free case consultation
free case consultation
Horseback riding is a fun and popular activity that promotes self-esteem and builds confidence. As with any skill-building sport, it’s important to understand the risks involved and how to keep kids safe, active, and having fun. As new riders learn and practice horsemanship, they must remember that their safety and the safety of their horse should come first. Horses are strong, powerful creatures, and all handlers and riders must take proper precautions when interacting with these animals.
Horseback riding injuries have the potential to happen in a variety of situations, but most of these injuries happen when a rider either is thrown from or fall off of their horse. If the horse is moving quickly or the rider becomes entangled in the reins and is dragged by the horse, the injuries can be particularly severe. However, serious injuries can also happen when you’re not in the saddle, such as if you’re kicked by a horse.
Head injuries, including concussions, are a risk of riding horseback and can occur when a rider falls or is thrown from their horse. A concussion is an injury to the brain sustained when the brain hits the inside of the skull with force. The seriousness of a concussion will vary and may disrupt brain function temporarily or, in the most severe cases, permanently.
Concussions can come with a range of symptoms, including:
Symptoms usually happen right after the injury but may take hours or even days to show up. If a concussion is suspected, the rider should be assessed by a doctor and cleared to ride before returning to their sport.
Riders who have sustained a concussion may feel fully recovered before their brain has actually recovered, so it’s important to take it slow and not rush to get back to riding. Riders who have sustained concussions also may be more at risk of reinjuring themselves or sustaining a secondary injury if they attempt to ride before they are fully healed.
Sprained ankles are common among horseback riders and have the potential to prevent athletes from riding. Ankle sprains happen most often when a rider falls or is thrown by their horse, causing them to land improperly. A sprained ankle is more likely to occur if a rider has sustained a previous sprain, especially a recent one.
Use the RICE method to treat a sprained ankle:
Seek out the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible in the event that the rider cannot walk on the ankle or is experiencing severe pain. An X-ray may be necessary to confirm the severity of the rider’s injuries.
A rider who has fallen from or been thrown off of their horse may also land on their hand, causing wrist injuries to the ligaments and/or bones. As with sprained ankles, RICE is the immediate treatment method, but never hesitate to seek medical attention if the rider’s wrist is swollen or they are in severe pain the following day, as an X-ray may be needed to rule out further injuries.
Additional Horseback Riding Information
Andrew graduated from law school in 2017, completed and passed the Kentucky Bar Examination, and then launched his career as a lawyer working at Hughes & Coleman. In his years as an attorney, he has witnessed the underhanded tactics insurance companies use to coerce injured victims into taking a lower settlement than they deserve. Far too often, the initial insurance offer barely accounts for the personal loss that a client currently feels, and it certainly doesn’t project or account for the additional loss they will have to manage for the remainder of their life.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 800-800-4600.
CALL now 800-800-4600
(615)-255-9100 
Chat Now 
Call Us