Horseback Riding Safety
One of the most important aspects of horseback riding is showing respect for the animal itself. Sitting atop such tremendous and majestic animals as horses that are often over 6-feet tall, weighing more than 1,000 pounds and capable of high speed is a thrilling and rewarding experience. Due to these heightened inherent risks, riding injuries occur often due to lack of education or understanding of equine behavior and proper riding practices.
According to a 2021 study published in the journal Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open utilizing data from the National Trauma Data Bank, researchers found that horseback-riding injuries are a ‘frequently ignored public health issue’ and the risk of hospitalization or rate of serious injuries related to horseback riding surpasses that for skiing, auto and motorcycle racing and football. While serious potential dangers exist due to the size, power, and unpredictable nature of horses, taking the time to practice and follow a few simple safety measures and best practices will help to keep every horseback rider safe as they grow in the sport.
Does your camp offer horseback riding or have an equestrian program? Take the first steps today by reviewing the resources below to better understand the risks associated with this exciting and rewarding program area.
- Saddle Up Safely – Rider safety awareness program sponsored by University of Kentucky HealthCare and UK College of Agriculture.
- Helmet Safety Guide – United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
- CDC Heads Up Equestrian Helmet Safety - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Horses – Healthy Pets, Healthy People – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- State Equestrian Liability Limitation Laws – American Equestrian Alliance
Once you understand the basics, it's time to start taking concrete actions to prepare. Use the tools below to better prepare your people and organization around horseback riding/equestrian program safety:
- Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Site Accreditation and Standards for Equestrian Programs Manual
- Horseback Riding/Equestrian Program related standards - Standards-At-A-Glance - American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation Program
Additional Resources
Browse the following additional resources and related links to learn more about important topics and issues related to horseback riding/equestrian program safety:
- American Riding Instructors Association
- Promotes safe, knowledgeable riding instruction and certifies trainers for teaching.
- American Association for Horsemanship Safety
- Nonprofit, educational association for providing riding instructor and trail guide certification.
- Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)
- Nonprofit member association that certifies equine professionals, accredits equine facilitates and provides educational resources to programs and equine professionals.
- The Dude Ranchers' Association
- Information and resources related to Western riding.
- Equestrian Management Workshops
- Organization recognized by the American Camp Association as a recognized provider of equestrian staff training and certification.
- Equestrian Medical Safety Association
- Provides education, research, and resources to protect riders and improve safety within equestrian sports.
- Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International
- Association to promote equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs.
- United States Dressage Federation
- Organization dedicated for the education, recognition of achievement and promotion of dressage.
- United States Pony Club
- Organization dedicated to teaching riding and the proper care of horses.
Related Articles & Links
- Saddle Up Safely - Publications
- Certified Horsemanship Association – Rider Safety Apparel from Head to Toe
- Certified Horsemanship Association – Reasons to Become Certified Through CHA
- Certified Horsemanship Association – Fire Safety & Wildlife Evacuation with Horses
- Certified Horsemanship Association – The Ever-Evolving Horse Industry
- Certified Horsemanship Association – Emergency Planning: When it Really Counts, Will Your Farm Be Prepared?
- Certified Horsemanship Association – Three Must-See Safety Guidelines for Equestrian Facilities
- Certified Horsemanship Association – Three More Important Standards for Equestrian Programs
