How Dangerous Is Horse Riding Really?

Some riders make it look easy, but how dangerous is horse riding really? Some disciplines are riskier than others but it’s all about how you protect and prepare yourself.

If you love horses and watch equestrian competitions, you’ve probably seen a horse spook or fall from time to time. Although it isn’t necessarily a common occurrence, it can be extremely dangerous when it does happen. The dangers of horse riding depend on the discipline and the safety equipment you wear.

Are Some Disciplines More Dangerous Than Others?

There are many different equestrian disciplines that all pose different risks. Some can often be very dangerous, while others pose little to moderate risks. It is important to understand the potential possibility of injury in any sport before you jump in.

These are some of the most dangerous forms of horseback riding

Eventing

Eventing is an event where one horse and one rider compete in a combination of three disciplines. Dressage, cross country and show jumping are often the events performed in an eventing competition. The reason this is one of the more dangerous horse riding disciplines is because not only does the rider need to be trained in three different forms of riding, but so does the horse.

Cross-country and show jumping are similar because both involve leaping over large objects. However, cross-country often has objects that are fixed in one place. If the horse falls or stops suddening, the ride could fling into a solid object or get trampled over very easily. In show jumping, the jumps fall over easily. There is a similar risk of being thrown off into the jump but the object isn’t fixed in one place.

It’s not just the rider that can be injured either. Horses are often the victims in these accidents as well. For example, in an eventing course of the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, a horse suffered a fall that threw the rider but resulted in the horse’s death.

Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is a type of rodeo event where the rider and horse run in patterns around barrels as fast as they can. It requires a lot of experience and can result in serious injuries to both the rider or horse. All forms of riding involve knowing all the quadrants of your body and the horse’s body. In barrel racing you are taking very sharp, quick turns which can cause horses to slip and fall.

Many injuries that stem from this discipline are from being tossed off the horse, being landed on or trampled by falling horses. It is very easy to get stepped on in sports like this. Additionally, in many barrel racing and rodeo events, helmets aren’t required which can lead to fatal injuries.

Racing

Out of all forms of riding, racing causes the most injuries to horses. It leads to broken limbs, organ failure, digestive and respiratory disorders. The sport is incredibly competitive and there are even reports of animal abuse among race horse owners.

In addition to the horses sustaining serious injuries, it is very easy for the jockeys to get injured as well. If a horse trips or falls on a race track, the rider is going to go down too. This can lead to serious injuries from the impact of the fall or from being trampled. These horses are travelling very fast, and it can be very difficult to anticipate a potential accident.

Show Jumping

Just like eventing, show jumping can be very dangerous as well. In cross-country events riders are required to wear safety equipment, like body protectors and airbag vests. However, with show jumping only a helmet is required. In a show jumping course you are in an arena with jumps that range in size, presentation and difficulty. If a horse spooks and makes a sudden turn or stop, you could easily be thrown off. If the horse fails to land or make it over the jump, it could result in a fall of both rider and horse.

There are many precautions riders can take before entering a show jumping ring. Ensuring your horse is used to and comfortable around the potential spooking harazards, like the jumps themselves or the noise from the show grounds. Additionally, wearing appropriate safety equipment will protect against serious injury.

What Are The Most Common Injuries From Horse Riding?

Horseback riding can be a dangerous sport. There are many injuries to be wary about before getting into the saddle. Here are just some of the potential risks and injuries that can come from a horse accident.

Head

Injuries to the head are one of the most common injuries that can happen when riding a horse. Not wearing a helmet is seriously frowned upon when getting onto a horse. Falling off a horse or getting kicked can lead to concussions, factures, brain damage and even death.

Spine

Spinal injuries are also common in horse riding, especially for new or recreational riders. Newer or untrained riders often sit with an upright posture instead of a forward leaning posture which can impact the pelvic and spine.

Tailbone

Another common risk with horse riding is tailbone injuries. This can occur from improper posture or falling wrong. When riders are thrown off a horse it can be easy to fall on the tailbone or a limb which can result in fractures.

How Common Are Fatal Horseback Riding Injuries

Approximately 1 in 5 horse related injuries result in emergency room visits. Luckily, not many horse accidents result in death. Most riding facilities require the use of helmets and other safety equipment. There are about 100 deaths from horse related injuries in the US every year and most are because of head injuries.

Here is a comparison of fatal horse injuries to other more common causes of fatalities in the United States:

Guns – 39,000
Car accidents – 38,800
Accidents at home – 30,000
Knives – 1,500
Hypothermia – 700
Horse Riding Accidents – 100

How To Reduce The Chance Of Injury When Riding A Horse

Horses are animals and even more importantly, they are flight animals. This means that they can be unpredictable when they are scared or spooked. They can easily catch us off guard or act out. It is important to always be prepared and act accordingly when around horses.

Helmet

Wearing a helmet goes without saying, it is the most important safety equipment you need to wear when on a horse. If you fall or your horse kicks, a helmet will protect you.

Airbag Safety Vest & Body Protectors

Additional safety equipment you can wear to keep yourself secure is a body protector or an airbag safety vest. Helite makes excellent safety vests that are comfortable, durable and reliable. These vests deploy if you are ejected from your horse suddenly and protect you before you hit the ground. They stabilize and protect you from your neck to your tailbone.

Barn Etiquette & Common Sense

Lastly, ensuring your tack is in good condition will keep your horse and yourself comfortable. Additionally, when you are at the barn, keep your phone on silent if some of the horses spook from sudden noises. Be respectful of other riders, don’t make large comotions or sudden/quick movements around any horse, even your own.

Bottom Line

Horseback riding is a dangerous sport and can lead to many serious injuries. Ensuring you protect yourself with a helmet or an airbag vest from Helite will keep you safe. When competing in riskier disciplines, prepare you and your horse for potential spooking hazards on the show grounds. Lastly, always remember your barn etiquette. That means no excess noise or commotion at the barn and always be respectful of other riders.