According to the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, there are approximately 1400 horses and ponies in Daviess County.   Over the past 10 years, Daviess County 4-H has had approximately 87 youth participate in equine programs, club events, shows and other competitions.  Nearly 50% of all sports-related traumatic brain injuries are equestrian related.  According to the CDC, the rate of serious injury per number of riding hours is estimated to be higher for horseback riders than for motorcyclists and automobile racers.  

Daviess County 4-H and Landsafe Equestrian partnered to conduct a two-day rider safety clinic which taught horse riders best practices of how to react in a variety of fall scenarios.   The two-day clinic was made possible with financial support from the Kentucky Ag Development Fund and the Kentucky 4-H Foundation.

Sixteen riders participated in the clinic.  They ranged in age from 9 to 63 years with varied skill levels from beginner to advanced.   100% owned their own horse.  Seven riders were of traditional 4-H age.  The remaining nine were adults.  38% of participants had experienced a horseback riding related accident, three of which were concussions.

The first half of each day, the riders observed how gymnastic tumbling skills apply to horse rider safety by learning how to shape their bodies and position hands and arms.   Using gymnastic equipment, the riders practiced tumbling skills designed to protect their head and neck and get them away from the horse should they fall.  The second half of each day, riders used a simulator to practice various fall scenarios and incorporate the tumbling skills.  The seven 4-H age participants all improved their gymnastic simulation skills with 100% reaching intermediate or competent level.  

As a result of the two-day clinic, 100% of the 4-H age participants felt more confident in their ability to respond to a fall scenario.

A participant’s grandmother shared the following approximately one week after the clinic.  “This past Sunday, my granddaughter was in a four wheeler accident.  She was riding behind her cousin on the four wheeler when they hit a washout and both went over the front of the ATV.  My granddaughter later said, “all I could think of was my Landsafe Equestrian training and I did just what they taught me.”  She ended up with a small ulnar fracture, but no head, neck, or chest injury.   Thanks to 4-H and Landsafe Equestrian for providing this potentially life saving education.”