly and checked by the instructor prior to mounting and throughout mount ed sessions.

Stirrup lengths are adjusted for each rider.

The stable operator provides evidence of liability insurance and instructor certification and references from other youth group users of the stable.

For both Girl Scout council and non-Girl Scout riding facilities:

The riding area is away from out side distractions and free of debris.

The barn and riding areas do not have exposed barbed wire fencing.

The instructional rings, corrals, paddocks, and stables have clearly posted rules and regulations.

The horses are properly cared for, and the stables, corrals, barns, etc., are clean and uncluttered.

Tack (saddles, bridles, etc.) is clean and in good condition.

Weather conditions are suitable for riding. The ground is firm and free of ice.

Riding is done during daylight hours only. Riding at night is in an enclosed, well-lighted area.

Permission and any necessary permits are obtained before riding on public or private lands.

Records of maintenance checks, requests, and repairs are kept.

A first-aider, level 1, is present.

An emergency vehicle is readily available.

Plans for communication with emergency services and fire officials are arranged in advance and known by each instructor.

Plans for response in an emergency, such as a fire, severe weather, an injured rider, an injured or loose horse, etc., are known by all participants and instructors.

At Girl Scout facilities, communication between the riding area and the site director or health care personnel is possible.

In stable and ring areas, telephone numbers for the fire department, local hospital or emergency ambulance service, and veterinarian are conspicuously posted, and the location of the fire alarm is known to all girls and adults.