Riding Tours Blog

My friend sent me an interesting newspaper article a few weeks ago which I have just now had a chance to read. It ties in with Bayard’s recent post regarding horse safety and where the riding industry and insurance issues will go in the future. I think most riders who have?spent some time in the saddle understand the risks that are taken each time you are around horses- not even riding them! Does it stop you? It certainly doesn’t stop me, it’s actually part of the thrill.

The 2008 Red Hills Three Day Event course has been accused of being “too tough” which may have been the reason for a large number of falls and injuries at the event. Does the responsibility fall on the organizers or on the participants? “Ride at your own risk” is something that has been ingrained in me since I started visiting trail riding facilities as a child. I take responsibility for my actions. In saying this, I have never had a serious injury riding?due to negligence?of an operator.?I may have a different view if I had a negative experience. How do you all feel about this issue?

Sarah

Equitours recently randomly selected the three prize winners for the 2007 Pay-By-Check Contest.

Our first place prize winner was Mr. James Payne who joined Equitours ‘Ride Across the Andes’ Trip . James won a $2,500 credit towards a ride in 2008 and has booked himself on our Wyoming Pack Trip- Washakie Wilderness.

James had a wonderful time on his Argentinean ride and had the following to report back to Equitours.

“Very seldom does the average person get the opportunity to travel abroad to a country that he has fantasized about since boyhood. My ride in Argentina and Chile has been one of my best life experiences. As a boy, I had read Tschiffley’s Ride and watched TV travel documentaries, which only fueled my desire to go to South America and ride like a gaucho.

Equitours provided the catalyst for me to be able to achieve this life long desire. Their connections with South American guides and ranches provided a unique opportunity to see the landscape and lifestyle of both countries. The horses provided on the trip were exceptional compared to other trips I have taken abroad.

The geography, flora, and fauna which one sees is only enhanced by the experience that horseback riding gives you. The services provided to us as riders made our crosscountry ride even more unique. I would urge anyone to not put off taking this wonderful trip. The memories
will last you a lifetime.”

James Payne, Oregon

Equitours looks forward to continuing this contest and sending our valued clients on horse riding vacations around the world.

Bayard Fox has just rewritten his article on horse safety to include some new thoughts. The emphasis in the article is on avoiding a few of the major causes of accidents with horses and thereby making the sport much safer. The most dangerous hazards in Fox’s opinion are not always what most people would think. For instance, he rates having a hat or other object fall from a horse in front, spooking the horses behind as a major cause of falls and serious accidents.

Another danger to safety is lagging behind either purposely or inadvertently and then coming ahead fast to catch up. His theories come from over seventy years of riding and from working as an expert witness for equine accident cases. We would be glad to have your thoughts and comments about riding safety.