By Farhan Naqvi, Personal Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas

Horseback riding is a common activity for Nevada residents. With thousands of acres of open land statewide, many people like to mount their steeds and explore the outdoors. But if you choose to engage in this activity, it is imperative that you do so safely.

Recently, horseback riding accidents have received a great deal of attention after Nevada governor Jim Gibbons fell off a horse and broke his pelvis at a ranch in western Nevada on September 21. Three weeks later, Gibbons is finally healthy enough to participate in administrative meetings via telephone, even though the 65-year old remains hospitalized.

Those who have ridden horses for years will tell you that the possibility of a fall always exists no matter how many precautions you take or how skilled a rider you are. And a fall from a horse can result in serious injuries. A high-profile example is actor Christopher Reeve, who was thrown from a horse in 1995 during an equestrian competition and became a quadriplegic.

Here are some tips for avoiding horseback riding falls and reducing their severity:

Choose a horse that matches your skill level.
Ride in a safe environment and stay in control of your horse at all times.
Try to anticipate anything which might spook your horse.
Make sure your saddle and stirrups are properly secured.
Consider wearing protective equipment like a helmet or crash vest.

If a fall from a horse is imminent:

Let go of the reins.
Kick your feet out of the stirrups.
Don’t stick out your arms to break your fall. This increases the chances of a broken bone.
After a fall, quickly assess your body. If you are injured, notify someone immediately.

If you are injured during a fall from a horse owned by another person or company, or if your horse was spooked by something else, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.

About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, drunk driver crashes, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.