Last year in Tennessee, two deer hunters shot a horse and pony. Before that, a deer hunter mistook a pony for a deer and shot the pony out from under its rider in Minnesota. In New York, hunters had to be escorted off of a private horse farm by police when they refused to end chase of a herd of deer that ventured onto the farm.

Autumn is the time of year many horsemen welcome, with the cooler breezes and change of leaves. But it’s also deer hunting season, and a time that horse owners need to be careful.

Here are some suggestions to keep you and your horse safe during this hunting season:

• Know the date range of the hunt season as well as approved locations and times.
• Realize that riding on private property doesn’t necessarily mean you are both safe. Be wary of riding in areas that border on woods.
• Steer clear of the designated hunting zones.
• Being out in the open affords you greater visibility and less chance of your mount being mistaken for a deer moving through the changing leaves.
• Don’t ride alone.
• Wear the bright orange hunting vest.
• Deck out your horse in bright orange or other bright colors as best you can, like an orange saddle pad.
• Consider riding with a brightly-colored three-quarter blanket that covers your horse’s quarters.
• Add reflective tape to your helmet or use a bright-colored helmet cover.
• At home, keep your horses covered in the bright orange turnout rugs during turnout. Ensure all fencing and gates are secured so your horses cannot get out.
• Post “no hunting” and “children and horses at play” signs around your property.

 And, finally, it never hurts to be nice to any hunters you might meet on the trails. The owner of one farm in N.J. developed a long-term relationship with local hunters. The end result is that the hunters are aware of all of the facility’s horses, know their names and know where and when they are turned out. If you come across hunters, regardless of how you feel about hunting, it is in your best interest to have some positive, courteous communication. You never know when you might need their help.