Visitors to guest ranches are sometimes unfamiliar with horses, so it’s important that they understand how to stay safe. After all, a stomped toe (or worse) can quickly put a damper on a vacation.

The Dude Ranchers’ Association of America, an AQHA alliance partner, has put together a list of five important points for newbies, but the tips are also equally valuable to experienced horse people who welcome visitors to their farms and who have probably uttered these words many times. Brave souls who host children’s birthday parties or other gatherings may want to print out copies of this PDF!

1. No running.

When you are around horses, it is best to walk everywhere. Excitement kicks in when you are around horses, but it is important to know and remember that horses are very sensitive animals, and they can spook easily at sudden movements. If they see something or someone running at them, it is a natural flight reaction for them to try to get away from the situation. To make sure you and everyone around you gets on their horses safely, remember to always walk.

2. No yelling.

Even though you are excited to be around horses, be sure to keep your voice down. This goes along with the concept behind the “no running” rule – loud noises like yelling can startle a horse and endanger those around you. There is a saying in horsemanship: The quieter you are, the better. Being quiet with your voice and with your body will make you a better rider. Horses can sense the slightest movements and can read their riders’ body language. It truly is incredible how smart these animals are and how keen all of their senses are.

3. Always make sure a horse knows where you are.

Horses do not have peripheral vision like people do. They have two blind spots, but their biggest is directly behind them; therefore, you do not want to approach a horse from the back. When you are around horses, make sure to let them know where you are by talking to them and touching them as you move around them. If you are uncomfortable walking behind your horse with your hand or arm on their body, you can walk 5 to 7 feet around them and you will be safe.

4. Keep your hand flat when you are feeding treats.

Everyone loves a good treat after a hard day’s work, but horses can sometimes forget to be gentle around treat time. It is best to ask permission first before feeding treats, for safety purposes. When you are feeding your horse treats at the end of the day, make sure your hand is as flat as can be. The flat surface will ensure that all you will feel is the nuzzle of your horse’s lips on your hand and, to be honest, maybe a little horse slobber. The flat surface will also ensure that your horse will not mistake your fingers for carrots or horse cookies!

5. Stay out of pastures and corrals.

It is always a beautiful sight to see a herd of horses grazing in a pasture or taking an afternoon nap in the corral. You want to make sure you do not disturb the peace by entering the pasture or corral. In herds of horses, there are what seem to be strict pecking orders, especially around feeding time. It is similar to a high school cafeteria; there are groups that are on different levels in the social pecking order. Horses are a lot like people in that they have friend groups, and the groups don’t always get along. But when they don’t get along, they can kick and bite at each other, and you do not want to be caught in between two horses that are not friends. It is best to observe and watch these wonderful creatures from a distance and take pictures to remember the moment.

A few other tips for safety on and off a horse:

• Wear sturdy footwear when around a horse. Never wear sandals or flip flops.

• Do not wrap the lead rope around your hand.

• It’s always best to wear long pants when riding.

• A heeled boot works best for riding.

• Don’t let your horse get too close to the horse in front of you.

• Remember, you are not just a passenger while on a horse.

• Always complete the riding evaluation form truthfully.

Of course, there will be other things to remember when you are around horses, but these tips will help you understand some of the other rules that will come later. If you want to go on an unforgettable horseback riding vacation and put what you have learned here into action, contact the Dude Ranchers’ Association of America to help find the perfect vacation destination.