Horse jumping is one of the most exciting equestrian sports. It requires skill, strength, and balance, all on a horse that is twice the size of the average human. However, jumping isn’t without risk as there are many injuries associated with this sport. The most common injuries in horse jumping include strains, sprains, and fractures. Fortunately, most of these injuries are minor and can be treated at home or with over-the-counter medication; however, some injuries can be more serious and require a trip to a hospital emergency room or urgent care center. Let’s take a look at some of the most common injuries in horse jumping:
Sprained ankle
The ankle is one of the most commonly sprained areas in horse jumping, accounting for about 10% of all injuries. The sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together. Sprains often occur when the horse lands on its “off” foot, meaning that the foot the rider is standing on has become unstable while in the stirrups. This can happen if the horse has uneven or irregular hoof wear or if it is stepping on a root or rock.The most common sprain is an inversion ankle sprain, which occurs when the foot rolls inwards. This type of sprain can be very painful, especially when walking, as it may cause pain when trying to walk or jog. It can also cause weakness, making it difficult to get up after sitting for a while. The most common treatment for a sprained ankle in horse jumping is to use an ankle support and stay off the horse until it is healed. If the ankle sprain is severe, you may need to see a doctor.
Strain and muscle tear
A strain is a stretching or tearing of the muscles or other soft tissues. The strain can occur in the leg, back, or other areas that are overused and become too tight. Horse jumping is a very high-stress sport, so you may be more likely to get a strain or tear, especially if you are a very beginner rider. The most common way to get a strain or tear is by falling off while jumping. This is very uncommon, but it can happen if you are not properly prepared. Falls are usually due to bad timing, too much speed, or a horse that is not well trained. Falls can be dangerous for the rider and the horse, so they should be avoided at all costs.Some of the other ways to get a strain or tear are jumping in a manner that puts too much pressure on the horse’s lower back or a horse that is not suited for the level of jumping. If you have any pain or tightness in your back or legs, you should see a doctor immediately.
Fractures
Fractures are broken bones, and horse jumping is one of the most common causes of fractures in humans. The most common areas where fractures occur are the shin and ankle. The shin can be broken by a horse that hits the leg with its hoof, usually when the rider is trying to jump out of the way of another horse. The ankle can be broken by the horse’s hoof, falling off the horse, or landing on a foot that is too high. Some of the signs of a fracture are swelling, pain, and bruising. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
Summary
The most common injuries in horse jumping are sprained ankle, strain and muscle tear, and fractures. Luckily, most of these injuries are minor and can be treated at home or with over-the-counter medication. If you have any of the above injuries, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and avoid horse jumping until the injury has healed.