“WHY”系列
The ‘WHY’ series
连载一（1）
Jeremy Michaels (FBHS)
In my introduction to this series of ‘Why’ articles, I explained my reason for writing them, namely, many coaches tell or ask their pupils to do something with a horse or pony but often omit explaining why you should do it.
在 “为什么 ”系列文章的引言中，我解释了写这些文章的原因，是因为许多教练告诉或要求学生去做一些事情，但往往忽略了要去解释为什么这样做。
Through the following articles, I aim to discuss basic stable management, handling and riding skills and explain why it is important to do them.
在接下来的系列文章中，我会讨论基础的马房管理、马下操作和骑乘技巧，并解释为什么这样做。
I am sure everyone will agree that SAFETY must always be our number one priority when handling and riding horses and ponies.
我相信大家都会有一个共识，那就是无论马下还是马上，安全始终最重要。
Safety also requires us to use common-sense. We also need to understand horses and ponies, that is, we observe their behaviour, their movements, their body language. Horses and ponies are beautiful and noble animals but also very powerful animals, who often act and react through natural instincts. Working with them and riding them can be high-risk. When working round horses and ponies ANTICIPATION is critical so we are aware of what they might or could do – we MUST be prepared!
为了保障安全，我们除了需要运用常识，还需要了解马匹：即观察马匹行为、动作和肢体语言。马是美丽而优雅，同时又非常强大的动物，它们经常会出于本能做出行为和反应。也因此，与马一起工作或骑马可能会面临风险。在做马下工作或骑马时，预判并意识到马匹可能会做什么是至关重要的——我们必须提前做好准备！
Certain items of clothing and equipment can help us stay safer when working with and riding horses/ponies – just like a seat-belt in a car, if worn and fitted correctly, it can significantly reduce the risk and severity of injury.
某些着装和装备可以帮助我们在与马匹一起工作和骑马时更加安全——就像车上的安全带一样，如果正确且合适地使用，可以大大降低受伤的风险和严重程度。
01 The first, and probably most important item you will own when handling, leading, riding and lungeing horses/ponies is a HELMET. When you go to buy one, go to a reputable tack/equipment shop; ask the staff if they are trained in hat-fitting so they can help you choose the right one - the helmet MUST FIT correctly to be of any use. Yes, helmets can be expensive but what price can you put on your safety? An injury to the head can often be very serious.
在进行马下操作、牵马、骑马和给马打圈时，你首先要配备的、也许是最重要的装备就是头盔。购买头盔时，请去有良好口碑的马具店，询问店员是否受过头盔适配方面的培训，以便帮你挑选合适的头盔——头盔必须合适才能发挥作用，否则头部一旦受伤往往会非常严重。头盔可能很贵，但你的安全又怎能估价呢？
02 Horses/ponies are heavy animals and can easily stand on your feet! Wearing the correct type of footwear can save unpleasant and painful accidents. Footwear should have a small heel (when riding the heel stops the foot slipping through the stirrup - this is why wearing trainers or flat shoes is UNSAFE). Shoes with buckles are also potentially unsafe as they can get caught on the stirrups and no high heels.
马匹是重型动物，而且很容易踩到你的脚！穿正确类型的马靴可以避免发生令人痛心且痛苦的意外。马靴应带有一点后跟（骑马时，鞋跟可以防止你的脚整个套进脚镫 — 这就是为什么穿运动鞋或平底鞋骑马是不安全的）。有卡扣的鞋也可能不安全，因为卡扣可能会卡在脚镫上，而且鞋跟不能过高。
未完待续 ......
在下期的分享中，我们将继续介绍其他重要装备。
作者
Jeremy Michaels
英国马会BHS院士级教官
英国马会BHS考试总考官
天星调良马术 马术培训总监&马房总监
教育学硕士
曾任英国马会BHS教育总监
曾任哈特伯瑞大学马业总监和高等学历教育资深讲师
