Horseback riding is a dangerous sport, whether riding English or Western-style. According to NeurosurgeryToday.org, a site run by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, there were an estimated 11,749 emergency room visits for head injuries related to horseback riding in 2008. Additionally almost 20% of all equestrian riding injuries are head injuries and 3 out 5 horse accident deaths are attributed to them. The danger of horseback riding was brought to the forefront of the public eye in 1995 when well-known actor, Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from a horse riding accident. In addition to wearing a helmet, educating new riders with the safety tips below may help lower these statistics and have a successful first ride by preventing unnecessary accidents.
Horse Riders Must Keep Heels Down
Wearing properly-fitted boots with minimal tread, riders should keep their heels angled down to maximize their control of the horse and prevent uneven distribution of weight. Toes must never point down in the stirrups.
Never Drop the Reins
The reins are a rider’s direct line of communication with the horse. Dropping the reins is the equivalent of a driver taking his hands off the steering wheel of a moving car. Holding the reins loosely ensures the horse’s comfort, but riders should not leave too much slack so that they can command turns and halt the horse as needed. An award-winning riding instructor and former competitor in the Hamptons Classic, Katie Johnson of Miller Place, New York agrees that maintaining a strong command of the horse is the best advice she gives new riders. "You are the boss. Never let a horse get away with what it wants to. From the moment you hop into that saddle you are being tested," said Johnson.
Do Not Walk Behind a Horse Without “Warning” It First
A horse’s peripheral vision is not like a human’s and they can be easily spooked. Mary Gordon Watson, author of Learn Horseback Riding in a Weekend (Alfred A. Knopf, 1992), explains how to safely walk behind a horse in her book, “Always warn a horse before you go behind him. Run your hand over his back and quarters as you move to the rear, so that he knows where you are.” Watson also notes to avoid a horse’s ticklish spots: inside the thighs, stomach and flanks.
Learn the Language
New riders have to learn new lingo. Learning about grooming tools, how to tack and understanding the riding gear vocabulary instills confidence in beginning riders. Riders are then able to communicate more efficiently with instructors.
Wear a Helmet
Horse riders should always wear a helmet. There are different types of helmets for riders to select from. A skull cap gives the best protection and is also known as a crash helmet. A lighter and less solid hard hat is only approved when it is fitted with a safety harness. An easy way to spot the difference is that hard hats typically have a small brim.
Health Benefits of Horseback Riding
Even though horseback riding is statistically more dangerous than motorcycle riding, there are numerous health benefits. There are therapeutic riding programs around the country such as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Horseback riding provides low stress to the knee area, ideal for individuals with knee issues. Also, muscles are tightened, calories burned, and riders receive a mental workout—communicating with the horse.
Safe and Healthy Horse Riding
Beginning horseback riders can reap the health benefits of riding with enough confidence. Understanding a horse’s behavior and how to communicate with it increases a rider’s self-assurance. Once a rider is confident in themselves and their knowledge of the gear a safe ride is possible. Wearing a helmet and proper gear while keeping heels down and holding the reins are imperative for a first-time rider’s safe and healthy equestrian experience.
Sources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), “Tips To Prevent Horseback Riding Injuries,” aaos.org (last updated October 2007, accessed December 5, 2009).
Gloria M. Beim, M.D., “Horseback Riding: Injuries and Safety Tip,” hughston.com (accessed December 5, 2009).
Katherine Blocksdorf, “Safety Tips for Horseback Riders – Stay Safe While Riding,” about.com (accessed December 5, 2009).
Sage Kalmus, “How Horseback Riding Can Benefit Your Health,” helium.com (accessed December 5, 2009).
Tara Lynne Brown - The author is a self-employed writer residing in Cary, North Carolina who virtually collaborates with businesses across the nation in ...
