Before you ride – 6 things to check

24 October 2026

There’s something special about getting ready for a ride. Whether you’re heading out for a relaxing trail ride, practising in the arena or preparing for a competition, those few minutes before mounting can make a real difference to your horse’s comfort and wellbeing.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of riding, taking the time to check your horse and their surroundings can help you spot potential problems before they become more serious.

Here are six simple checks to make part of your pre-ride routine.

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1. Legs and hooves: Start from the ground up

Your horse’s legs and hooves carry their weight through every stride, making them one of the most important areas to check before riding.

Begin by running your hands gently down each leg, feeling for unusual warmth, swelling, cuts or tenderness. Compare the legs, paying attention to anything that feels different from normal.

Next, pick out each hoof and look for trapped stones, packed dirt, damaged hoof walls or loose shoes. Even a small stone lodged in the hoof can cause discomfort.

Things to check:

  • Swelling, cuts or unusual heat around the legs.
  • Stones, mud or debris trapped in the hooves.
  • Loose, damaged or missing horseshoes.
  • Cracks, tenderness or changes in hoof condition.

According to Agriculture Victoria’s horse care guidance, regular hoof maintenance and checking horses for signs of injury or illness are important parts of responsible horse ownership.

If you notice heat, swelling, significant tenderness or signs of lameness, avoid riding until the cause has been assessed.

2. Tack fit: Comfort and safety go together

A well-fitted saddle and bridle do more than make riding comfortable. They also help protect your horse from unnecessary pressure, rubbing and discomfort.

Before mounting, inspect your tack for signs of wear or damage. Check that the saddle sits correctly, the girth is secure and the bridle fits comfortably without pinching.

Pay particular attention to areas that experience regular pressure, including the back, girth area and behind the ears.

Things to check:

  • Saddle positioning and signs of pressure or rubbing.
  • Girth fit and condition.
  • Bridle, reins, buckles and stitching.
  • Stirrup leathers and other safety equipment.

Remember that your horse’s shape can change with age, fitness and weight. Tack that fitted well several months ago may need reassessing.

WorkSafe Tasmania’s horse safety guidance highlights the importance of checking tack before use and ensuring equipment is comfortable and suitable for both horse and rider.

If you’re unsure whether your saddle fits correctly, consider seeking advice from a qualified saddle fitter.

3. Behaviour: Pay attention to what your horse is telling you

Every horse has their own personality. Some are naturally energetic and curious, while others prefer a quieter, more relaxed approach.

Because you know your horse’s usual behaviour, you may be one of the first to notice when something doesn’t seem quite right.

Before riding, observe how your horse responds to grooming, handling and tacking up.

Behavioural changes to watch for include:

  • Unusual nervousness, agitation or reluctance to be handled.
  • Pinning their ears, biting or reacting when the saddle or girth is fitted.
  • Appearing unusually quiet, withdrawn or lethargic.
  • Changes in appetite or interest in their surroundings.

Behavioural changes aren’t always training issues. Discomfort, pain, illness or environmental stress can also affect how a horse responds.

Penn State Extension’s horse handling guidance explains how horses respond to their environment and why recognising normal equine behaviour is important for safe handling.

If your horse is acting significantly differently from usual, take the time to investigate before continuing with your ride.

4. Movement: Watch how your horse walks

A horse may appear comfortable while standing still but show signs of stiffness or discomfort once they start moving.

Before mounting, lead your horse on a safe, level surface and observe their movement. Look for an even, comfortable stride and compare it with how they normally walk.

Signs to watch for include:

  • Shortened or uneven strides.
  • Reluctance to move forward or turn.
  • Head bobbing or shifting weight unevenly.
  • Noticeable stiffness or signs of discomfort.

Even subtle changes in movement can sometimes indicate an underlying problem.

The University of Connecticut’s equine conditioning guidance recommends assessing a horse before exercise, including looking for stiffness, lameness, soreness and unusual swelling.

If your horse appears lame or uncomfortable, skip the ride and seek veterinary advice rather than attempting to work through the problem.

5. Hydration: Make sure your horse is ready for activity

Keeping your horse hydrated is important throughout the year, but it becomes especially relevant during Australia’s warmer months.

Exercise, hot weather and humidity can increase fluid losses through sweating, making access to fresh drinking water essential.

Before heading out, check that your horse has had access to clean water and is drinking normally.

Things to consider:

  • Has your horse had access to fresh, clean drinking water?
  • Have you noticed a change in their normal drinking habits?
  • Is the weather particularly hot or humid?
  • Will your ride involve prolonged or strenuous exercise?

Agriculture Victoria advises that clean water must always be available to horses and notes that water requirements can increase considerably during hot weather.

Plan exercise around the conditions, allow appropriate rest breaks and provide opportunities to drink.

If your horse shows signs of dehydration, unusual weakness, heat stress or significant fatigue, don’t ride and contact your veterinarian for advice.

6. Surroundings: Check the environment before you set off

Even a healthy, well-prepared horse can encounter unexpected hazards during a ride.

Whether you’re riding in an arena, across a paddock or along a trail, take a moment to assess your surroundings before mounting.

Horses are naturally alert to changes in their environment, and unfamiliar sights or sounds can sometimes trigger a sudden reaction.

Before riding, consider:

  • Uneven, slippery, rocky or unstable ground.
  • Damaged fencing, loose wire or other obstacles.
  • Weather conditions, including strong winds, thunderstorms or extreme heat.
  • Nearby vehicles, machinery, animals or unfamiliar activity.
  • Whether the riding environment is suitable for your horse’s experience and fitness.

If you’re heading out on a trail, let someone know your intended route and when you expect to return. Carry a charged phone and wear appropriate protective riding equipment.

University of Missouri Extension’s safe riding guidance discusses the importance of preparing both horse and rider and recognising hazards associated with riding environments.

A quick look around before setting off can help you make safer decisions for the ride ahead.

When should you reconsider riding?

Sometimes, the best decision you can make for your horse is to postpone a ride.

If you notice unexplained swelling, lameness, unusual behaviour, signs of illness or poorly fitting equipment, it’s worth addressing the issue before continuing.

It’s also important to consider whether the weather, terrain and planned workload are suitable for your horse on that particular day.

Not every concern indicates a serious problem, but taking action early may help prevent an existing issue from becoming worse.

When you’re unsure about your horse’s health or soundness, consult your veterinarian.

Protecting your horse beyond the ride

Looking after your horse isn’t just about what happens in the saddle. It’s about the everyday decisions that support their health, comfort and long-term wellbeing.

Making these six checks part of your routine can help you identify changes early, prepare more confidently and enjoy your time together.

Of course, even with careful preparation, unexpected injuries and illnesses can still happen.

That’s where having the right protection may help. Petcover Horse Insurance offers a range of cover options designed to support horse owners when the unexpected occurs, including optional veterinary fees cover for eligible injuries and illnesses.

Learn more about Petcover Horse Insurance and explore the cover options available for your horse.

Protect your horse this spring

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