Equestrian Safety

Think First About …

Death and Injury Statistics

• In the year 1999, 15,000 horse injuries to children ages 15 and under required emergency room visits. ³
• The most frequent cause of death and serious injury for mounted and dismounted horse activities is head injury. ⁴
• Head injuries are associated with approximately 60% of all equestrian deaths and 18% of equestrian injuries. ⁵
• Aside from death, brain injury survivors may suffer personality changes, intellectual and memory impairment, or epilepsy. ⁶
• Only 20% of equestrians wear protective headgear every time they ride. ⁷
• Falling or being thrown from a horse accounts for the majority of mounted injuries, while being kicked or trodden on accounts for most dismounted injuries. ⁸
• Dismounted injuries require hospitalization approximately 42% of the time, while mounted injuries require hospitalization in only 30% of incidents. ⁹
• Fractures, soft tissue damage, and head injuries are the most common types of injuries inflicted by horses. ¹⁰
• The arm, leg and head/face are the most common body parts to be injured. ¹¹

When and Where Injuries Are Most Likely to Occur

• 80% of horse-related injuries take place while a rider is in the saddle. ¹²
• Only 20% of injuries occur while the horse is being handled. ¹³
• The majority of horse-related injuries occur while riding for pleasure. ¹⁴

Who Is Most Likely to Incur This Type of Injury?

• Equestrian injuries are much more common among females than males. ¹⁵
• The average age of an injured equestrian is between 10 and 19. ¹⁶
• Riders with 5 or more years of experience are more likely to be injured. ¹⁷
• Riding English style is more dangerous than any other style of horseback riding. ¹⁸
• Riders who spend 15-24 hours each month on horses are more likely to be injured. ¹⁹

Health Costs

• Lifetime costs for acute head injury can be over $3 million. ²⁰
• The cost per day for the treatment of acute head injury is $25,000. ²¹

Prevention Tips

• Always wear an equestrian helmet that meets ASTM standards and is SEI certified.
• Supervise riding at all times.
• Ride with children under 6.
• Ensure that both the horse and riding activity are appropriate for the child’s skill level. • Never tie a child to the horse or saddle.
• Always wear boots or shoes with a heel and covered ankle when using stirrups.
• Ensure that all equipment is free of damage and secured.
• Prior to mounting a horse, fasten the harness. Do not unfasten it until after dismounting.
• Be aware of anything that may spook your horse.

Still Not Convinced?

• Always wear an equestrian helmet that meets ASTM standards and is SEI certified.
• Supervise riding at all times.
• Ride with children under 6.
• Ensure that both the horse and riding activity are appropriate for the child’s skill level.
• Never tie a child to the horse or saddle.
• Always wear boots or shoes with a heel and covered ankle when using stirrups.
• Ensure that all equipment is free of damage and secured.
• Prior to mounting a horse, fasten the harness. Do not unfasten it until after dismounting.
• Be aware of anything that may spook your horse.

Sources

1. ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19}http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/research/children/Resources/Equestrian/FactSheet.htm
2. ^{5, 7, 12, 13}http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/FS00/FS0023.htm
3. ^{6, 14, 20, 21} www.horsequest.com/journal/articles/helmet2.htm
4. ²²http://www.nyshc.org/safe_horses_safe_riders.html