Few things in life are as pure and unadulterated as experiencing the rush of adrenaline that comes from being on horseback. From the moment you climb into the saddle and feel that connection with your horse, to the thrill of taking your horse through challenging trails, being on horseback is an experience that is second to none. However, like any other sport or hobby, horse riding has its risks. While it may sound silly, wearing protective gear while riding your horse can help reduce the risk of injury. Knowing what to expect from both you and your horse before taking them out in the field is crucial. After all, the last thing you want is to end up with a sprained ankle or bruised ego because you didn’t prepare properly before heading out on your next trail ride. Here are some common injuries that can occur while riding a horse.
Toes and Feet
Being on horseback is a physically demanding occupation, and there’s a good chance that at some point you’re going to feel a strain in your toes or feet. While some minor strains can be dealt with through rest and ice, serious injuries such as broken toes or a stress fracture in your foot should be treated with caution. Broken toes are usually caused by a rider’s horse stepping on them or a misstep from the rider (it’s important to remember that while a horse’s hoof may look huge, it can easily break through a shoe or ankle). A stress fracture in your foot, on the other hand, is usually caused by over-training or lack of movement. If you experience any pain in your toes or feet, it’s best to stay off the horse until it subsides.
Spinal Cord Injuries
As with any contact sport, injuries to the spine are common among horseback riders. One of the most serious, and unfortunately one of the most common, is a spinal cord injury. These injuries are typically caused by a fall, but they can also be caused by a horse that bucks unexpectedly or swerves suddenly. If you experience any pain in your back that doesn’t subside after a few hours, seek immediate medical assistance.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are another common form of horseback riding injury. Some of the most common types of injuries are strains and sprains of the scapula, clavicle, and rotator cuff. In addition to these injuries, you may also experience pain in your neck and back, or tingling in your arms. If you experience any pain in your shoulders, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are unfortunately very common among horseback riders. Some of the most common types of injuries include strains, sprains, and fractures, though the severity of each injury will vary person to person. If you experience any pain in your knees, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Wrist Injuries
Wrist injuries are another common injury among horseback riders. Some of the most common types of injuries are strains, sprains, and fractures. If you experience any pain in your wrists, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
When it comes to horse riding, few things are as exhilarating or nerve-wracking as jumping from the saddle and trying to stay on for as long as possible. However, like any other physical sport, there is a risk of injury. While you can’t avoid injury altogether, there are some things that you can do to minimize the risk of injury while riding. First, make sure that you are properly fitting your horse before heading out on your next ride. If your horse has a tendency to buck or throw you off, it’s important to keep this in mind before you try anything more challenging.