ACC has worked closely with the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association (NZPCA) to develop a DVD and accompanying booklet aimed at promoting safe horse riding and horse handling practices. These have been distributed to the NZPCA clubs but are also available to members of the public. The primary target audience for these resources is younger riders but they are appropriate for all age groups.

 

You can order these resources at thinksafe@acc.co.nz, quoting the following reference numbers:

 

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Save horses, safe riders booklet (ACC4314)

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Safe horses, safe riders DVD (ACC4336)

 

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Recreational horse riding is the sixth most costly sport for ACC, and even ranks ahead of rugby league. This is not purely because of the number of injuries, but because the cost of the injury recovery is often high.  Head injury can require long term rehabilitation and care and is common for horse riders.

 

 

In the 12 years to 2004, 37 crashes involving horses on New Zealand roads were reported. One was fatal, 10 resulted in serious injury, and 24 resulted in minor injuries. Two were non-injury.

In total, 70 people were hurt, roughly split between riders and the occupants of vehicles. No figures were available on the accident outcome for the horses involved. The toll is hardly about to cause sleepless nights in the Beehive, with 400 people dying each year in car and truck accidents, and thousands more injured.

The comparatively low accident rate could indicate that riders are being displaced; fewer riders are venturing onto the roads. It may also indicate that the accident rate on the road is under-reported.

 

 

Concussion can occur following sudden violent movement of the head, usually by being struck or in a fall or collision. Most damage is caused by rotation and acceleration (e.g. spinning of the head caused by a blow to the side of the head).