What are the health risks of horse riding?

Answer 1

The risks and dangers of therapeutic horseback riding are relatively small compared to the benefits obtained. Most therapeutic riding is done on a leadline held by an experienced, able horseback rider. Most riding will be done at a walk or trot, depending on what kind of therapy is needed and the experiece and ableness of the person riding. The risks are the same as for any other person riding -- falling can constitute a risk, but this rarely happens unless by fault of the horse by spooking. Most horses used will be old lesson ponies and horses who are well-seasoned and rarely spook (bombproof). However, it must be remembered that all horses spook, as it is part of their natural fight-or-flight response. You must always remember to wear correct safety equipment and check your tack often, as malfunctions of equipment can give other complications. But in general, therapeutic riding's benefits far outway the risks, as it is useful and can gice a child or adult in need of therapy a feeling of happiness and connection.

Answer 2

There are not a lot of disadvantages to riding horses unless compared to something. One I would say would be that horses are flight animals and can spook easy which could be dangerous for the rider.

Answer 3

Horseback riding can over time cause a compression of the vertebrae. This can lead to chronic pain and possibly nerve damage. The other obvious risks is falling from the animal and being injured from the fall.