West Waterford Hunt Branch of the Irish Pony Club

1. Riding Hat.
Your hat should be worn & fastened at all times when riding & it's even a good idea to be in the habit of wearing it when you are handling your pony from the ground. You only have one head, so look after it! Your hat should be fitted by someone who is trained in fitting - if it doesn't fit properly, it won't work properly.
In simple terms, your hat contains a material that absorbs a lot of the impact from a fall by popping the airbubbles which are inside it. It means your head doesn't take the full force but each time your hat receives an impact its future protection is reduced. This is why if you do hit your head in a fall you should replace your hat.
NB. If you drop your hat it also counts as an impact so always look after it & handle with care!

2. Gloves.
These protect your hands from rope or rein burns when riding or leading your pony. Burns can REALLY hurt! Gloves will also keep your hands warm in the colder weather & provide grip.

3. Boots.
You should always ride in boots with a smooth sole & a small heel. This type of footwear minimises the risk of getting your foot caught in the stirrup in the event of a fall. Wellingtons & trainers are unsuitable for that reason.

4. Body Protector.
A body protector helps reduce the severity of injuries from a fall - like a hat - it takes some of the impact when you hit the ground. It needs to fit the person wearing it, so should be fitted by someone properly trained if possible.

5. Hi-Viz.
If you are out hacking, whatever the time of year & whatever the weather, hi-viz is important to ensure you are seen by other people. If you are riding off-road and are unfortunate enough to have an accident, anyone searching for you will see you much more easily if you are wearing hi-viz. There are plenty of products available now in addition to rider jackets, including boots for pony legs, hat bands, neck straps & exercise sheets.

6. Riding alone.
If you are old enough to ride your pony out alone, always tell someone which route you are taking. It's also a very good idea to fasten a keyring to a D on your saddle containing your name, address & phone numbers for you and/or a parent. If your pony was to spook or bolt etc. & leave you behind, you'll have a great chance of being reunited quicker if these details are available to anyone finding your pony!