Can Horse Riding Damage Your Health? The Surprising Reality

Horse riding is something that many people aspire to do on the weekends. Millions of people are members of clubs, and many people also own their own animals and keep them in stables. 

But, unfortunately, horse riding isn’t benign. In fact, it could damage your health if you’re not careful.  But why? 

That’s what this post is here to find out. It runs through some of the ways riding a horse can harm your well-being and what, if anything, you can do about it. 

Fractures And Falls
First, there’s the obvious risk of fractures and falls. Horse saddles stand between five and six feet off the ground, which is a long way to drop if you’re crashing into the pavement. 

Every year, thousands of people fall off horses and injure themselves. And sometimes, these injuries can be serious, ranging all the way up to concussions and bleeds on the brain. 

The best way to mitigate these risks is to wear a helmet, arm and knee pads. These take the majority of the sting out of falls, even if falling from a height, making recovery significantly more likely. Riding without safety equipment is something that cowboys like to do on TV, but it isn’t recommended for real life. 

Back And Joint Strain
Then there is the more insidious risk of back and joint strain. Sitting on a horse when you’re not used to it can be a jarring experience because the animal bounces up and down as it trots. The idea is to move with these movements, but that’s easier said than done, especially as a beginner. 

Furthermore, you can develop serious muscle and bone issues over time. The constant forces coming up from the horse through the body often lead to damage. 

This issue is one of the reasons why many horse riders go to an equestrian chiropractor. The idea is to bring the body back into alignment and balance (and prevent any preexisting issues from getting worse). 

Allergies And Respiratory Problems
On top of this, there are the allergies and respiratory problems that can come hand in hand with horse ownership and riding. Many stables are full of horse dander, dust and particles from hay that can trigger asthma in sensitive individuals. 

What’s more, this isn’t a niche problem. According to data, around one in five people who work in stables have a problem with horse-related allergies, significantly decreasing their quality of life. 

The best way to get around this problem is to wear an N95 mask when around horses. These devices prevent particles from travelling up through the airways where they can cause harm. 

Pelvic Concerns
Finally, long-term horse riding can lead to pelvic and reproductive concerns. Many people find that the repetitive movement of horses smashing into their genital areas can cause fertility issues. It can also lead to problems like muscle strain and incontinence. 

Therefore, always make sure you have a comfortable and well-fitting saddle. Don’t ride bareback unless you are experienced or can maintain a distance between your pelvis and the horse.