The practice of riding an ostrich exists, though it is highly constrained. As the world’s largest bird, standing up to nine feet tall and weighing over 300 pounds, the ostrich appears capable of bearing a human. However, this massive, flightless animal is optimized for speed and survival on the open plains. Its physical structure is profoundly different from domesticated riding animals, making the activity inherently risky for all involved.
The Anatomy of an Ostrich
The biological structure of the ostrich is fundamentally unsuited for carrying a load, especially compared to a mammal like a horse. Unlike a horse’s arched, muscular lumbar spine, the ostrich’s vertebral column is designed horizontally and lacks the robust skeletal support needed to absorb and distribute a rider’s weight. Although the bird’s axial skeleton includes a synsacrum (a fusion of several vertebrae), this structure is not built for the vertical compression a human rider imposes.
The bird’s weight-bearing limits are low, leading farms to implement strict restrictions, often capping a rider’s weight at around 150 pounds to prevent undue stress. Even with these limits, the force placed on the bird’s limbs and joints is unnatural. Ostriches are bipedal animals whose leg muscles are built for forward propulsion and speed, not for stable weight support.
The powerful pelvic limbs are optimized for running, capable of reaching speeds of 40 to 45 miles per hour. This specialization means the legs are susceptible to damage under the lateral and vertical strain of a human on its back. Placing an external load on the animal can result in weak bones, muscle strain, and severe damage to ligaments and tendons.
When and Where Ostrich Riding Occurs
Ostrich riding is a niche practice, separated from practical use and confined almost exclusively to tourist attractions and novelty events. Historically, the practice gained recognition in regions like South Africa, particularly in towns such as Oudtshoorn, known for its ostrich show farms. The activity appeals to tourists seeking a unique experience.
These events are short-duration sprints, often lasting only a few seconds. The bird is typically made temporarily docile by placing a cloth bag over its head before a lightweight rider, usually a child or small adult, is quickly mounted. The rider is instructed to hold onto the bird’s wings and lean back, as attempting to control the animal’s neck is impossible and harmful to the bird.
Due to growing awareness of animal welfare, the availability of these rides has decreased, with some major farms discontinuing the practice. When the events occur, they are highly controlled sprints or races, sometimes called ostrich derbies. The primary goal is a brief display of the bird’s speed rather than sustained travel or general transport.
The Risks for Rider and Bird
The consequences of riding an ostrich pose serious safety and ethical dilemmas for both the human and the bird. For the rider, the danger is significant due to the bird’s lack of training and powerful, defensive capabilities. The animal is not domesticated and is prone to skittering or “exploding” into movement when the cloth bag is removed, creating a high likelihood of falling from a considerable height at speed.
A more severe threat comes from the bird’s natural defense mechanism, which involves kicking forward with its long, powerful legs. An ostrich kick is a formidable weapon, equipped with a sharp claw or spike up to four inches long. A defensive strike can cause severe trauma to a person’s abdomen or limbs, with recorded instances of serious injury and death.
For the ostrich, the practice creates an unnatural and damaging strain on its delicate skeletal and muscular systems. The stress of carrying a human’s weight, even for a short duration, can result in chronic pain, torn ligaments, and joint damage. Ethical concerns are raised by the forced submission of the animal, often achieved by covering its eyes, and the use of a wild species for human entertainment, which is why many travel organizations now discourage or prohibit the activity.