Kristi PDF'd me an ad for the safety vests that inflate on impact. If any one is interested, I'll post a the ad at the stable. There's a 10% discount for you and Kristi will contribute to the Friends of Sterling fund.
I've written in past blogs about safety. They are horses and we are out in the woods, fields and streams where anything could happen. Don't forget to take in the sights, sounds and smells of those woods, fields and streams. That's why we go out out there. Of course, your horse may stumble, eat or spook. Don't bring that memory of your ride back with you. Bring back the memory of the woods, fields and streams that are the beautiful gem that make MGS what it is.
Ok, back to safety.
I will hang this at the stable so riders and our new staff have something to consider when people go out for a ride and something goes wrong during the ride.
Emergency procedures.
Stable address
8754 Hermitage Rd. Chardon Twp.
Take care of the rider first!
These are the situations from the uneventful to the worst case scenario.- The rider falls off and gets back on without any noticeable injury.When rider returns, ask if they have any pain or dizziness. Offer an ice pack from the freezer. Make sure they are safe to drive home.
- The rider falls off and is not injured and can't get back on. (I've had riders call me to drive out to give them for a leg up.) Find a log or rock to mount back up. When rider returns ask if they have any pain or dizziness. Offer an ice pack. Make sure they are safe to drive home.
When to bring a halter and lead rope.
- The rider falls off and is not injured and the horse runs away.Find out if the rider is ok and in which direction the horse went. Have them get to a place where a car can pick them up (unless they are so mad they need to walk off their anger). Find the horse and inspect for any injuries. Generally the horse comes back to the stable.
- The rider falls off, is injured and the horse runs away.Ask injured rider if they require 911 and how bad are their injuries. Can staff and/or help get to the location by car? Take rider to the stable (call 911 if necessary). Help make arrangements to get the rider home or to an emergency facility. Secure horse in a stall after inspecting for injuries.
- A non- Mountain Glen horse shows up without a rider. Try to catch the horse and safely put it in the round pen until the rider shows up. Sometimes a little black stallion shows up.
Worst case scenario.
- Horse returns to stable without a rider and rider is not answering their phone.Secure horse in stall. If there are other riders around start a search for the rider. Back track from the direction which the horse came from. ATV will come in handy in this situation. Yell out for the rider (because they may have landed on their phone). Call 911 if rider is unconscious and direct them to the location. Start first aid/CPR immediately.
Who to call. Judith or Holly
What to do. Take care of the rider the best you can.
Where they are. Know the property and learn the names of the areas.
How to help. General first aid.
Emergency contact list. Cell phone.
Emergency vehicles can access areas via service drives on property. Map in the tack room has driveway entrances marked and the key for the gates is hanging by the sink.Upper Duck Pond there is a gate on Clark Rd. and another off of Girdled across from Howard Van Dreist's house.
Judith's driveway will get to Upper Duck Pond.
Stone Cabin has a gate off of Mentor Rd. below Little Glen.
Sugarhouse can be accessed from Mentor Rd. at Little Glen.
The top of Little Mountain can be reached by a private driveway at the end of Little Mountain Rd.
I'm always thinking about safety but I still have fun. Some of us are bigger adrenalin junkies more than others. It's OK.
Keep your heels down, Holly.
