1. Always wear safe clothing and use equipment that is in good repair. Always wear boots to protect your feet should you get stepped on when you are working with or near horses. Wear pants to protect your legs, especially while riding. Your clothing should be well fitted so that it does not catch on any farm equipment. Always wear an ASTM approved helmet when tacking up and riding.

2. Never run, make sudden movements or sudden loud noises around horses. Some horses will become startled from sudden actions or noises and a startled horse is more likely to cause injury than a calm one. 

3. Never approach a horse directly from the front or rear. Always approach the horse by his shoulder or the side. Never stand directly in front or directly behind a horse, even when you are brushing his tail or forelock as he may not be able to see you well.

4. Whenever you are near a horse, always make sure he knows where you are by speaking to him or keeping a hand on his body as you move around him. When you walk around a horse, either walk far enough away that you are not in his kicking range (at least 12 feet) or so close that you cannot receive a full blow should he kick.

5. Always let a horse know what you intend to do . For example, when picking up his feet, do not grab hurriedly. Instead, run your hand down staring at his shoulder and down to his pastern, and the horse should pick up his foot for you.

6. When holding the lead rope, always fold the extra rope back and forth instead of around in a loop. Then, hold the rope around the outside of the bundle. Never, ever loop the extra rope (or any equipment) around your hand or other body part. If you do this and the horse pulls away, the rope can tighten around your hand or fingers, possibly causing serious injury should the horse then take off running.

7. Never hold the horse's halter with your hand when leading. Your hand could get very stuck if the horse tosses his head and/or decides to spook or take off running. It is very, very dangerous. Always use a lead rope when leading a horse, and hold it in both hands.

8. Remember the horse is much stronger than you. If the horse becomes startled and attempts to run, just let go of him. If you hang on to the lead rope while the horse tries to escape, you may put yourself in danger of being knocked over, dragged or trampled. Remember that the horse can always be caught again, and your safety is most important.

9. Whenever you are leading a horse through a narrow space like a doorway, be sure that there is at least 4 feet of clear space on either side of him. Open all gates and stall doors all the way before walking through them.

10. Never drop your reins on the ground, hook cross ties directly to a horse's bit or tie your horse by the reins to a stationary object. If your horse were to panic, they could seriously injure themselves.

11. Always work with the horse on his left side when you are saddling, leading, mounting or dismounting.

12. When turning your horse out, always lead them all the way through the gate and turn them to face you before removing lead rope/halter.

13. No running, yelling or playing in the barn aisles.

14. Be sure to close and latch all gates behind you.