Amy Lawyer, MS, equine extension associate in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky, (UK) gave a talk regarding Saddle Up Safely and the prevention of horse-related injuries to humans at the 5th Annual UK Equine Showcase, held Jan. 29 in Lexington.

Saddle Up Safely is a coalition of 40 medical, public health, and horse organizations in the United States and Canada involved in raising awareness of horse riding and handling issues and educating equestrians on how to practice safer horsemanship.

In a recent study, researchers found that 14% of individuals in emergency rooms were admitted for a horse-related injury. The actual number of people seen was lower than many other sports, but the percent of people admitted was higher, indicating that the chance of receiving a severe injury from horse activity was higher than other sports.

The researchers also found that individuals who were at the greatest risk of a serious injury, medical care that resulted in hospitalization, surgery, or permanent disability tended to be instructors or professionals. The biggest cause of injuries were from falling from a horse, followed by being kicked by a horse