| Horseback riding is one of the most popular American | | | | the make up of the horse itself. Horses can weigh up |
| pastimes. It is a deep part of out history as well as the | | | | to 1,500 pounds, run up to 30 mph and reach 3 meter |
| history of the modern world. But while this activity is a | | | | high. When you combine running, jumping and hunting |
| pleasant nod to the American past as well as a | | | | with these already dangerous animals, a serious threat |
| healthy, self esteem building exercise, it is among the | | | | is posed. |
| most dangerous sports that exist. | | | | Horseback Riding Safety Procedures |
| More than 30 million Americans ride horses each year. | | | | If you or a child does, however, decide to take your |
| But, sadly, of these riders, more than 2,300 individuals | | | | chances and ride, there are a number of safety |
| under the age of 25 are hospitalized due to riding | | | | precautions that can help lower your chances of being |
| related injuries. A number of these injuries will result in | | | | hurt. These include the following:o ALWAYS wear a |
| fatalities or permanent disability or paralysis. The | | | | helmet. Just like you wouldn't ride a motorcycle without |
| pastime actually carries a higher injury rate than | | | | a helmet or drive a car without a seatbelt, you should |
| motorcyclists! While these numbers may seem | | | | never get on the back of a horse without a riding |
| shocking, they are actually pretty understandable when | | | | helmet. If you are thrown off the horse or slip off the |
| the activity is dissected. | | | | back, a helmet will be the only thing keeping you from |
| The Facts of Horseback Riding | | | | serious brain damage or even death.o Wear |
| There are a number of activities in America that | | | | protective clothing. Depending on the horseback |
| involve the horse. Some of these include:o Leisure | | | | activity you are interested in; different protective gear |
| ridingo Trail ridingo Jumpingo Hunter/jumper | | | | should be worn such as chest protection, riding boots |
| competitionso Bucking bronco ridingo Team pinningo | | | | and eye protection.o NEVER push yourself. While on a |
| Barrel racingo Quarter horse racingo Thoroughbred | | | | horse, always stay at a level you feel comfortable |
| racingo Dressageo Hunting | | | | with. Do not try jumps or tricks that you are not |
| These activities are inherently dangerous because of | | | | properly trained and prepared to execute safely. |