There is no doubt that eventing has become one of the fastest growing equestrian sports in recent years. This can be attributed to its crossover appeal to people from all walks of life. From novice horseback riders to seasoned veterans, everyone can appreciate the thrill of competing in a competition that tests both rider and horse to their full potential. However, while eventing is growing in popularity and becoming more accessible to new riders, it also brings with it an increased risk of injury. A survey by the British Equestrian Trade Association found that almost 80% of eventing participants will suffer an injury in the course of their riding careers. With such a high rate of accidents, eventing is one sport that can be hazardous if not done properly. There are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury while eventing so that you can continue riding for years to come!
Maintaining a Proper Riding Position
The first and most important rule when eventing is to maintain a proper riding position while in the saddle. The goal is to sit as upright as possible while also keeping a good amount of bend in your legs so that you can maintain a consistent and powerful grip on the reins. You should also keep your seatbelt adjusted to a level that allows your thighs to be around 12-16 inches off the ground. If you sit too low, you will be placing too much pressure on your back and spine and may experience discomfort or even pain after a certain period of time. If you sit too high, you will be placing too much pressure on your legs and may experience cramping in certain areas.
Maintaining a Proper Grooming Routine
Another important aspect of eventing is maintaining a proper grooming routine. This will help keep your horse clean, dry, and free of any skin irritations that may lead to an injury. You should also be careful not to overbrush your horse. This may cause your horse to become irritable and could also cause you to lose concentration and injure yourself by leaning too far forward when in the saddle.
Keeping Your Horse Fit and Healthy
Another important aspect of eventing safety is keeping your horse fit and healthy. This will help prevent your horse from being injured and will also help you remain consistent as a rider. One of the best ways to keep your horse fit and healthy is by investing in a good horse grooming table. These are available at many equestrian stores and come with the correct tools and cleaning products to keep your horse clean and healthy. You should also be sure to use rubberized rugs when exercising your horse in muddy conditions as they are much easier to clean than traditional synthetic rugs.
Warming up and cooling down on the days before an event
Another important aspect of event safety is warming up and cooling down your horse on the days leading up to an event. This will help prevent your horse from becoming fatigued, especially if the event is a long one. If your horse has become fatigued, it may be more susceptible to injury during the competition. This will also help you remain consistent as a rider as you may have a difficult time maintaining the same level of control if your horse is fatigued.
Wearing Appropriate Boots and Gloves
Another important aspect of event safety is wearing the correct boots and gloves when riding. Depending on your discipline, you may want to wear spats or ankle boots to protect your feet. Wearing the correct boots will help keep dirt and mud from getting into your other clothing, which can be inconvenient and unsanitary if not addressed. Similarly, wearing the correct gloves will protect your hands from being sprained or broken if you come into contact with a tree branch or other object during the competition.
Final Words
Wrapping up, there are many important aspects of eventing safety that you can follow to reduce your chances of injury. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you will be able to continue riding for years to come. The risk of injury is unavoidable when riding, but you can reduce it by following these safety tips and by being aware of your surroundings. With these safety tips, you can remain fit and healthy while eventing, and you can also reduce your chance of injury. You can also help promote safety and reduce injury risk among other riders by being visibly aware of your surroundings and encouraging fellow riders to do the same.