The dangers of horseback riding were highlighted in June 1995, when the famous "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed after breaking his neck in a horseback riding accident. Reeve suffered fractures in the top two vertebrae of his spinal cord when he was thrown off of his horse in an equestrian competition. Even though he was wearing a protective helmet and vest, the impact was devastating.

Reeve is only one of the many people who injure themselves in horseback accidents every year. It is easy to see why horseback riding can be dangerous. Those who participate in equestrian sports are situated high off the ground on an unpredictable animal travelling at high speeds. While many believe that this is what gives horseback riding its thrill, it also is a significant threat to safety. Even talented riders are at risk to a grievance. Horses are unpredictable. Many horses are jumpy and will react wildly when frightened by a squirrel skirting along the path or a plastic bag blowing in the wind. A lot of things can terrify these animals and the spunkier a horse is the higher the danger of an accident. If a horse is uncomfortable, he or she may turn to bucking and rearing and rollick back and forth like a bronco. Horses are extremely heavy and have solid hooves, so trampling is another serious risk with these animals.

Around 30 million men and women in the USA hop into the saddle every year. One study hypothesizes that there are approximately 220 deaths annually caused by horseback riding. Many more are paralyzed by spinal cord damage. According to one source, it is estimated that eight people will be injured in a horseback riding accident every day, and a third of these victims will sustain head injuries. The National Center for Biotechnology Information writes that horseback riding accidents are responsible for about 2300 hospital admissions annually- and that's only counting men and women 25 and under. In their study, the NCBI found that the injury rate for riding is 0.6% per 1000 hours of riding. Sprains, muscle strains, lacerations, bruises, fractures, or broken bone accounted for many of these hospital visits. Still, 27.5% of the injured riders sustained a concussion or some other head injury. The most serious injuries are those that hurt the nervous system. In a study, researchers found that in contrast to other sports, horseback riders sustain more lumbar and thoracic injuries.

A few tips to avoid injury: if you want to horseback ride, take helpful training courses to learn the right techniques. With some help from a professional, you will learn how to direct your horse and maintain control. Also, wear safety equipment when riding. Helmets, riding vests, long pants, and strong toed boots can all help to keep you from hurting yourself. If you are riding at night on trails, wear reflective clothing to avoid being hit by a vehicle. Before you set out to ride, make sure that all of your equipment (the saddle, saddle pad, bridle, stirrups, etc.) is secure. Tighten the saddle so that it will not slip, but not so snug that it will cause discomfort for your mount.

If you were injured in a horseback riding accident and the horse was not your own, then you may qualify for legal compensation. When ranches, stables, or others allow you to ride without safety, or give you permission to ride a horse that is difficult to control, then they are normally responsible for any injuries and medical bills you need to endure. They may also be responsible for giving you inadequate training or not securing your tack well enough. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case if you want justice for your pain!