Horseback riding involves powerful animals that can make unpredictable movements, and even with the right approach to health and safety, there are risks involved. Injuries occurring after a fall, kick or crush incident can range from bruises and sprains to life-changing trauma, depending on how the accident happened and which part of the body was hurt.

Fractures are one of the most frequently reported injuries following horse-riding accidents, particularly where a rider is thrown from a horse. A fall can put considerable force through the body, and a rider may instinctively put out an arm to protect themselves. This can cause a fracture to the wrist , forearm, elbow or shoulder, which are the most common locations for fractures, although they can also affect the ribs, pelvis, leg, ankle or foot. Other common horse-riding injuries include head injuries, neck injuries, shoulder injuries and internal injuries.

Alongside fractures, common equestrian injuries include head injuries, concussion, neck injuries, shoulder injuries and internal injuries. When they are particularly severe, injuries like these can affect mobility, work, independence and quality of life for months or years. When you are injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, you can sometimes claim compensation to cover the costs associated with recovery and improve your quality of life following the injury.

Here, the experienced horse-riding accident solicitors at Switalskis detail the most frequent types of accidents involving horses, the circumstances in which you can claim compensation, and how this process can support your recovery.

What are the most common equestrian injuries?

Horseback riding is associated with a number of potentially serious injuries. Horse-riding centres and instructors have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to minimise foreseeable risks and protect riders from avoidable harm.by providing equipment and instruction on techniques to prevent accidents. However, the unpredictability of horses means that even in cases where all of the correct measures were in place, it is impossible to fully remove risk.

Common types of horse-riding accident include falls from a horse, collisions and road traffic accidents involving horses. These can lead to minor cuts and bruises or, in the most serious circumstances, severe injuries to the head, neck, spine and internal organs. In many cases, the types of injuries vary according to the experience level of the rider.

The most common injuries include:

Fractures

A fracture can occur when a rider is thrown from a horse, falls while climbing down or lands heavily. It can also happen if a horse kicks a person or crushes them against a solid object.

The upper extremity is a common location for injury because riders may use their hands and arms to break a fall. A wrist fracture, arm fracture or shoulder fracture can require immobilisation, surgery and rehabilitation. Lower extremity injuries can affect the knee, ankle or foot, particularly where a person lands awkwardly or becomes trapped.

A serious fracture may lead to chronic pain, restricted movement or difficulty returning to work and equestrian activities. If the accident wasn't your fault, you can often pursue compensation that will cover lost earnings from any time spent off work and account for the impact on your ability to ride horses in the future.

Head injuries and concussion

Head injuries can occur when a rider hits the ground, a fence or another object after a fall. Even a mild head injury can result in a concussion, which may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and problems with memory or concentration. More severe head injuries can involve a traumatic brain injury that affects cognition, communication, behaviour and independence.

A correctly fitted helmet can help protect the head, but no helmet can prevent every concussion or serious injury. Head injuries should be treated seriously, particularly where the person loses consciousness, becomes confused or develops worsening symptoms.

A head injury caused by a horse-riding accident can have long-term or even permanent consequences, and those who believe they may be entitled to claim compensation should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Compensation may fund rehabilitation to support recovery or, in serious cases resulting in permanent brain injuries, daily care for the injured person provided by professionals.

Neck and spinal injury

Neck injuries can happen when the head and neck are forced into an unnatural position during a fall or impact. They may involve muscles, ligaments, discs, vertebrae or nerves.

Some neck injuries improve with treatment and rehabilitation, but severe neck injuries can cause lasting pain, weakness and restricted movement. Where an injury damages the spinal cord, the consequences may be much more serious and can include the permanent loss of movement or sensation.

Severe injuries of this kind can mean that a rider needs extensive rehabilitation, home adaptations and ongoing care, and may be unable to return to the same work or activities they used to enjoy. In these cases, compensation aims to address all of the relevant costs and put you in the best possible position to adjust to your new circumstances.

Internal injuries

Internal injuries can occur after a kick, crush incident or heavy impact with the ground. Trauma to the chest or abdomen can damage organs or cause internal bleeding.

Because internal injuries are not always obvious immediately after an accident, worsening pain, breathing difficulties, faintness or other serious symptoms should be treated as requiring urgent medical attention. These injuries can be dangerous and, in the most severe cases, may be life-threatening.

You should be seen by a medical professional following any horse-riding accident. Many injuries may not be apparent straight away, but can get worse over time if not detected and treated.

Shoulder, arm and wrist injuries

Arm, wrist and shoulder injuries are common when a rider lands on one side of the body or reaches out during a fall. As well as fractures, these can result in dislocations and damage to tendons, ligaments or muscles.

A severe shoulder injury or wrist injury can affect lifting, grip, driving and day-to-day tasks. Treatment may involve surgery and physiotherapy where the joint has been badly damaged, and if you are unable to work during your recovery, a claim can offset the loss of your earnings during this period.

Leg, knee, ankle and foot injuries

The lower extremity can be badly hurt in equestrian sports. A rider can experience a leg fracture , ligament damage or dislocation when landing awkwardly, being struck by a horse or becoming trapped.

A severe knee, ankle or foot injury may affect mobility for a significant period. Some injuries need surgery and prolonged treatment before the injured person can return to work or riding.

How do serious injuries happen around horses?

The most common type of accident is often a fall or a rider being thrown from the horse, but serious injuries can occur in several ways. These include:

• a horse bucking, bolting or rearing
• a fall while jumping
• being kicked or bitten
• being crushed against a wall, fence or stable door
• damaged or unsuitable tack, including a saddle
• a foot becoming trapped in a stirrup
• a collision involving another horse, rider, vehicle or object
• being paired with a horse that is unsuitable for the rider's ability

Injuries occurring in these incidents are sometimes impossible to prevent. Horses can react suddenly to noise, movement, other animals or their surroundings, and even trained riders using body protectors, helmets and other suitable equipment may be injured as a result. However, organisers and centres should be aware of risks that can reasonably be identified and take appropriate steps to reduce them, or they may be deemed to be responsible for injuries that occur. Not every horse-riding accident gives rise to a compensation claim. Horse riding carries inherent risks, and a claim will depend on whether another party was negligent.

What legal responsibilities do activity organisers and horseback-riding centres have?

Activity organisers and equestrian centres should take reasonable steps to minimise foreseeable risks to riders. The precautions required depend on the activity, horse and rider, but should follow risk assessments and careful consideration of the potential for injury in each case.

While these are not all legal requirements, appropriate safety measures that horse-riding centres may need to take include:

• assessing a rider's experience and ability before matching them with a horse
• providing suitable instruction and supervision
• maintaining arenas, yards, fences and other facilities
• checking tack and other equipment before use to prevent falls due to equipment failure
• making sure riders wear appropriate protective equipment and footwear
• considering each horse's temperament, condition and suitability
• carrying out appropriate risk assessments for jumping, hacking and other activities
• having procedures for accidents and emergencies

Organisers should also consider whether a rider needs extra supervision. Children, beginners and older riders may have different needs, and the horse chosen for each activity should reflect this.

Safety measures cannot prevent every injury. However, where a centre fails to address a foreseeable hazard, provides unsuitable equipment or supervision, or puts a rider in a situation beyond their ability, that failure may lead to an otherwise avoidable accident. In these cases, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries.

When can an equestrian injury lead to a compensation claim?

To make a compensation claim, your solicitor must prove that someone owed you a duty of care, that they failed to meet that duty, and that this caused your injury. This is possible in a range of circumstances, and you should speak to a solicitor if you believe you're entitled to claim for specific advice on your circumstances.

In general, a claim may be possible where the accident was caused by:

• poorly maintained facilities
• defective or unsuitable equipment
• inadequate instruction or supervision
• an unsuitable horse being provided for the rider
• unsafe working practices involving horses
• a road user causing a collision with a horse and rider

Determining liability means establishing whether reasonable safety measures should have prevented it or reduced the severity of the resulting injury. At Switalskis, our experts have a wealth of experience in collecting evidence and proving the circumstances in which an injury was caused. In many cases, claims are settled out of court on the strength of the evidence we provide, and we'll work to secure fair compensation for you based on your needs.

Compensation can reflect the injury itself and the financial consequences that follow. This can include lost earnings, treatment and rehabilitation, travel expenses, care, equipment and support with future needs. Serious injury compensation may be particularly important where a fracture, brain injury, severe neck injury or other trauma causes lasting disability.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you have been injured because of someone else's negligence, the serious injury solicitors at Switalskis can assess what happened and explain whether you may be able to make a claim. Call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.