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JT McNamara Jockey Paralysed In Cheltenham Fall

Posted on in Blog, Sports Injury Claims

 

The Irish jockey, JT McNamara, has been paralysed after fracturing two neck vertebrae in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival when his horse, Galaxy Rock, fell at the first fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.  The 37-year-old is in a “very positive frame of mind” after having surgery at a Bristol hospital after the fall on March 15.

How Popular Is Horse Riding In The UK?

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) National Equestrian Survey (2010-11) indicated that:

  • 3.5 million people (6% of the UK population) have ridden a horse at least once in the past 12 months
  • 73% of riders are female
  • 25% of all UK riders are under 16 years old
  • 20% of all UK riders are over 45 years old
  • The estimated UK horse population is 988,000
  • The estimated cost of the upkeep of 1 horse is £3,105 per year

How Frequent Are Accidents?

In 2010, the Department for Transport reported 126 horse rider casualties arising from road accidents.  35 riders were seriously injured and there were 3 deaths.

In 2011 there were 225 incidents of accidents involving horses on roads reported to the British Horse Society, these included:

  • 8 rider fatalities
  • 52 serious rider injuries
  • 19 horse fatalities
  • 18 serious horse injuries

According to Hospital Episode Statistics Online (HESO), in 2010-11, there were  3,935 reported episodes requiring treatment in hospital due to ‘animal – rider or occupant of animal-drawn vehicle injured in transport accident’.

What Do The Specialists Say?

David Healey from Carter & Carter Solicitors in Stockport commented:

“Due to their sheer size and speed, if you fall from a horse there is always a chance that you will be injured.  We have acted for numerous people who have been injured after falling from horses.  If a Stables does not accurately risk assess a rider before it teaches them to ride or allows them out tacking ln the wrong horse the result can sometimes be catastrophic.  We hear time after time where riders have been injured because of various mistakes such as:

  • Permitting an unqualified instructor to take a lesson
  • Permitting a lesson to go ahead without the instructor attaching a lunge line or lead rope to the horse
  • Failing to properly or suitably supervise the lesson
  • Failing to take proper care for the rider’s safety during the lesson
  • Using a horse which was not a riding school horse

Do You Want To Know More?

If you have been injured because of a fall from a horse within the last 3 years and are unsure whether you can make an equestrian accident claim, you should contact a Specialist Solicitor as soon as possible.

If you want to find out more from our website about incidents involving horses, simply click here.

What We Can Do For You

We are experienced horse riding claims Solicitors and specialise in dealing with equestrian accident claims.   We will run your horse riding claim against the responsible party to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of equestrian accident claims compensation.

What To Do Now

If you want to speak to a Specialist now contact us on:

EMAIL: [email protected]

TEL: 01663 761 892