Sport is an amazing, gratifying thing that allows you to be healthier and happier. It is good for the body, mind and spirit alike and teaches important lessons such as dedication, discipline, perseverance, and accountability. Horse riding is a unique example because, on top of all the other benefits it offers, there’s also the added bonus of working side-by-side with an intelligent and complex animal. There are few things that can feel as gratifying as forming a bond like that and experiencing the beauty of this sport. But, like every other activity, there are also several risks associated with horse riding.
Being aware of them is the only way to remain safe and ensure that you don’t end up with a serious injury. Given the speed at which you’re likely to travel and the sheer power of a horse, accidents can be catastrophic and cause lifelong damage. While there’s no way to guarantee perfect safety at all times, prevention methods are still essential and could even save your life.
Equestrianism requires special equipment that won’t hinder your movements in any way and which isn’t likely to get caught in something and drag you down. If you’re riding at a specialised establishment and are not provided with equipment, you may be eligible for compensation. The solicitors at https://www.accidentclaims.co.uk/ can help you develop a better understanding regarding what you can expect from the entire process, and what type of evidence you should bring in order to support your case and ensure you receive the maximum amount that you are owed.
The equipment should fit you perfectly in order to minimise the risk of injury. You should also make sure that the items are in no way defective or old. For example, a helmet should be replaced every five years even if you didn’t crack it during a fall, as it is less likely to be effective after prolonged usage. If you did fall, you should replace your helmet even if there are no signs of structural damage. Sometimes, the damage can be invisible to the eye, but it can nonetheless be impactful enough to cause you to sustain a severe head injury in the future.
The boots you wear need to be sturdy, and the soles must be specifically designed to prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. A body protector can keep your chest and back safe in case you fall, while gloves will provide you with both safety and extra grip.
Horses are intelligent animals that can learn commands, pick up on cues, interact socially and navigate complex environments. They are also incredibly strong and imposing, as well as easily frightened and unpredictable. These factors make equestrianism a potentially dangerous activity that shouldn’t be treated lightly. Depending on your level of expertise, you will be able to interact and work with different horses. If you’re a beginner who hasn’t experienced horse riding before, the only safe bet is to work with a calm horse that is accustomed to carrying a rider and is not at all skittish. You definitely don’t want the horse to bolt with you in the saddle, as it’s unlikely you will be able to regain control, and the possibility of becoming injured becomes much higher.
Making sure the horse is calm and relaxed will also make your instructor’s job easier, as they can teach you safe riding skills with less possibility for interaction. Matching the horse correctly to the rider’s level allows for a more controlled environment, especially since a well-mannered horse is accustomed to the mistakes a beginner is likely to make and won’t react negatively to poor etiquette. Typically, the horses that are best suited to beginner riders are not very young.
The conditions in which you start riding will also determine how safe and secure your experience is. Some horse riding paths surfaces can cause the horse to stumble, a situation in which you’ll likely get thrown off the saddle. In extreme situations, the horse can also trample on the rider after tripping or fall on top of them. The injuries resulting from a scenario like that will typically be intensive and even life-threatening, with a high potential for lifelong disability developing in their aftermath. Have a look at the weather conditions as well, since heavy rain, snow or ice, and heat waves, especially those that come with elevated humidity levels, can create issues for your horse and, implicitly, for you as well.
Riding through stunning rural panoramas and taking to picturesque forest trails is not always feasible. Sometimes, you’ll need to be on roads that see regular traffic as well. It is vital for both your safety and that of your horse to be aware of the possible dangers and take the proper precautions to minimise their impact. Wearing special fluorescent garments or any other type of reflective clothing is a must, irrespective of the weather conditions. Remember that wearing a helmet is imperative at all times, and remain alert to all forms of traffic that may disturb your horse. When you give it signals, make sure they are decisive and confident so that there’s less of a chance that the horse will feel confused and overstimulated, situations in which it is more likely to behave erratically.
Getting the horse used to traffic gradually over several days or even weeks can be incredibly helpful in the long run. It can desensitise the horse to traffic noises so it isn’t scared of engine sounds. You can use a car or tractor to bring hay, grass or vegetables so the horse can associate vehicles with something positive like food. If you are able to, you can also get the horse used to farming machinery, such as tractors, by asking a farmer to let the horse walk past them. A friend can ride a bicycle close to you during hacking, and you can go through narrower areas as well so that it gets used to different possible scenarios.
This allows you to introduce the horse to new things in a controlled environment in which it is more likely to feel safe and less likely to have an extreme, negative reaction.
Horse riding is becoming increasingly popular among members of the general public, meaning that more people need to be aware of the basic safety rules. Every sport comes with its specific list of requirements that ensure well-being. With equestrianism, they don’t only include the security of the sportsperson, but that of an animal as well.
Subscribe today and receive latest Livery List news and guides direct to your inbox