Not every person-horse pairing is appropriate
A familiar horse may react differently to wind, noise, pain or an unfamiliar place. The handler’s experience must suit both the animal and the operation, whether leading it between areas or assisting a visiting farrier.
Reassess the pairing when the environment changes or an incident occurs. Describing a horse as quiet does not guarantee a consistent response. Behavioural history, the activities familiar to the animal and the worker’s demonstrated skills provide better evidence than an informal impression or a general claim of experience.
Ground tasks need adequate space
Kicks, bites, pushing and trampling can occur without anyone riding. A case published by SafeWork NSW describes a serious injury while a horse was being led in windy conditions. Routes and preparation areas therefore deserve their own assessment.
Workspaces should allow people to act without becoming trapped between the horse and a fixed enclosure. Keep exits accessible, surfaces suitable and equipment tidy. Coordinate visitors, other horses and vehicles so that they do not introduce additional stimuli or obstructions during the handling task.
Demonstrated competence and communication
Competence should not be assumed because someone has ridden before. Check their ability to recognise agitation, follow the agreed method and ask for help. New workers need understandable instruction, support and supervision appropriate to the activity they are learning.
The responsible person and visiting professionals should agree how the horse will be managed and when work must stop. Do not improvise restraint arrangements or ask someone to exceed their skills. Where the activity forms part of a farm operation, include these arrangements within the assessment of Risks in agriculture.
Protection and incident response
Footwear, gloves, helmets and other protection should be selected for the task and assessment, with suitable fit and maintenance. They cannot replace separation, choosing an appropriate horse or controlling the working space and other people nearby.
The plan should provide communication with emergency services and accessible assistance. If a horse reacts unexpectedly, review the causes and handling method before repeating the work. This overview does not teach riding, training or veterinary restraint techniques. Those operations require practical instruction and supervision specific to the animal and task.
