Sports Medicine and horses is a field focused on the study and application of medical and scientific principles to the care and performance of equine athletes. This discipline involves the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries or conditions that affect horses engaged in various sports. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and the management of musculoskeletal disorders. Sports medicine practitioners work to optimize the health and performance of sport horses through evidence-based approaches. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, treatments, and outcomes associated with sports medicine practices in equine athletes.
McDonald S, Verheyen KLP, Chang YM, Allen SE.Race-related injuries in horse racing, especially those requiring extended recovery, are a welfare concern and threaten the sport's social licence. Previous studies predominantly report on fatalities; however, serious non-fatal musculoskeletal injuries often end horses' racing careers or have a high recurrence risk. No recent studies have described or quantified long-term injuries (LTIs) in racing Thoroughbreds, which is essential to inform targeted risk prevention strategies. Objective: To describe the types, frequencies and incidences of LTIs in British jump racing. Methods: Retrospective co...
Ken-Dror G, Chua V, Sharma P.To determine the frequency of traumatic injuries in polo players in England. Methods: The survey included data on body location and reason for injury derived from accident reports using a retrospective cohort design from 26 participating English polo clubs between the years 2018 and 2024. Results: The study population included injuries in 236 polo players. The most common injury site was the limb (arm, hand, leg, wrist, shoulder) 47.9% (95% CI: 41.4-54.5), and face or head 38.6% (95% CI: 32.3-45.1), of which 12.1% (95% CI: 6.2-20.6) affected the eyes. The most common reason to require hospital...
Cordonnier T, Germon V, Lemé C, Jouve JL, Launay F, Pesenti S.Despite benefits in children, sport practice has been reported with higher risk of fractures. Our objective was to report the characteristics of sport-related fractures in children and to compare them to fractures sustained in a domestic context. Our hypothesis was that sports-related fractures more frequently required surgical treatment, and could therefore be considered more severe METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients under 16 years old, diagnosed with a fracture at the emergency department, excluding skull and face fractures. Demographic data, context of inj...
Duma LA, Begonia MT, Miller B, Jung C, Wood M, Duma BG, Rowson S.The current equestrian helmet standards set minimal requirements for passing helmets, highlighting the need for a rating system that differentiates helmets based on their impact performance. This study's objectives were to compare equestrian helmet impact response kinematics between linear-driven and oblique impact conditions and then to evaluate the effect of incorporating oblique drop tests into a previously established equestrian helmet rating system, Equestrian STAR. Methods: Oblique drop tests were conducted with 45 equestrian helmet models at two impact locations, front boss and rear bos...
Newton LJ, Dobbin N, Goodwin P, Crampton JS.Competitive horse racing is the second largest sport in Great Britain by spectator attendance, employability, and revenue. It is a lucrative yet hazardous sport, with high injury rates, particularly from falls. Clavicular fractures are one of the most common injuries reported, yet their management, especially regarding return to racing, is under-researched. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors associated with the time to return to competition following a clavicular fracture in jockeys competing in Great Britain. Methods: This review of medical records utilised data from the Bri...
Keener MM, Vice GC, Tumlin KI, Heebner NR.The study aims to characterize the workday habits of American jockeys and evaluate the relationship between workday habits and fatigue through changes in postural stability (balance) across their workday. Methods: Thirty-seven jockeys participated in prerace and postrace day testing. Jockeys completed questionnaires on workday habits and a 2-minute balance test with triaxial accelerometers on the unstable surface and sacrum. Results: The median caloric intake during their workday was 263.8 kcal. Wilcoxon signed rank tests reported no significant changes in balance across the workday. Statistic...
Gould S, Crawford AE, Picken L, Serrano D, Gabriel F, McGwin G, Chandran A, Schrum K.To characterize helmet use, head injury risk, and to examine rider-related factors that influence these variables. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The University of Alabama at Birmingham Equestrian Sports Medicine Collaborative. Methods: In total, 357 equestrians competing at the collegiate level participated in this study. Unassigned: χ 2 tests were used to evaluate potential associations between a rider's experience level, riding style, and use of helmet designed with MIPS with number of falls, past head injuries, and helmet use frequency. Methods: Data regarding helmet use and equ...
Pereira AT, Pozzobon R, Dos Anjos BL, Chaves LT, Smilgys ÉC, Thoma AJS, Lunkes VL, de Oliveira JS, de Andrade CM, Soares JCM.Criollo breed is quite popular in Brazil, mainly in the Southern Region, and the long loop rodeo is one of the main sports modality adapted to this breed. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the muscle and oxidative functions caused by exercises practiced in this sports modality. Data such as exercising frequency, covered distance, mean duration time and number of runs, and blood samples at the following times: before the tournament, on the final day of the event, and 18-24 h after the end of the tournament were collected. Were assessed lactate and the enzymes aspartate aminotra...
Treß D, Lischer C, Merle R, Ehrle A.Overriding spinous processes, also known as 'kissing spines', are one of the most common causes of back pain in horses. The aim of this study was to investigate which options for diagnosis and treatment are preferred by equine orthopaedic specialists and assess which techniques are used for local injection. An online survey was distributed among members of the European/American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the European/American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology and nationally recognised advanced equine orthopaed...
Bowen AG, Tabor G, Labens R, Randle H.Outcome measures are essential for monitoring treatment efficacy. The lack of measures for quality of movement in equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation impairs evidence-based practice. To develop a new field-based outcome measure, it is necessary to determine movements most frequently observed during assessment of rehabilitation and performance management cases. An online survey of 81 equine sports medicine veterinarians and equine allied-health clinicians was conducted. The key movements identified included walk and trot on both firm and soft surfaces in a straight line and on a small circl...
Triguinho A, Fontes-Sousa AP, Pimenta J, Cotovio M.The Lusitano horse is gaining popularity in the equestrian world, and as a result, the significance of applied sports medicine for this breed is growing. As cardiology plays a crucial role in this field, numerous studies have been conducted to establish electrocardiographic reference values in various breeds to ensure a more accurate evaluation. However, studies regarding healthy Lusitano horses are lacking. So, this study aimed to establish electrocardiographic reference values for Lusitano horses, utilizing a sample of 82 clinically healthy animals. The evaluation involved lead II and base-a...
Ruff JH, Tufts S, Robertson J, Horne C, Schnabel LV, Jacobs C.To compare palpation and ultrasound scores of effusion of the medial femorotibial and femoropatellar joints of horses. Methods: 40 horses (80 stifles) were evaluated over a 12-week period. Methods: Horses > 1 year of age without history of stifle disease were enrolled from September to December 2022. Palpation of right and left medial femorotibial and femoropatellar joint compartments was performed. Amount of effusion was scored by a board-certified large animal surgeon, a third-year large animal surgery resident, and an equine sports medicine intern. Effusion of right and left medial femoroti...
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 ...
Santosuosso E, Leguillette R, Vinardell T, Filho S, Massie S, McCrae P, Johnson S, Rolian C, David F.Background: Swimming is used for rehabilitation and conditioning purposes in equine sports medicine despite the lack of understanding of equine swimming kinematics. The aim of this study was to assess forelimb joints kinematics (elbow, carpus, and fetlock) in swimming horses. The specific objectives were 1- to calculate and compare joint angles in swimming vs. passive mobilizations (PM), 2- to determine joint angular velocities during a swimming stride cycle. Methods: Eleven elite endurance horses swam in a 100-m straight pool. Underwater (swimming) and overground (PM) videos were recorded fro...
O'Connor S, Hitchens PL, Bolwell C, Annan R, McGoldrick A, Fortington LV.Jockey injuries are common in professional horse-racing and can result in life-threatening or career-ending outcomes. Robust injury data are essential to understand the circumstances of injury occurrence and ultimately identify prevention opportunities. This study aimed to identify jockey injury surveillance practices of international horse-racing authorities (HRAs) and the specific data items collected and reported by each HRA. A cross-sectional survey of representatives (e.g. Chief Medical Officer) from international HRAs was conducted. An online and paper questionnaire was designed comprise...
Ryan KD, Brodine J, Pothast J, McGoldrick A.Horseracing is among the most popular and increasingly lucrative industry sports in the nation. The average jockey must control a thoroughbred horse 10 times their weight that may act unpredictably whether at rest or full gallop resulting in falls, kicks, or even biting injuries. Despite the risks, jockeys do not have access to the same quality of medical care that is standard in similarly profitable sports organizations. Beyond the mental and physical demands of training and performance endured by any professional athlete, jockeys are confronted with health challenges unique to their sport. I...
Waller CC, Weththasinghe SA, McClure L, Cawley AT, Suann C, Suann E, Sutherland E, Cooper E, Heather A, McLeod MD.Hemapolin (2α,3α-epithio-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol) is a designer steroid that is an ingredient in several "dietary" and "nutritional" supplements available online. As an unusual chemical modification to the steroid A-ring could allow this compound to pass through antidoping screens undetected, the metabolism of hemapolin was investigated by an in vivo equine drug administration study coupled with GC-MS analysis. Following administration of synthetically prepared hemapolin to a thoroughbred horse, madol (17α-methyl-5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol), reduced and dihydroxylated madol (17α-me...
Clark JM, Adanty K, Post A, Hoshizaki TB, Clissold J, McGoldrick A, Hill J, Annaidh AN, Gilchrist MD.Equestrian helmets are designed to pass certification standards based on linear drop tests onto rigid steel surfaces. However, concussions in equestrian sports occur most commonly when a rider is thrown off a horse and obliquely impacts a compliant surface such as turf or sand. This paper seeks to elucidate the mechanics of such impacts and thereby propose corresponding thresholds for the occurrence of concussion that can improve equestrian helmet standards and designs. Methods: The present study examined the biomechanics of real-world equestrian accidents and developed thresholds for the occu...
Clark JM, Connor TA, Post A, Hoshizaki TB, Gilchrist MD.Current equestrian standards employ a drop test to a rigid steel anvil. However, falls in equestrian sports often result in impacts with soft ground. The purpose of this study was to compare head kinematics and brain tissue response associated with surfaces impacted during equestrian accidents and corresponding helmet certification tests. A helmeted Hybrid III headform was dropped freely onto three different anvils (steel, turf and sand) at three impact locations. Peak linear acceleration, rotational acceleration and impact duration of the headform were measured. Resulting accelerations served...
You Y, Proctor RM, Vasilko ED, Robinson MA.JWH-250 is a synthetic cannabinoid. Its use is prohibited in equine sport according to the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). A doping control method to confirm the presence of four JWH-250 metabolites (JWH-250 4-OH-pentyl, JWH-250 5-OH-pentyl, JWH-250 5-OH-indole, and JWH-250 N-pentanoic acid) in equine urine was developed and validated. Urine samples were treated with acetonitrile and evaporated to concentrate the analytes prior to the analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The chromat...
Cappelli K, Capomaccio S, Viglino A, Silvestrelli M, Beccati F, Moscati L, Chiaradia E.Endurance exercise induces metabolic adaptations and has recently been reported associated with the modulation of a particular class of small noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, that act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Released into body fluids, they termed circulating miRNAs, and they have been recognized as more effective and accurate biomarkers than classical serum markers. This study examined serum profile of miRNAs through massive parallel sequencing in response to prolonged endurance exercise in samples obtained from four competitive Arabian horses before and 2 h after the ...
O'Connor S, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Cullen S. Professional horse racing is considered a high-risk sport, yet the last analysis of fall and injury incidence in this sport in Ireland was completed between 1999 and 2006. Objective: To provide an updated analysis of the fall and injury incidence in professional flat and jump horse racing in Ireland from 2011 through 2015, compare it with the previous analysis, and detail the specific types and locations of injuries. Methods: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: A medical doctor recorded all injuries that occurred at every official flat and jump race meeting for the 2011 th...
Gass M, Kühl S, Connert T, Filippi A.Showjumping is one of the sporting activities with a high injury risk. Unpredictable behaviour of the horse, considerable speed and the height of the rider in the saddle make this sport to one of the most dangerous, with the highest risk of injury and the highest mortality rate per competitor. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of dental trauma, the wearing of protective gear such as helmet, back protector and mouthguard as well as the knowledge of primary care after dental trauma. Methods: Within the framework of this study, 608 female and male showjumpers from Switzerland, ...
Young JD, Gelbs JC, Zhu DS, Gallacher SE, Sutton KM, Blaine TA.Despite the common nature of orthopaedic injuries in equestrian sports, there is no published review to specifically characterize orthopaedic injuries in equestrian athletes. Objective: To characterize orthopaedic injury patterns in equine sports-related injuries and their treatment. Methods: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This review was performed through a PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus query (from 1978 to June 2014) in the English literature using search terms "(equine-related OR equestrian-related OR horse-related OR equestrian OR equestrians) AND (injury OR injuries)." Only...
Boham M, O'Connell K.To introduce the characteristics of a Chance fracture and increase awareness of the mechanism of injury that may occur during athletic activity. Background: A T12 Chance fracture was diagnosed in an 18-year-old male rodeo athlete. The rider was forced into extreme lumbothoracic hyperflexion when the horse bucked within the chute, pinning the rider's legs to his chest. Methods: Burst fracture, abdominal organ rupture, spinal dislocation, spinal cord injury, disk herniation, pars interarticularis fracture, spinal nerve injury, paralysis. Methods: The patient underwent an open reduction and fixat...
Richards SL, Cawley AT, Raftery MJ.Dermorphin, a hepta-peptide with potent analgesic properties, is classified as a doping agent in equine racing. Since its discovery, a number of biologically active structural analogs have been synthesized and made commercially available so there is a need for reliable methods of detection. Results: A sensitive detection method was developed for dermorphin and six analogs in equine urine. Peptide enrichment was achieved using weak cation exchange with subsequent separation and detection by nano-UHPLC-MS/MS. Method validation parameters included: specificity, linearity (5-10000 pg/ml), recovery...
Smith RK, Birch HL, Goodman S, Heinegård D, Goodship AE.Strain-induced tendinopathy is a common injury in both human and equine athletes, with increasing incidence associated with greater involvement in sport and an increasingly aged population. This paper reviews our studies on the abundant non-collagenous protein, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), in equine tendons. Its variation between tendon type and site, age and exercise has provided an insight into how age and exercise influence tendon growth and maturation. Tendons can be broadly divided into two types, reflecting their different matrix composition and function: the energy-storin...
Turner M, McCrory P, Halley W.Professional horse racing is an exciting and demanding sport with high injury rates. Surprisingly few epidemiological studies have been published and no prospective studies have been reported. This paper reviews the literature and provides a detailed breakdown of injuries in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland for 1992-2000. The introduction of protective equipment is discussed and evidence for its effectiveness put forward.
Egenvall A, Tranquille CA, Lönnell AC, Bitschnau C, Oomen A, Hernlund E, Montavon S, Franko MA, Murray RC, Weishaupt MA, Weeren vR, Roepstorff L.Orthopaedic, or other, injuries in sports medicine can be quantified using the 'days-lost to training' concept. Both the training regimen and the surface used in training and racing can affect the health of racehorses. Our aim was to associate 'days-lost to training' in elite-level show-jumpers to horse characteristics, training and management strategies, and the time spent working on various training and competition surfaces. We designed a longitudinal study of professional riders in four European countries. Data were recorded using training diaries. Reasons for days-lost were classified into...
Wilson G, Hawken MB, Poole I, Sparks A, Bennett S, Drust B, Morton J, Close GL.Despite the performance concerns of dehydration in other sports, there are currently no data on the effects of rapid weight-loss on the physical and cognitive performance of jockeys in a sport-specific context. In a randomised crossover design, eight Great Britain (GB) male licensed jockeys were assessed for chest strength, leg strength, simulated riding performance (assessed by maximum pushing frequency on a mechanical riding simulator during the final two furlongs of a simulated 2 mile race) and simple reaction time after performing 45 min of exercise, during which euhydration was maintained...
Weishaupt MA.The skill to diagnose lameness in horses is paramount for every equine practitioner. Early recognition of locomotor deficiencies plays a central role in sports medicine management, preventing deterioration of the disease or catastrophic injuries. Horses use characteristic compensatory movements of specific body parts to decrease loading of the affected limb. This article describes the underlying changes in intra- and interlimb coordination and the resulting load redistribution between the limbs. This enables the practitioner to better understand the changes in movement associated with lameness...
O'Connor S, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Cullen S. Professional horse racing is considered a high-risk sport, yet the last analysis of fall and injury incidence in this sport in Ireland was completed between 1999 and 2006. Objective: To provide an updated analysis of the fall and injury incidence in professional flat and jump horse racing in Ireland from 2011 through 2015, compare it with the previous analysis, and detail the specific types and locations of injuries. Methods: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: A medical doctor recorded all injuries that occurred at every official flat and jump race meeting for the 2011 th...
Clark JM, Adanty K, Post A, Hoshizaki TB, Clissold J, McGoldrick A, Hill J, Annaidh AN, Gilchrist MD.Equestrian helmets are designed to pass certification standards based on linear drop tests onto rigid steel surfaces. However, concussions in equestrian sports occur most commonly when a rider is thrown off a horse and obliquely impacts a compliant surface such as turf or sand. This paper seeks to elucidate the mechanics of such impacts and thereby propose corresponding thresholds for the occurrence of concussion that can improve equestrian helmet standards and designs. Methods: The present study examined the biomechanics of real-world equestrian accidents and developed thresholds for the occu...
Cappelli K, Capomaccio S, Viglino A, Silvestrelli M, Beccati F, Moscati L, Chiaradia E.Endurance exercise induces metabolic adaptations and has recently been reported associated with the modulation of a particular class of small noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, that act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Released into body fluids, they termed circulating miRNAs, and they have been recognized as more effective and accurate biomarkers than classical serum markers. This study examined serum profile of miRNAs through massive parallel sequencing in response to prolonged endurance exercise in samples obtained from four competitive Arabian horses before and 2 h after the ...
Serrano MG, Evans DL, Hodgson JL.The aim of this study was to investigate the heart rate and blood lactate responses to exercise in event horses in normal training, and to compare them to those encountered in eventing competition. It was hypothesised that the responses during exercise in the course of training for CCI*** events would be significantly different from those of the Cross-Country day. Heart rates and blood lactate concentrations were measured in 13 elite event horses after intense exercise sessions conducted during the late stages of preparation for CCI*** or CCI**** 3-day-event competition. Mean +/- s.d. heart ra...
Watt GM, Finch CF.The medical and sports literature databases were searched for equestrian sports-related injury published in English since 1980, together with conference abstracts and discussions with equestrian sporting bodies. This literature was critically reviewed, with emphasis on measures to prevent or control injury i.e. countermeasures. While there is considerable literature available on the epidemiology of injury incurred in most equestrian sports, there is little on the prevention of these injuries. Case-control or other studies evaluating the effectiveness of the countermeasures suggested by authors...
Pugh TJ, Bolin D.Some 30 million Americans are involved in equestrian sports. Although there is significant literature regarding catastrophic injury, there is very little literature that addresses overuse injury and its effect on rider and horse. As the horse and rider function as a unit, overuse injuries to the rider can affect the horse's training and responsiveness. Sports physicians treating riders should understand correct posture in the saddle and its alteration by muscular imbalance and injury. This review discusses common equestrian events, and common overuse injuries in recreational and competitive ri...
Meyers MC, Elledge JR, Sterling JC, Tolson H.Collegiate rodeo athletes (N = 156) in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Region, were examined for injuries during a 7 month (10 rodeo) season from 1987 to 1988. Sixty-two athletes sustained a total of 138 acute injuries resulting from 3292 exposures. One hundred twenty-seven injuries (92% of total injuries) occurred in the roughstock and steer wrestling events, and 11 injuries (8%) occurred in the roping and female events. When calculating opportunity for injury, rodeo athletes face an 89% potential for injury per season. Ninety-one of the injuries incurred were u...
O'Farrell DA, Irshad F, Thorns BS, McElwain JP.A series of pelvic and acetabular injuries caused by horse riding accidents is reported. The importance of wearing appropriate protective clothing when riding is emphasised.
Turner M, Balendra G, McCrory P.To determine the direct and indirect cost of injuries in professional jockeys as a result of race riding. Methods: Cohort study. Methods: Professional horse racing. Methods: Professional jockeys in the UK registered with the Jockey Club. Methods: Payouts under the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme (PRIS) for injuries sustained by professional jockeys, which were recorded by the Jockey Club injury database between 1996 and 2006 inclusive. Results: In the 11-year period of the study, there were 1328 injuries that resulted in jockeys missing a total of 71,509 days of racing, and as a result PR...
Gass M, Kühl S, Connert T, Filippi A.Showjumping is one of the sporting activities with a high injury risk. Unpredictable behaviour of the horse, considerable speed and the height of the rider in the saddle make this sport to one of the most dangerous, with the highest risk of injury and the highest mortality rate per competitor. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of dental trauma, the wearing of protective gear such as helmet, back protector and mouthguard as well as the knowledge of primary care after dental trauma. Methods: Within the framework of this study, 608 female and male showjumpers from Switzerland, ...
Young JD, Gelbs JC, Zhu DS, Gallacher SE, Sutton KM, Blaine TA.Despite the common nature of orthopaedic injuries in equestrian sports, there is no published review to specifically characterize orthopaedic injuries in equestrian athletes. Objective: To characterize orthopaedic injury patterns in equine sports-related injuries and their treatment. Methods: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This review was performed through a PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus query (from 1978 to June 2014) in the English literature using search terms "(equine-related OR equestrian-related OR horse-related OR equestrian OR equestrians) AND (injury OR injuries)." Only...
Battaglia C, Nappi RE, Mancini F, Cianciosi A, Persico N, Busacchi P.Repeated microtraumas in horseback riders and mountain bikers are, in males, associated with perineal and scrotal lesions. No data are reported in the females. Objective: To report five cases of clitoral microcalcifications, diagnosed by ultrasonography, in six healthy, eumenorrheic athletes, and to verify the clinical and sexual impact of the ultrasonographic findings. Methods: Translabial ultrasonographic evaluation of the clitoris, Doppler analysis of dorsal clitoral arteries, and the two-factor Italian McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) METHODS: The patients were assessed with a d...
McCrory P, Turner M, Murray J.The case is reported of a retired professional jockey with progressive memory loss. The concern is that he may be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy or the "punch drunk syndrome".
Santosuosso E, Leguillette R, Vinardell T, Filho S, Massie S, McCrae P, Johnson S, Rolian C, David F.Background: Swimming is used for rehabilitation and conditioning purposes in equine sports medicine despite the lack of understanding of equine swimming kinematics. The aim of this study was to assess forelimb joints kinematics (elbow, carpus, and fetlock) in swimming horses. The specific objectives were 1- to calculate and compare joint angles in swimming vs. passive mobilizations (PM), 2- to determine joint angular velocities during a swimming stride cycle. Methods: Eleven elite endurance horses swam in a 100-m straight pool. Underwater (swimming) and overground (PM) videos were recorded fro...
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 ...
Boham M, O'Connell K.To introduce the characteristics of a Chance fracture and increase awareness of the mechanism of injury that may occur during athletic activity. Background: A T12 Chance fracture was diagnosed in an 18-year-old male rodeo athlete. The rider was forced into extreme lumbothoracic hyperflexion when the horse bucked within the chute, pinning the rider's legs to his chest. Methods: Burst fracture, abdominal organ rupture, spinal dislocation, spinal cord injury, disk herniation, pars interarticularis fracture, spinal nerve injury, paralysis. Methods: The patient underwent an open reduction and fixat...
Ryan KD, Brodine J, Pothast J, McGoldrick A.Horseracing is among the most popular and increasingly lucrative industry sports in the nation. The average jockey must control a thoroughbred horse 10 times their weight that may act unpredictably whether at rest or full gallop resulting in falls, kicks, or even biting injuries. Despite the risks, jockeys do not have access to the same quality of medical care that is standard in similarly profitable sports organizations. Beyond the mental and physical demands of training and performance endured by any professional athlete, jockeys are confronted with health challenges unique to their sport. I...
Guan F, Uboh CE, Soma LR, Birks E, Chen J, You Y, Rudy J, Li X.Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and darbepoetin alfa (DPO) are protein-based drugs for the treatment of anemia in humans by stimulating erythrocyte production. However, these agents are abused in human and equine sports due to their potential to enhance performance. This paper describes the first method for differentiation and identification of rhEPO and DPO in equine plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method comprised analyte extraction and enrichment by immunoaffinity separation with anti-rhEPO antibodies, dual digestion by trypsin an...
Waller CC, Weththasinghe SA, McClure L, Cawley AT, Suann C, Suann E, Sutherland E, Cooper E, Heather A, McLeod MD.Hemapolin (2α,3α-epithio-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol) is a designer steroid that is an ingredient in several "dietary" and "nutritional" supplements available online. As an unusual chemical modification to the steroid A-ring could allow this compound to pass through antidoping screens undetected, the metabolism of hemapolin was investigated by an in vivo equine drug administration study coupled with GC-MS analysis. Following administration of synthetically prepared hemapolin to a thoroughbred horse, madol (17α-methyl-5α-androst-2-en-17β-ol), reduced and dihydroxylated madol (17α-me...
Bowen AG, Tabor G, Labens R, Randle H.Outcome measures are essential for monitoring treatment efficacy. The lack of measures for quality of movement in equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation impairs evidence-based practice. To develop a new field-based outcome measure, it is necessary to determine movements most frequently observed during assessment of rehabilitation and performance management cases. An online survey of 81 equine sports medicine veterinarians and equine allied-health clinicians was conducted. The key movements identified included walk and trot on both firm and soft surfaces in a straight line and on a small circl...
Treß D, Lischer C, Merle R, Ehrle A.Overriding spinous processes, also known as 'kissing spines', are one of the most common causes of back pain in horses. The aim of this study was to investigate which options for diagnosis and treatment are preferred by equine orthopaedic specialists and assess which techniques are used for local injection. An online survey was distributed among members of the European/American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the European/American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology and nationally recognised advanced equine orthopaed...
