[Horse-related injuries - prevention very important]

In Sweden equestrian sport activities are the sixth most popular sport and predominantly women and girls are engaged. Horses are prey animals and humans are predators, and the two species therefore act in completely different ways. It is well known that accidents can occur when horses and humans interact. Literature from different countries in the world reveals that most accidents happen to females and also children are at risk. The most common accident is when a rider falls from a horse, but also unmounted humans are at risk for injuries. Most of the injuries are uncomplicated, but there are several reports of serious injuries and death. Prevention of injuries is very important. Education about how horses behave and react in different situations and how to communicate with horses according to Natural Horsemanship strategies make the horses less inclined to escape. The effectiveness of helmets in preventing serious head injury has been well established.