Safety in horses encompasses practices, equipment, and protocols designed to prevent accidents and injuries to both horses and humans. It involves understanding equine behavior, proper handling techniques, and the use of protective gear. Safety measures include the correct fitting and use of tack, appropriate rider attire such as helmets and boots, and safe stable management practices. This topic also covers the design of equestrian facilities to minimize hazards and the implementation of emergency procedures. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of equine safety, including risk factors, preventive strategies, and the effectiveness of safety interventions in equestrian activities.
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of star anise oil from the fruit (without or with the presence of plant leaves) of Illicium verum Hook.f., when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. For long-living and reproductive animals, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) considered of low concern the use of the additive in complete feed at 0.6 mg/kg for laying hens and rabbits, 1.0 mg/kg for sows and dairy cows, 1.6 mg/kg f...
Marchand WR, Smith J, Nazarenko E, Joubert K, Black H, Osborne M, Andersen S, Bell K, Baldwin S, Klinger W, Connelly H, Sheppard S, Hoopes K.Veterans have high rates of substance use disorders and other mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder. Effective treatments for these conditions exist; however, high attrition rates and residual symptoms after completing treatment are common. Complementary treatment approaches could enhance treatment engagement and/or response among this population. We previously reported a study of one such intervention, an equine-assisted learning, and psychotherapy incorporating horses intervention provided to veterans admitted to a Veterans Health Care Administration residential s...
Gold JR, Grubb T, Court MH, Villarino NF.Acetaminophen is utilized in human infants for pain management and fever. Neonatal foals might benefit from administration of acetaminophen but effective and safe dosage regimens for neonatal foals remains to be determined. Unassigned: The objective was to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen following oral administration of a single dose of 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg to neonatal foals. A secondary objective was to evaluate any changes in hematology and biochemistry profiles. Unassigned: Randomized study. Unassigned: Eight clinically healthy 7-9-day old Quarter Horse foals (3 c...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of 4-methyl-5-vinylthiazole [15.018] belonging to chemical group 29 (thiazoles, thiophene and thiazoline), when used as sensory additive (flavourings) in feed for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that 4-methyl-5-vinylthiazole [15.018] was safe at the maximum proposed use level of 0.5 mg/kg complete feed for veal calves (milk replacer), dogs, salmonids and ornamental fish. For the other species, the calculated safe concentrations in complete feed are: 0.4â€...
Punzón E, GarcÃa-Castillo M, Rico MA, Padilla L, Pradera A.Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent cells with a wide range of therapeutic applications, including, among others, tissue regeneration. This work aims to test the safety (EUC-MSC) of intra-articular administration of equine umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in young healthy dogs under field conditions following single and repeated administration. This was compared with the safety profile of allogenic canine adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (CAD-MSC) and placebo in order to define the safety of xenogeneic use of mesenchymal stem cells when administered intra-articular. Twenty-four p...
Riley CB, Padalino B, Rogers CW, Thompson KR.There is an increased understanding of shared human-animal risk in terms of "one welfare", whereby when animals are at risk, so are people, so preventing injury to one species may also prevent injury to the other. Because transport-related injuries to horses are common, the authors considered this paradigm to study road equine transport-related injuries to humans in New Zealand. The aim was to determine their frequency and associated factors by distributing a survey to horse industry participants through industry organisations asking about their horse activities, road transport experiences, an...
Yocom A, Contino E, Kawcak C.Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that can reduce bone resorption by incorporating into the crystal structure of exposed hydroxyapatite where they are taken up by osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates have several other mechanisms of action including reducing pain and inflammation and altering macrophage function. There are two types of bisphosphonates-nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous, the latter of which is used in horses. This article provides a literature-based review of the proposed mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses of bisphosphonates including a brief review of bone response to disease. ...
Barton CK, Goodrich LR.The use of radiofrequency energy (RFE) has become increasingly popular in equine orthopedic surgery in recent years, particularly for the debridement of cartilage lesions and soft tissue resection. However, despite considerable advancements in the technology, the safety and efficacy of RFE have continued to be questioned. While studies investigating the use of RFE for chondroplasty in the equine population are lacking, there is an abundance of research studies in the human literature assessing its effect on healthy chondrocytes, and researchers are seeking to develop guidelines to minimize col...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Dusemund B, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of DBVPG 48 SF (BioCell®) as a zootechnical feed additive for horses, pigs and ruminants. The product, manufactured in three formulations (microsphere, micropellet and powder), is intended for use in complete feed at a minimum inclusion level of 3 × 10 CFU/kg complete feed for horses, 4 × 10 CFU/kg complete feed for dairy cows and minor dairy species, 4 × 10 CFU/kg complete feed for calves, cattle for fattening, minor growing and fattening ruminants...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of anise oil and anise tincture obtained from the fruit of L., when used as sensory additives. The use of the anise oil at the proposed use level in complete feed of 1.9 mg/kg for laying hens and 5 mg/kg for horses was considered of low concern. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) had no safety concern when anise oil is used at the proposed use levels of 1.5 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and at 1.7 mg/kg for turk...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Dusemund B, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on DSM 11520 when used as a technological additive (acidity regulator) in feed for horses, dogs, cats and pet rabbits. The additive is intended to be incorporated into oat-derived products (ca. 55% moisture content), carrot root-derived products (≥ 90% moisture) and coconut flesh-derived products (≥ 90% moisture) at a minimum inclusion level of 8.0 × 10 CFU/kg of the feed material under scope. The bacterial species is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption ...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of L. (anise tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a â– â– â– â– â– solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.6%. The product contained on average 0.0414% polyphenols (of which 0.0144% were flavonoids), 0.0009% anisaldehyde, 0.0003% anethole. Estragole (≤ 1.2 mg/kg) was detected in the additive. The estimated maximum content of furocoumarins was 8.2â...
Cameron-Whytock HA, Parkin TDH, Hobbs SJ, Brigden CV, Bennet ED.Equestrian eventing is a dangerous Olympic sport, with 16 rider and 69 horse fatalities at competition in the last 10 years. Despite this, there is limited research that aims to improve safety within the sport. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for horse falls, which are the leading cause of rider fatality within the sport. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Competition data between January 2005 and December 2015 were analysed. Descriptive statistics followed by univariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for inclusion in a multivariabl...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from the leaves of L. (laurel leaf oil), when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The additive contains up to 4% methyleugenol. The use of the additive at 2 mg/kg complete feed in dogs and cats was considered of low concern. For other long-living and reproductive animals, the use of the additive at 10 mg/kg was considered of concern. For short-living animal...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the roots of (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. (taiga root tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed for dogs, cats and horses. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for dogs, cats and horses at the maximum proposed use level of 460.7, 489.5 and 140.7 mg/kg complete feed, respectively. The additive was considered safe for consumers when used at the proposed conditions of us...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, Puente SL, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M, Ramos F....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of a tincture derived from L. (gentian tincture). It is intended to be used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The product is a water/ethanol solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 4.3% and it contains on average 0.0836% polyphenols (of which 0.0463% are flavonoids and 0.0027% xanthones) and 0.0022% gentiopicroside. The additive is intended for use in complete feed or drinking water up to a maximum level of 50 mg tincture/kg for all animal species, except ho...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of L. (dill tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 0.9%. The product contained 0.0247% polyphenols (of which 0.0137% were flavonoids) and 0.003% carvone. Estragole was present at concentrations between the limit of detection and the limit of quantification in the five batches examined. The Panel on A...
Marchand WR, Lackner R, Hartquist A, Finnell L, Nazarenko E.The primary aim of this pilot study was to assess the safety, feasibility, acceptability, as well as preliminary outcomes of a mindfulness and self-compassion-based psychotherapy incorporating horses (PIH) intervention, Whispers with Horses, for Veterans who had experienced trauma. Whispers with Horses was developed as a structured intervention that could be easily replicated for additional studies. If shown to be effective by future rigorous research, the aim is to disseminate a manualized version of the intervention to the field. Methods: Prospective open trial. Methods: A large Veterans Adm...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of Mill. ssp. v var. (sweet fennel tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 2.16%. The product contained 0.0586% polyphenols (of which 0.0052% were flavonoids), anethole (0.0006%), anisaldehyde (0.0035%) and estragole (0.0006%). The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FE...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture derived from the fruit of (Mill.) Fuss (parsley tincture) when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 0.82%. The product contained 0.0198% polyphenols (of which 0.0085% were flavonoids), apiole (0.0083%), elemicin (0.0015%) and myristicin (0.0011%). The Panel on Additives and Prod...
Glace BW, Kremenic IJ, Hogan DE, Kwiecien SY.Equestrians have a high risk of concussions per hospital records. However, most concussions occur in private settings where concussions are not tracked. We determined concussion incidence by self-report, expressed per 1000 h of exposure, and determined helmet usage and concussion knowledge. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: Equestrians were recruited using a snowball method of sampling in which enrolled participants recruited more equestrians. Participants completed a survey of equestrian experience and history of concussion, symptoms and provided estimates of hours spent ...
Thieme K, Mesquita L, Lieberth S, Dancker C, Doherr MG, Eule JC.There is limited knowledge regarding the safety and accuracy of ultrasound-guided retrobulbar nerve blocks in horses. The aim of this study was to compare these parameters between blind and ultrasound-guided injection techniques for the dorsal retrobulbar nerve block in horses. Methods: Equine cadaver heads were used to inject the retrobulbar space with contrast medium (CM). Injections were performed either blindly based on anatomic landmarks (blind group, n = 44) or under ultrasonographic guidance (US-group, n = 44), equally divided between an experienced and unexperienced operator. Needl...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the roots of (Oliv.) Diels (dong quai tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed for horses, dogs and cats and in water for drinking for poultry species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for horses and dogs at the maximum proposed use level of 123 and 481 mg/kg complete feed, respectively. For cats, the calculated safe concentration is 184 mg/kg complete fe...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit (pericarps and seeds) of Hook f. (star anise tincture) when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.86%. The product contained on average 0.2588% polyphenols (of which 0.0229% were flavonoids, including 0.0036% rutin), anethole (0.018%) and estragole (0.00039%). The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Dusemund B, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B....Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of glyceryl polyethyleneglycol ricinoleate (PEG castor oil) as technological feed additive for all animal species. PEG castor oil is safe at a maximum concentration in complete feed of 90 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and other minor growing poultry; 134 mg/kg for laying hens and other laying/breeding birds kept for egg production/reproduction; 121 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening; 162 mg/kg for piglets and other minor growing ; 194 mg/kg for pigs for fattening; 23...
Carroll SL, Sykes BW, Mills PC.Husbandry and veterinary procedures have the potential to generate fear and stress in animals. In horses, the associated responses can pose a significant safety risk to the human personnel involved in the procedure, as well as to the animal itself. Traditionally, physical restraint, punishment, and/or threat of an aversive, have been the most common strategies used to achieve compliance from the horse. However, from a welfare perspective, this is less than ideal. This approach also has the potential for creating a more dangerous response from the horse in future similar situations. When caring...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Fašmon Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A....Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from leaves, stalks and twigs of (L.) J. Presl (cassia leaf oil) when used as a sensory additive (flavouring) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. Owing to the presence of styrene in cassia leaf oil, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude for long-living animals and animals for reproduction. For 'short-living' animals, the FEEDAP Panel conc...
Nylund LE, Sinclair PJ, Hitchens PL, Cobley S.To identify characteristics of jockey falls associated with high-risk landings using a modified Equestrian Fall Assessment Instrument. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Video footage of 22 flat and 58 jump racing falls (N = 80) which occurred in Great Britain, Ireland, and New Zealand from 2013 to 2018 was systematically analysed using the modified Equestrian Fall Assessment Instrument. Race, horse, and jockey-level factors, including the nature of ground contact (landings), were characterised identifying factors associated with high-risk landings. High-risk landings refer to cases ...
Kondampati KD, Saini SPS, Sidhu PK, Anand A, Kumar D, Beesam S, Bedi JS, Kaur R, Bhardwaj R.The pharmacokinetics of ampicillin-cloxacillin, given as single intravenously dose of 10 mg.kg-1 (5 mg.kg-1 of ampicillin plus 5 mg.kg-1 of cloxacillin) was examined in clinically presented Indian thoroughbred horses (n = 6) in order to design appropriate dosing strategies. Drug concentrations in plasma were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and pharmacokinetic parameters were derived by non-compartmental analysis using WinNonlin software. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ampicillin-cloxacillin against qualit...
Wolyncewicz GEL, Palmer CS, Jowett HE, Hutson JM, King SK, Teague WJ.Horse-related injuries account for one quarter of all paediatric sports fatalities. It is not known whether the pattern of injury spectrum and severity differ between children injured whilst mounted, compared with those injured unmounted around horses. We aimed to identify any distinctions between the demographic features, spectrum and severity of injuries for mounted versus unmounted patients. Methods: Trauma registry data were reviewed for 505 consecutive paediatric patients (aged<16years) admitted to a large paediatric trauma centre with horse-related injuries over a 16-year period. Patient...
d'Abreu F.This research article discusses brain injuries in jockeys, particularly in horse racing. The author recounts the preventive measures taken by the Jockey Club and the Betting Levy Board to protect […]
Forero Rueda MA, Cui L, Gilchrist MD.Jockey head injuries, especially concussions, are common in horse racing. Current helmets do help to reduce the severity and incidences of head injury, but the high concussion incidence rates suggest that there may be scope to improve the performance of equestrian helmets. Finite element simulations in ABAQUS/Explicit were used to model a realistic helmet model during standard helmeted rigid headform impacts and helmeted head model University College Dublin Brain Trauma Model (UCDBTM) impacts. Current helmet standards for impact determine helmet performance based solely on linear acceleration....
Fleming PR, Crompton JL, Simpson DA.The aim of this study was to highlight the neuro-ophthalmological dangers associated with horse riding, and working around horses, and the importance of wearing adequate headgear to protect the rider from neuro-ophthalmic injuries. It raises the questions of whether the current laws regarding helmet use are satisfactory, and whether helmets currently used are of an adequate standard. Methods: The records over a 20-year period of one neuro-ophthalmologist in Adelaide were reviewed producing 22 patients with neuro-ophthalmological sequelae of head injuries as a result of horse-related accidents....
Haigh L, Thompson K.Equestrian activities pose significant head injury risks to participants. Yet, helmet use is not mandatory in Australia outside of selected competitions. Awareness of technical countermeasures and the dangers of equestrian activities has not resulted in widespread adoption of simple precautionary behaviors like helmet use. Until the use of helmets whilst riding horses is legislated in Australia, there is an urgent need to improve voluntary use. To design effective injury prevention interventions, the factors affecting helmet use must first be understood. To add to current understandings of the...
Muwanga LC, Dove AF.We report the frequency with which horse riders with a significant head injury present to a large accident and emergency department. We have also recorded details about the use of headwear and conclude that horse-riding is associated with a serious risk of head injury and 'protective' headwear may not always protect.
Schmidt B, Mayr J, Fasching G, Nöres H.The rate of pediatric equestrian injuries is relatively low, but the severity of injuries is greater than in many other pediatric sport activities. In a 4-year period the charts of 109 patients up through the age of 15 years, who were admitted for equestrian-related injuries were reviewed. Falls from horses are the most frequent cause of injuries and responsible for their anatomic localization and type of injury. In our study the upper extremity was the most common (38%) area injured and head injuries comprised the second largest group with 36%. Forty percent of all injuries were fractures, 72...
Hessler C, Eckert V, Meiners J, Jürgens C, Reicke B, Matthes G, Ekkernkamp A, Püschel K.Horse riding is associated with a high rate of injuries. The possibilities of prevention are limited because of deficient knowledge about the causes and mechanisms of equine-related accidents. In the present study 198 equine-related accidents were analyzed and based on these data risk groups were identified and guidelines to improve safety in horse riding were formulated. Methods: In this 2-center study the accidents of 169 riders over a period of 12 months were analyzed. Data on equine-related patterns of injury and the resulting treatment were collated from the clinical records. Additionally...
Bernhang AM, Winslett G.In brief: It has always been assumed that participants in equestrian sports are at high risk of serious injury and that minor injuries are common. This study of American Horse Shows Association and United States Pony Clubs horse shows tried to determine if shows are as safe as or safer than other sports, what the accident rate is for horse shows, if any factors influence the accident rate, and what types of accidents and injuries occur. There were 290 reported injuries and two deaths in the 984 responding shows. The accident rate per entry was 0.0003. There was no statistically significant rel...
Hovanessian N, Davis JL, McKenzie HC, Hodgson JL, Hodgson DR, Crisman MV.The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of firocoxib in neonatal foals. Seven healthy foals were administered 0.1Â mg/kg firocoxib orally q24Â h for nine consecutive days, commencing at 36Â h of age. Blood was collected for firocoxib analysis using high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection at 0 (dose #1 only), 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24Â h after doses 1, 5, and 9. For all other doses (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8), blood was collected immediately prior to the next dose (24 h trough). Elimination samples (36, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 1...
Hessler C, Namislo V, Kammler G, Lockemann U, Püschel K, Meenen NM.Horseback riding entails several risk factors that predispose the participant to injury. Especially craniocerebral as well as spinal trauma were common reasons for severe injuries. Hence, it is important to use effective protective gear during riding activities. However, the protective effect of actual safety vests and helmets in case of accident is still unknown. In the present study reasons, mechanisms and patterns of equine-related spine injuries were analyzed. Based on these data the effectiveness of used protective gear during accident was assessed. Methods: 30 equestrians took part in a ...
Hessler C, Eckert V, Vettorazzi E, Meenen N, Jürgens C, Schult M, Flamme C, Herberhold HJ, Madert J, Ekkernkamp A, Lockemann U, Püschel K, Pohlenz P.Despite the benefit of safety vests to the reduction of torso injuries in children and adolescents is unclear, its' use is recommended. The aim of the present study is to determine the effectiveness of safety vests actually used in pediatric equestrian activities. Methods: In this case-control-study, we analyzed the accidents of 92 riders aged 18 or younger who fell off a horse onto his/her torso during a period of 18 months. Data were gathered from the clinical records. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered on the day of trauma by the patients and/or their parents. Results: The cases...
Northey G.The aims of this study were to investigate the extent of equestrian injuries in New Zealand and provide a range of prevention interventions. Methods: An examination of New Zealand Health Information Service (NZHIS) morbidity data for 1993 to 2001 and mortality data for 1993 to 1999 was undertaken. Recent studies on equestrian injuries were evaluated. Results: NZHIS data indicated that as a result of horse-related injuries 5613 people were hospitalised between 1993 and 2001 and there were 16 fatalities between 1993 and 1999. Horse-related injuries were most prevalent in young females aged 10 to...
Long MT, Gibbs EP, Mellencamp MW, Zhang S, Barnett DC, Seino KK, Beachboard SE, Humphrey PP.West Nile virus (WNV) infection is endemic and able to cause disease in naive hosts. It is necessary therefore to evaluate the safety of new vaccines. Objective: To establish: 1) the safety of a modified live Flavivirus/West Nile virus (WN-FV) chimera by administration of an overdose and testing for shed of vaccine virus and spread to uninoculated sentinel horses; 2) that this vaccine did not become pathogenic once passaged in horses; and 3) vaccine safety under field conditions. Methods: There were 3 protocols: 1) In the overdose/shed and spread study, horses were vaccinated with a 100x immun...
Asa N, Newton A, Sullivan L, Shi J, Wheeler K, Smith GA, Yang J.Despite inherit dangers of horseback riding (HBR), research on HBR-related injuries is sparse. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to (1) examine HBR-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) and associated risk factors and (2) explore HBR-related injury experiences and recommendations for prevention strategies from the perspective of riders. We retrospectively analyzed data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), identifying HBR-related ED visits between 2010 and 2014. Additionally, we conducted 10 phone interviews with active horseback ride...
Passler NH, Chan HM, Stewart AJ, Duran SH, Welles EG, Lin HC, Ravis WR.The purpose of this study was to assess safety and alterations in body fluid concentrations of voriconazole in normal horses on days 7 and 14 following once daily dose of 4 mg/kg of voriconazole orally for 14 days. Body fluid drug concentrations were determined by the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). On day 7, mean voriconazole concentrations of plasma, peritoneal, synovial and cerebrospinal fluids, aqueous humor, epithelial lining fluid (ELF), and urine were 1.47 +/- 0.63, 0.61 +/- 0.22, 0.70 +/- 0.20, 0.62 +/- 0.26, 0.55 +/- 0.32, 79.45 +/- 69.4, and 1.83 +/- 0.44 microg...
Frandsen SK, Gehl J, Tramm T, Thoefner MS.Sarcoids are common equine skin tumors where the risk of recurrence after treatment is high, and better treatment options are warranted. Calcium electroporation is a novel anti-cancer treatment where lethally high calcium concentrations are introduced into the cells by electroporation, a method where short high-voltage pulses induce transient permeabilization of the cell membrane. This study investigated the safety and long-term response of calcium electroporation on sarcoids. Thirty-two sarcoids in eight horses were included. The study suggested that calcium electroporation is a safe and feas...
Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Kos Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M....Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSAPanel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of essential oil, oleoresin and tincture from Roscoe when used as sensory additives in feed for all animal species. The FEEDAPPanel concludes that the additives under consideration are safe for the target species at the following use levels: (i) ginger essential oil up to the maximum proposed use level of 80 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer) and 20 mg/kg complete feed (or 20 mg/L water...
Arguedas MG, Hines MT, Papich MG, Farnsworth KD, Sellon DC.Despite frequent clinical use, information about the pharmacokinetics (PK), clinical effects, and safety of butorphanol in foals is not available. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the PK of butorphanol in neonatal foals after IV and IM administration; to determine whether administration of butorphanol results in physiologic or behavioral changes in neonatal foals; and to describe adverse effects associated with its use in neonatal foals. Methods: Six healthy mixed breed pony foals between 3 and 12 days of age were used. Methods: In a 3-way crossover design, foals received ...
Rood KA, Pate ML.Practicing veterinarians are exposed to unique occupational hazards and zoonotic diseases. National studies have highlighted an increase risk to injuries and a lack of veterinary awareness for these hazards. In Utah (and likely other states), reports of acquired zoonoses are sporadic, and underlying risk factors poorly understood. To better clarify occupational risk factors, the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Utah veterinarians were examined. A total sample of 809 Utah veterinarians were identified from the 2017 licensure listing provided by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing....
Kirkpatrick JF, Turner A.Despite a large body of safety data, concern exists that porcine zonae pellucidae (PZP) immunocontraception--used to manage wild horse populations--may cause out-of-season births with resulting foal mortality. Our study at Assateague, Maryland indicated the effects of immunocontraception on season of birth and foal survival between 1990 and 2002 on wild horses from Assateague Island. Among 91 mares never treated, 69 (75.8%) of foals were born in April, May, and June (in season). Among 77 treated mares, 50 (64.9%) were born in season. Of 29 mares foaling within 1 year after treatment (contracep...
Burger D, Vidondo B, Gerber V, Deillon D, Müller A, Scheidegger M, Käser R, Ramseyer A.Fatigue and related injuries to the musculoskeletal system are among the most frequent reasons for the withdrawal of high-level eventing horses from the sport. The safety of both horse and rider is very important, and early detection of fatigue is crucial. Objective: To investigate elite eventing horses in competitive events focusing on biomechanical, cardiovascular and metabolic variables across the cross-country test and to identify their potential associations with fatigue. Methods: Prospective observational exploratory field study. Methods: Observations on 54 cross-country tests of 33 hors...
Marchand WR, Joubert K, Smith J, Nazarenko E, Klinger W, Sheppard S, Hoopes KH.The aim of this observational pilot study was to assess the safety, feasibility, preliminary outcomes, and predictors of participant response as a result of implementing an equine-assisted intervention within a residential substance abuse treatment program at a large Veterans Administration medical center. A secondary aim was to evaluate psychological instruments for use in future, more rigorous studies. The overarching goal was to complete the necessary work to prepare for a large randomized controlled trial of this intervention for Veterans with addictive disorders. Methods: Participants wer...
Morgan RF, Nichter LS, Friedman HI, McCue FC.Three men with thumb injuries sustained during rodeo roping competition have been treated recently. Two of the thumbs were amputated, and the third was partially avulsed. The mechanism of injury was identical in all three cases. The thumbs were entwined between the rope and saddle horn while reducing the slack in the rope and then subjected to shearing and crushing forces as tension was placed on the rope. These injuries emphasize the importance of keeping the thumb upward and clear of the rope to avoid entrapment between the rope and saddle horn.
Ilgren EB, Teddy PJ, Vafadis J, Briggs M, Gardiner NG.We present a clinical and pathological study of brain injuries in horse-riding accidents. Among six fatal cases, all experienced riders varying in age and sex, two were not wearing helmets and four had inadequate protective headgear. Among five non-fatal cases, four wore adequate helmets and only one of these suffered permanent neurological damage. The fifth was not wearing a helmet and although he eventually returned to work, a CT scan following the fall showed a deep-seated perithalamic hematoma. These findings are consistent with those of virtually all other studies in that they suggest tha...
Aronson H, Tough SC.People use horses for work and recreational purposes on farms and ranches in Alberta, Canada. This retrospective descriptive review examines the records of all those people killed while around horses between 1975 and 1990. The intent is to ascertain features common to these injuries and to suggest prevention strategies. Records from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Alberta revealed that 38 people were involved in horse-related fatalities between 1975 and 1990 and that 22 died of head injuries. All 38 deaths were classified as accidental. Some of these might have been prevented, or i...
