Florida’s climate and landscape make it an excellent place to own a horse. In fact, Florida is home to over half a million horses, and around two-thirds of them are used for recreation and competition. Unfortunately, however, horse-related activities can be dangerous. Therefore, given the popularity of the equine industry in Florida, it’s no surprise that countless people are injured by horses in Florida every year. In fact, horseback riding has a higher injury rate than operating a motorcycle. And given the fact that horses can reach speeds of over 50 miles per hour and weigh over 1000 pounds, the injuries sustained by those involved in horse-related accidents can be devastating. In this article, we discuss common horse-related accidents that result in lawsuits.
Common Horse-Related Accidents and Injuries
The most common types of injuries that people sustain from horseback riding occur in the upper extremities, including the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. People tend to suffer these types of injuries after being flung, pinned, or caught by a horse. However, the lower extremities are also at risk during equestrian activities, including the ankles, knees, and feet.
And although many people sustain injuries while horseback riding, horses also injure people in other ways. For example, people often suffer injuries while feeding, grooming, or handling horses. In addition, those who deal with horses run the risk of being pushed over, bitten, kicked, or crushed. Common horse-related injuries include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fractures
- Bruises
- Dislocations
- Concussions
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries
Avoiding Horse-Related Accidents and Injuries
Although interacting with horses always poses a risk, there are several ways to avoid horse-related accidents and injuries, including:
Wear a helmet: It is advisable to always wear a helmet when mounting and riding a horse. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury.
Wear riding boots: The use of proper riding boots can prevent being caught and dragged by a horse. The width of each riding boot should be approximately two centimeters smaller than the width of each stirrup.
Inspect all riding equipment: Before riding a horse, it is important to inspect all riding equipment to ensure that it is in working order.
Wear proper clothing: Finally, proper clothing, such as nonskid gloves, can help prevent horse-related accidents. In addition, avoid wearing baggy or loose-fitting clothing while riding a horse.
Contact a Wellington Equine Law Attorney
Whether you’ve been injured by a horse, or your horse has injured someone else, you need an experienced equine law attorney on your side. At Gueronniere, P.A., we are here to assist you with your equine law needs. Founded by attorney Grace de law Gueronniere to provide excellent legal services throughout the state of Florida, Ms. De law Gueronniere has the knowledge and experience to assist you with your Florida equine law matter. Please contact us to arrange a free consultation.