Researchers found that instructors and professionals are at a greater risk of serious injury from accidents such as falls from horses. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Fernanda Camargo, DVM, PhD, equine extension professor at the University of Kentucky (UK) described Saddle Up Safely and shared recent research on horse-related injuries and assessing concussions in riders at the 7th annual UK Equine Showcase, held Feb. 2 in Lexington.

Saddle Up Safely is a coalition of 40 medical, public health, and horse organizations in the U.S. and Canada that aims to raise awareness about horse riding and handling issues and educate equestrians on how to practice safer horsemanship.

In a recent study, researchers found that 14% of individuals seen in emergency rooms for horse-related injuries were admitted to the hospital. The number seen in the emergency room was less for horseback riding than other sports, but equestrians represented the highest percentage of participants admitted among other activities.

Researchers also found that were instructors and professionals are at a greater risk of serious injury. The most common injury cause was falling from a horse, followed by being kicked. The main reason patients were hospitalized was due to head, neck, and spine injuries

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