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Top 10 Most Dangerous Equestrian Disciplines

Posted by Lynnsy Diekman - Saddle Up on Jan 18th 2023

While horses are our passion, the love comes with risks. Anything in life can be dangerous, but when you add a 1,000 pound animal to the mix, the chances are higher. Competing with horses is a whole different level and it is very challenging. There are some disciplines that top others, just because of the physical and mental demand it requires. Today let's take a look at the top 10 most dangerous equestrian sports! 

1. Horse Racing - Jockey 

Horse racing is ranked number one for many different reasons. First, it is a very demanding lifestyle. Not only is it physically demanding, but also mentally and dietary. They have strict weight requirements as well as a stressful routine to do what they do. There is also no off season when it comes to racing. The competition is tough, especially with so many horses involved. Many riders get severely injured while on the horse, not to mention if they come off. 

2. Steeplechase 

Steeplechase is an Olympic event for a good reason. It includes long distances and insane obstacles. It can be very dangerous with the size of jumps and the terrain that these riders are going full blast across. There is a famous obstacle known as "Taxi Ditch" that requires the horse to jump a 1.5 meter high hedge and a 4 meter long ditch. That is pretty wild! 

3. Cross Country Jumping 

Cross Country Jumping is a hardcore event. You have to endure obstacles, ditches, banks, water, and long rides. Keep in mind, it is also a race! It requires so much endurance and trust between horse and rider. It is very psychically demanding and takes a lot of skill. 

4. Barrel Racing 

Barrel racing may look easy, but there is so much more to it then just going fast. It does take speed, but also agility, balance, trust, and lots of core strength. You have to know when to add the speed, slow down for the turn, wrap the barrel without hitting it, and it can be various sizes of patterns. You also have to do all this in a matter of seconds. It is very easy for a horse and rider to get into a wreck and required a lot of work to get timing correct. 

5. Pole Bending 

This is a high intensity sport that requires a lot of work. With pole bending, you have to weave in and out of 6 poles. Your goal is to not knock any over and to do it with the fastest time. Speed mixed with tight spaces is always very risky. Horses can go over top of the poles or the poles can whack the rider causing injuries.

6. Trick Riding 

Trick riding is one the most challenging sports, in my opinion. Not only are those horses running at a high rate of speed, but the rider is also performing very risky tricks. These riders are hanging off of the sides of the horse, going under them, riding them backwards, all while the horse is moving. This is very dangerous and can cause bad accidents. It takes a lot of skill and trust to be able to do this. 

7. Show Jumping 

High jumps and speed makes for a risky combination. The rider has to balance so many aspects and it is very challenging. You have to get your timing down with speed, precision, control, and focus on jumping over large obstacles. This requires a high level of endurance for horse and rider. [

8. Fox Hunting 

While fox hunting is more of a hobby, it provides a great deal of challenges. You are out on the open terrain and elements. There are also obstacles like hedges, ditches, and water to cross while on pursuit. It takes a lot of focus and endurance to partake in. 

9. Polo 

This sport reminds me of soccer, but with riders charging at each other. It is so amazing to watch, but it can be very dangerous. Horses and riders make up two different teams that battle it out for the win. It requires a lot of endurance and quick thinking, all while controlling your horse. 

10. Vaulting 

The definition of vaulting is gymnastics on horseback. It is similar to trick riding, but with different equipment and styles. They have different saddle styles, equipped with hand bars instead of a saddle horn. They perform acrobatic/ballet moves, perform leaps, handstands, and doing so on the back of a horse. It requires incredible stamina and strength.