Simple Safety Hacks for Your Horse
If you know me, you know I’m all about nipping problems in the bud—or as I like to call it, preventing “Accidents Waiting To Happen” (AWTH). Today, I tackled a few quick and easy safety upgrades in the barn and beyond to keep my horses safe, happy, and looking fabulous. Because let’s face it, nothing ruins a ride (or a mane) faster than an avoidable mishap!
Bucket Handle Safety: Taping Away Trouble
First up, I grabbed my trusty roll of duct tape and went to town on every bucket handle I could find—stall buckets, feed buckets, trailer buckets, you name it. Why? Those sneaky rubber protectors on bucket handles have a habit of slipping off, leaving a gap that’s practically begging for trouble. I’ve seen it too many times at endurance events: a horse gets caught on an exposed handle, and it’s a recipe for disaster. From painful scrapes to full-on panic, it never ends well.
Plus, those gaps can wreak havoc on a horse’s mane or tail. Cowboy’s been working hard for years to grow out his glorious mane, and I’m not about to let a rogue bucket ruin his style! A few strips of duct tape over those handles create a smooth, snag-free surface, keeping my horses safe and their locks intact.
Fencing Fixes: Taming the Hardware Hazards
Next, I took a stroll around the property to inspect fences and gates—because nothing says AWTH like a protruding screw or sharp edge. Any hardware sticking out got a generous wrapping of duct tape. Sure, a determined horse might still find a way to get a bump or bruise, but a few layers of tape can make all the difference, softening the impact and reducing the risk of serious injury. It’s a small step that adds a big layer of protection to my peace of mind.
Why It Matters
These quick fixes—duct tape on bucket handles and overexposed hardware—might seem small, but they’re game-changers in the world of horse safety. As endurance riders, we know our horses give their all on the trail. The least we can do is make their home base a safe haven, free from preventable accidents. Plus, who doesn’t love a low-cost, high-impact solution that keeps both horse and rider smiling? So, grab that duct tape, do a barn walk-through, and let’s keep those AWTHs at bay. Your horse (and their fabulous mane) will thank you!
