A comprehensive 10-year retrospective analysis from U.S. trauma data shows horseback riding leads to more hospital admissions than skiing. Experts call for enhanced injury prevention campaigns.
Humans have partnered with horses for over 5,000 years, transforming agriculture, transportation, and society. Today, many enjoy these majestic animals recreationally. Yet, despite domestication, horses' size and unpredictable nature pose real risks to riders.
To quantify these dangers, Texas researchers analyzed the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB)—the largest U.S. repository of trauma registry data—covering adult injuries from horseback riding between 2007 and 2016. Findings are published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open.
The study examined 45,671 cases, highlighting horseback riding as a high-risk activity. For context, a UK study reported a 0.14 injury rate per 1,000 hours for motorcyclists, while this data suggests 0.49 injuries per 1,000 hours for riders. Notably, it outpaced skiing in hospital visits.
Patients averaged 46.85 years old, with nearly equal male-female ratios. Thoracic injuries topped the list at 37.07%, followed by extremities (26.46%), head (22.95%), and abdomen (13.53%). Half required hospitalization, over 25% entered ICU, and 10% needed surgery.
The researchers aren't discouraging riding but urge more public safety initiatives. "Recently, equestrian agencies have emphasized protective gear for concussions and brain injuries," they note. "Yet few campaigns target recreational or work-related horse use."
