Horse riding is a popular recreational activity, but a combination of common sense and caution is needed when dealing with horses. Injuries can occur, a small percentage of which are serious head and spinal injuries that can have life-changing consequences. The risks cannot be eliminated entirely, but there are steps you can take to minimise the likelihood of injury and ensure they are less severe when they do occur.
Safety equipment
About 85% of riding injuries result from a fall. A good way to help protect yourself from injury if you do fall is to wear protective gear. Research has found that most riders are aware of safety equipment but more than three-quarters of riders do not use any.
Helmets
Wearing an approved helmet will reduce the risk of head injury if you fall or are kicked. It provides protection for your brain, and should be properly fitted so that it sits one inch above your eyebrows. You can still suffer concussion whether you are wearing a helmet or not. Children should wear a helmet, whether they are mounted or not.
You should replace your helmet immediately if it is dropped or involved in a fall.
Body protectors
Body or back protectors are padded vests designed to protect the back and chest if you fall or are kicked. A body protector must be adjusted to fit securely and reasonably tightly around the upper body.
Clothing
It is safer and more comfortable to wear fitted clothes while you’re riding. Baggy or loose clothing can be caught by obstacles on riding courses such as low hanging tree branches. Use reflective clothing if riding at night.
Gloves
Non-slip gloves prevent friction injuries to your hands from a rope or reins. Never hold reins or ropes in a loop that can trap fingers.
Tack
Use equipment of good quality and design which is appropriate for the horse and rider. Falls can be caused by old or worn tack as it can slip or come off. Check all equipment regularly for signs of wear and adjust to fit correctly.
Footwear
Riding boots should have smooth soles, with heels which will stop your foot sliding through the stirrup. Boots protect the feet, ankles and shins, and act as splints for the lower legs if you fall. Feet can easily be crushed by a horse so wear sturdy footwear to prevent serious injury.
Stirrups
When the foot is in the stirrup, there should be a minimum of 1 cm between the boot and stirrup on each side. If they are too small, your foot can get stuck. You can be severely injured if your foot is not released from the stirrup in a fall and you are dragged along the ground. Safety stirrups are designed to release your foot in the event of a fall.
Horse behaviour
When you are handling your horse, use physical contact and your voice, so it knows where you are at all times. Always be aware of the significance of the horse's movements and the position of your horse in relation to its surroundings and you.
Horses are easily frightened by other animals or vehicles. You should take extreme caution when riding in situations that could upset your horse and cause unexpected behaviour. Children should always be supervised while on and around horses.
Horse match
Your horse should always match your ability as a rider. Older horses are best for beginners. Young or learner riders should always be supervised and never ride a horse younger than five years. The safest way to begin enjoying horse riding is to have 10-20 hours of instruction in horse handling and riding.
Hind legs
Be extremely careful when you are around the rear of a horse as the hind legs are well designed for kicking. Always stand to the side of the hind leg, facing the rear and always stay on your feet.
Riding
Learn how to control your horse before leaving the safety of the paddock or lesson environment. Leave riding outside the paddock to the experienced riders. Do not ride bareback.
Travel in single file on the road and maintain a horse length’s distance behind other horses. However, when crossing a road, ride beside each other.
If riding through water or bush, kick your feet out of the stirrups in case of a fall.
Resources
Safe horses, safe riders booklet (ACC4314) and DVD (ACC4336)
ACC has worked closely with the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association (NZPCA) to develop a DVD and accompanying booklet aimed at promoting safe horse riding and horse handling practices. The target audience for these resources is younger riders, but they are appropriate for all age groups.
These resources have been distributed to NZPCA clubs but are also available to the public. To order these resources, look for them on the Publications page.
Smart tips
Smart tips is a free online guide to help you prevent injuries and perform better when exercising, training or competing. You can customise your own Smart tips to include individual or team information such as key dates, gear checklists and contact numbers. When printed, your Smart tips can be folded to pocket size, making it easy to take with you when training or attending an event.
Create your own horse riding tips with Smart tips (external link).
Last updated:20April2009