3-Year-Old Falls from Horse at Taichung Houli Horse Ranch; Operator Admits Failure to Verify Age Limit
A 3-year-old child fell from a horse at Taichung's Houli Horse Ranch. The operator admitted to not verifying the age limit for the riding experience and pledged to review and improve procedures. The incident highlighted concerns about on-site handling and safety management.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 19:17
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 19:31 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 19:45 (48h 13m after Collected)
TAICHUNG, April 13 (CNA) A parent took their 3-year-old child to Taichung's Houli Horse Ranch for a horse riding experience, but the horse lost control, causing the child to fall. The parent expressed dissatisfaction that no one came forward to handle the situation. The Houli Horse Ranch admitted that the horse riding experience is limited to ages 5 to 65, and that the cashier failed to remind them and the horse handler did not verify the identity, promising to review and improve procedures.
A netizen posted on social media, stating that on April 3, they took their 3-year-old child to Houli Horse Ranch for a horse riding experience. The horse suddenly lost control, causing the child to fall. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred, but the overall handling process was disappointing. In the video, the horse suddenly charged forward, and the child fell backward onto the ground.
The netizen pointed out that while the child was unharmed, they are now afraid of horses. After the fall, no supervisor or relevant personnel at the scene proactively offered assistance. They had to inquire themselves about where to clean wounds and change clothes. The charging service lacked safety and emergency response standard operating procedures, with no visible safety management or emergency handling processes. No one followed up or showed concern after the incident. They hope the park can strengthen on-site staff training to ensure the safety of tourists and children.
Some netizens commented that they were rejected last time because their child was only 4 years old. Others mentioned that horses are animals, not machines, and their condition cannot be guaranteed, so after seeing the post, they would not let their children ride horses.
The Houli Horse Ranch told CNA that during the riding experience, the horse was startled by a loud noise from a nearby construction site, causing it to react instinctively and leading to the child's fall. The riding experience is offered to those aged 5 to 65. The ticket seller did not verbally remind them, and the horse handler did not verify the customer's identity. They will strengthen standard operating procedures in the future.
The Houli Horse Ranch stated that at the time of the incident, the coach confirmed with the customer whether medical attention was needed, and the parent replied that it was not. The ground was very thick sand, which provided cushioning. The coach also informed them that if medical treatment or further assistance was needed, they could call the ranch, but they have not received any contact from the parent to date.
The Taichung City Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that the operator has signs on site reminding visitors of age restrictions. The responsibility for the visitor's fall is still being clarified. The bureau has requested the operator to provide necessary assistance to consumers and will require the vendor to strengthen various facility safety protection measures and emergency response standard operating procedures. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150413
A netizen posted on social media, stating that on April 3, they took their 3-year-old child to Houli Horse Ranch for a horse riding experience. The horse suddenly lost control, causing the child to fall. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred, but the overall handling process was disappointing. In the video, the horse suddenly charged forward, and the child fell backward onto the ground.
The netizen pointed out that while the child was unharmed, they are now afraid of horses. After the fall, no supervisor or relevant personnel at the scene proactively offered assistance. They had to inquire themselves about where to clean wounds and change clothes. The charging service lacked safety and emergency response standard operating procedures, with no visible safety management or emergency handling processes. No one followed up or showed concern after the incident. They hope the park can strengthen on-site staff training to ensure the safety of tourists and children.
Some netizens commented that they were rejected last time because their child was only 4 years old. Others mentioned that horses are animals, not machines, and their condition cannot be guaranteed, so after seeing the post, they would not let their children ride horses.
The Houli Horse Ranch told CNA that during the riding experience, the horse was startled by a loud noise from a nearby construction site, causing it to react instinctively and leading to the child's fall. The riding experience is offered to those aged 5 to 65. The ticket seller did not verbally remind them, and the horse handler did not verify the customer's identity. They will strengthen standard operating procedures in the future.
The Houli Horse Ranch stated that at the time of the incident, the coach confirmed with the customer whether medical attention was needed, and the parent replied that it was not. The ground was very thick sand, which provided cushioning. The coach also informed them that if medical treatment or further assistance was needed, they could call the ranch, but they have not received any contact from the parent to date.
The Taichung City Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that the operator has signs on site reminding visitors of age restrictions. The responsibility for the visitor's fall is still being clarified. The bureau has requested the operator to provide necessary assistance to consumers and will require the vendor to strengthen various facility safety protection measures and emergency response standard operating procedures. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150413