Is horseback riding dangerous? Yes. But so is getting out of bed and riding in a car. Out of an estimated 30 million Americans who went horseback riding in 2004, only about 205,000 suffered any horse riding injuries (or so says the U.S. Consumers Product Safety Commission). That might seem like a lot, but in 2004 there were 2,788,000 million car accidents. Basically, if you are alive and ambulatory, everything is dangerous. But if you use your instinctive horse sense, you won’t get hurt.
Horse Sense
You wouldn’t go driving blindfolded, would you? Of course not. So when you go riding, you almost keep safety precautions in mind. Because of the incredibly ridiculous insurance rates, any riding stable will go over you with a fine tooth comb before you can get on a horse. Not only does this cut down on horse riding injuries, but injuries to the horse as well.
The best thing you can do is be honest about your riding abilities. This way you can get paired up with the horse that is the most dependable and yet the most enjoyable to ride. You might be sorely tempted to lie through your teeth in order to ride that fiery black stallion of your dreams, but you are not doing you or the fiery black stallion any good. A main reason for horse riding injuries is that people mount up on too much horse for them.
The Right Tools For The Job
Another thing you can do to cut down your chances of getting horse riding injuries is to dress properly. Riding clothes are designed to keep you and your horse safe. That’s why they’re so darn expensive. But even snug (but not designer) jeans are safe. You need a hard hat or some sort of helmet. Even professional riders wear helmets. You also need sturdy waterproof footwear with a prominent heel. This will keep your foot from getting caught in the stirrup. If you fall off with your foot stuck and your horse is at a gallop, you will be dragged.
Another cause of horse riding injuries is worn out or damaged tack (riding equipment). Before each and every ride, just give the bridle, saddle, martingale and any other piece the horse needs a once over before putting it on. Is the stitching falling apart? Are there any splits, cracks and downright holes? Even if the horse is for hire, be sure to eye the equipment. A real horse owner will be proud to show off the fine condition of his or her tack.
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