Safety Guidelines
We hope that everyone using this service is honest, genuine and friendly horse riders looking to make new friends and ride out with like-minded people. However, please take note of the following practical tips in order to ensure that things go happily to plan.

Don't share your place of work, home address, horses location or any other identifying information initially until you are comfortable doing so.

When registering your details and leaving a message for other horse riders, please be truthful with your answers and information. This ensures that no one is mis-lead and that riders meet up with like-minded people that they are happy to associate with.

Do trust your gut feelings, if you are in contact with another rider and feel threatened or unsure, please stop contact and let Equine Buddies know of the problem.

If you listen to any messages that are not appropriate to the Riding Buddies service or contain un-pleasant information, please let us know stating which message and region it was.

When you have arranged to meet and ride out with someone, do tell your family or partner of the meeting with times and where you will be riding. Ensure that they have a description of the route that you will be taking in case of any accidents.

Do carry a charged mobile phone when at the stables and whilst riding. Ensure that you have emergency contact numbers programmed in beforehand.

It is always advisable to carry an emergency card with you and have one attached to your saddle also. This can provide information on who to contact in an emergency, your contact details, where your horse is stabled, any allergies or illnesses, your vet and farrier numbers.

We recommend that riders wear appropriate safety gear including a hat conforming to the current safety standards and fluorescent clothing.

For a first meeting it is best for you to make your own way to the stables or meeting point, rather than being picked up by the rider you are due to meet.

Get as much information about the person you are meeting as possible, including what vehicle/horse box they will be driving, so that you can watch for them arriving.

We would recommend that you meet the rider whilst there are other people or family around on the yard. If you are meeting at the other riders yard, make sure you have the yard's full address and if in any doubt, take a drive over to check it out before arriving.

Ensure that there will be adequate parking at the venue for both/all of you.

Do be wary of someone who is vague, talks in circles or answers questions with other questions. If in doubt, do not arrange to meet and let us know.

© 2007 bridleways.co.uk