Riding Safety, Riding Safely

North American
Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
What is a Safety Rider?
Safety Riders are Ride Officials
One or more Safety Riders follow competitors on the trail to assist

any horse or rider in the event of an emergency.

Who is eligible to be a Safety Rider?

Non-competing NATRC members and non-members 18 years of

age or older

Reference: NATRC Rule Book, Sections 3.B.7 and 4.D.1

North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
But what REALLY is a Safety Rider?
An experienced horseman riding a sound, fit and

well-trained equine partner

A first-responder who provides immediate first-aid
care to an injured horse or rider
A person of sound judgment with effective crisis
management skills
A competent horse handler with knowledge of horse
training methods
Someone who cares about people, horses and
NATRC
North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
What is a Safety Chairperson?
Ride Managers may assign one person to coordinate

the activities of the Safety Riders

Is a Safety Chairperson required?

No, but one is highly recommended to relieve Ride

Manager of many important duties pertaining to the

safety of rides
NATRC Rule Book Reference: none
North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
What does the Safety Chairperson do?
Recruits qualified Safety Riders
Assesses qualifications of Safety riders and horses
Assigns Safety Riders according to qualifications
Obtains emergency contact information for Safety Riders
Insures releases are signed by Safety riders
Coordinates Coggins check of Safety horses
Insures Safety riders are properly equipped with vests, radios or

phones, first aid supplies, halter and lead.

Collects NATRC Safety equipment at close of ride
Submits volunteer hours for Safety Riders and horses
NATRC Rule Book Reference: none
North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
Safety Riding is NOT:
For schooling or training a young or green horse
For schooling or training a young or green rider
An introduction to NATRC or competitive trail
Preparation for another sport
Primarily a social engagement, although it is a great

volunteer opportunity!

NORTH AMERICAN TRAIL RIDE CONFERENCE

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
The Accident Report

Not the direct responsibility of Safety Rider, but he/she

may be the only accident witness available to make a

statement
Contains accidents of all types:
Injury or non-injury
Medical attention or no medical attention

Does not go directly to the Insurance company

Not the NATRC police report on ride management
One tool used to improve NATRC rules, ride locations,

judging practices and administration

Needs to be honest and complete; if it happens, it
should be reported
North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
Resources available to Safety Riders
Safety Rider Requirements and Safety Guidelines

from Ride Manager and on www.natrc.org

Emergency contact phone numbers and instructions
Current rider list with names and rider numbers
Introductory letter from National Safety Committee
Copies of past well done Accident Reports as
examples
Current and Past Safety Riders and other experienced
Safety Riders by e-mail and phone
North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely
Interesting Circumstances and what to do
Life-threatening rider injury

Secure the scene to prevent more injuries

Call or send for help FIRST, including 911 and ride management
Do not move victim or allow victim to move, if possible
Administer comfort until help arrives

Non-life threatening rider injury and/or horse injury

Secure the scene

Assess need and administer first-aid
Alert ride management
Assist horse/rider to camp

Unexpected dangerous trail

Halt riders and alert ride management

Flag around danger, if possible
North American Trail Ride Conference

Safety First!
Riding Safety, Riding Safely

Safety Riders
We cant live without them
Contact a Ride Manager to apply

To find the current National Safety Chair,

Visit the NATRC website Committees page.
North American Trail Ride Conference