Tie the pony or horse to a post, rail, or crossties before beginning your stirrup adjustments. Never leave your horse or pony untied while moving the stirrups up or down. Alternatively, can have someone else hold the horse in place while you adjust the stirrups. Before measuring for your stirrup length, you need to be sure that the horse's saddle is on correctly. If it is not, the measurements you do will not be correct. Look both parallel to the horse and perpendicular, making sure that the saddle is square and that the stirrups are both the same length. If the saddle is not square, adjust the saddle on top of the horse before you start adjusting the stirrups. Find a starting position for the stirrup in which it is about as long as your arm. This will allow you to hold it out and do more exact measuring. Pull the stirrup iron straight out until it sits just under your armpit, and the leather runs the full length of your arm. If the end of the stirrup iron doesn't reach your armpit when your fingers reach the saddle, then the stirrup is too short. If it droops between your armpit and your fingers, then it is too long.  While measuring, stand perpendicular to the horse and the stirrups. If you have just begun riding, have shorter rather than longer stirrups so that you will have more control. Once you know the correct length, you will need to adjust the length by putting the stirrup buckle into the correct hole on the stirrup leather. Get hold of the buckle at the top of the stirrup leather and adjust the buckle until the stirrup is the correct length. Most buckles are tucked up close to the saddle but can be pulled down lower during adjustment. This will make adjustment easier. Loosen the stirrup on the other side so that it is about as long as your arm. Pull the stirrup iron straight out towards your armpit. The length of the stirrup from the connection on the saddle to the bottom of the stirrup iron should be the length of your arm from the armpit to the fingertips. Once both are adjusted, look at them both from the front of the horse. They should be the same length. The length of stirrups you want may also differ slightly depending on what type of riding you are going to do. For example, If you are jumping or roping, you need a short stirrup length to sit higher in the saddle. If you are doing dressage, cutting, or saddle seat riding, your stirrup length should be slightly longer because the rider is sitting back in the saddle and using a lot of leg to control the horse.
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One-sentence summary -- Secure your horse or pony. Check that the saddle is on correctly. Measure the stirrup against your arm. Adjust the buckle on the stirrup leather. Repeat the process on the other side. Keep the type of riding you will be doing in mind.


You can find compressed air cans at office supply stores, electronics stores, and online suppliers. Test it by aiming it downward and pressing the nozzle down. Get a feel for how much air comes out with each spray. Purchase a can with a straw for increased accuracy. Screw the thin straw onto the nozzle of your compressed air can. Give it a test by aiming it downward and pressing the nozzle down. The air should blow from the tip of the straw.  Tighten the straw if you can feel air coming out of the sides of the nozzle as you spray. Skip the straw if you're comfortable aiming your compressed air can without it.
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One-sentence summary -- Purchase a can of compressed air. Connect the straw to the nozzle of the can to improve accuracy.


Make sure that you and every member of your family takes swim lessons and become proficient swimmers. This can minimize the risk of accidental drowning, especially in children.  Contact a local pool or school to inquire about swim lessons. Learning to swim will also teach you to not fear the water, which can also minimize your risk for drowning. Whether you are at the beach, pond, or a pool, only swim in those areas designated safe either by a lifeguard or local authorities. If you are unsure of a swimming area, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go to a known swimming spot, which may help prevent accidental drownings.  Bodies of water can have currents, riptides, and other features that can be dangerous for even the best and strongest of swimmers. Staying within designated areas can also mean that help can more effectively and quickly get to your aid in the event you or another person are in distress. Having someone to swim with is not only a great time, but it also adds a measure of security. Always swim with a buddy to help ensure your safety.  If you cannot find a buddy with whom to swim, consider either going to an area where there is a lifeguard on duty or try another activity until you have a swimming companion. Remember that you can drown or go into distress even at a guarded beach or pool. If you are boating or undertaking other types of water activities, wear life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Although this is not a fail-proof way to prevent drowning, it can minimize the risk of accidental drowning or extend the person’s ability to stay afloat—and breathing—in the water.  Only purchase certified or approved life jacket. These have been tested for maximum safety and may prove better at preventing accidental drowning. You can buy life jackets at many sports stores, boat stores, or even from some medical supply stores. No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, or if you are not planning on swimming, be cautious around water. Natural bodies of water often have tides, cold temperatures, currents, and other underwater hazards such as dead trees that could increase your risk for drowning.  If there is a lifeguard present, consider asking if he is aware of any natural features of which you should be aware. In many cases, bodies of water that have lifeguards will mark off areas that have potentially dangerous natural features. Although many people think they can safely drink and be on a boat or go for a swim, it’s important to avoid mixing alcohol use and the water activities. This can minimize the risk that you or someone in your party drowns or injures himself.  Alcohol not only impairs your judgment, but also inhibits your balance and coordination. This can weaken your swimming skills. Alcohol further reduces your body’s ability to stay warm, making you more prone to hypothermia, which can also increase your risk of drowning.
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One-sentence summary --
Take swimming lessons. Swim only in designated and protected areas. Stick with a buddy. Wear approved life jackets. Remain cautious around water. Remember alcohol and water don’t mix.