Legislation for mandatory wearing of helmets, such as for cyclists, will help decrease serious head injury. A suitable helmet, which meets the aesthetic criteria of riders as well as fulfilling safety standards, will need to be designed. Children in the vicinity of a horse should wear a helmet, whether they are mounted or not. Ensure that the horse is matched with the rider's ability. No young or learner rider should ride a horse younger than five years and they should be supervised at all times.
Older horses are best for beginners.
10-20 hours of instruction in horse handling and riding is the safest way to begin to enjoy horse riding. A high injury frequency during lessons indicates that an assessment of riding schools and facilities is needed. Knowledge of horse behaviour and rider education are effective countermeasures as injuries also occur while grooming or moving around the horse. Monash University Accident Research Centre Report no. 103. Preventing horse related child injury - a pilot education program.