Horseback riding is more dangerous than motorcycle racing, according to Heather S. Havlik, MD, director of the sports medicine program at Charlotte Medical Clinic in North Carolina.

"Never take for granted the fact that your partner in equestrian sports is much larger and much less predictable than in any other sport out there, and that situation requires constant awareness to help prevent injury," she said.

Havlik reviewed published studies done across a three-year period. She found the risk of injury was greater among equestrians than for motorcycle or automobile racing participants.

One in five horseback riders suffers serious injuries, most often head and neck trauma, as well as upper extremity fractures