Here are some easy ways of keeping yourself safe and alerting emergency services in the event of an accident.
ICE Contacts
If you are going out, make sure you plan your route and tell someone where you’re going and what time you expect to return. There’s nothing worse than getting lost, especially in the dark, so it’s always advisable to take a charged mobile with you when riding out. Add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact to your phone, with the details of someone responsible you would want to be contacted should anything happen. This can help emergency services get in touch with your next of kin as quickly as possible.
Some phones allow key medical and ICE contact information to be displayed on the lock screen without the need for a password or code. Check your phone’s instructions or ask in your network’s store to see if this is an option. There are also a variety of phone apps that can be downloaded which are specifically designed for use in emergency situations such as the What3Words app.
Horse and Rider Identification
Tags and armbands are easy, low-cost and highly visible ways of identifying yourself and your horse.
A medical armband allows your name, ICE contact and any medical information to be immediately visible to emergency services.
If you've been unfortunate enough to part company while riding out, a tag attached to the saddle or bridle could help anyone who finds your horse to ensure they get home quickly and safely. Add your horse's name, yard location and emergency contact information and make sure the tag is easily visible.