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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / A Cross-Sectional Study of Horse-Related Injuries in Veterin...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2015; 5(4); 951-964; doi: 10.3390/ani5040392

A Cross-Sectional Study of Horse-Related Injuries in Veterinary and Animal Science Students at an Australian University.

Abstract: Specific estimates of the risk of horse-related injury (HRI) to university students enrolled in veterinary and animal sciences have not been reported. This study aimed to determine the risk of student HRI during their university education, the nature and management of such injuries. A retrospective questionnaire solicited demographic information, data on students' equine experience prior to and during their educational programs, and on HRI during their program of study. Of 260 respondents, 22 (8.5%) reported HRI (27 incidents). Including concurrent injuries the most commonly injured body parts were the foot or ankle (nine of 32 injures), the upper leg or knee (eight of 32), and hands (three of 32). Trampling and being kicked by a hind limb were each associated with 30.4% of HRI, and 13% with being bitten. Bruising (91.3% of respondents) and an open wound (17.4%) were most commonly described. No treatment occurred for 60.9% of incidents; professional medical treatment was not sought for the remainder. Most incidents (56.5%) occurred during program-related work experience placements. Although injury rates and severity were modest, a proactive approach to injury prevention and reporting is recommended for students required to handle horses as part of their education. Student accident and injury data should be monitored to ensure effective evaluation of risk-reduction initiatives. The risk and nature of university student horse-related injury (HRI) was studied. Of 260 students, 22 (8.5%) reported HRI (27 incidents). Including multiple injuries, reports described involvement of the foot or ankle (nine of 32 injures), upper leg or knee (eight of 32), and hands (three of 32). Trampling (30.4%) and being kicked (30.4%) accounted for most HRI. The injuries were usually bruising (91.3%) or an open wound (17.4%). Most (60.9%) injuries were untreated; professional medical treatment was not sought for the rest. Most incidents (56.5%) occurred during program-related off-campus work experiences. A proactive approach to injury prevention is recommended for students handling horses.
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Publication Date: 2015-09-25 PubMed ID: 26479478PubMed Central: PMC4693196DOI: 10.3390/ani5040392Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research investigates the risk and nature of horse-related injuries (HRI) among students studying veterinary and animal science at an Australian university. Out of 260 students, 22 reported having experienced HRI incidents, with the most common injuries being bruising or an open wound, and majority of the incidents occurring during work experience placements.

Objectives of the study

  • The study aims to determine the risk of horse-related injuries (HRI) among university students enrolled in veterinary and animal sciences.
  • It seeks to understand the nature and treatment of such injuries, as well as the context in which they commonly occur.

Methodology

  • The research uses a retrospective questionnaire to gather demographic information and data related to students’ equine experience both prior to and during their educational programs.
  • The questionnaire also collects data on horse-related injuries suffered during their course of study.

Results

  • Out of 260 respondents, 22 (or 8.5%) reported that they had suffered horse-related injuries, amounting to a total of 27 incidents.
  • The injuries involved different body parts with the foot or ankle being most commonly injured, followed by the upper leg or knee, and hands.
  • Main causes of injury were trampling and being kicked by a hind limb, each associated with 30.4% of HRI, and being bitten accounted for 13% of injuries.
  • Most injuries resulted in bruising, affecting 91.3% of respondents, while 17.4% described having an open wound.
  • Most incidents (60.9%) did not lead to any treatment, and professional medical treatment was not sought for the remainder.
  • The majority of injuries (56.5%) occurred during students’ program-related work experience placements.

Recommendations

  • The study suggests a proactive approach to injury prevention for students who are required to handle horses as part of their education.
  • The authors recommend regular monitoring of student accident and injury data to evaluate the effectiveness of risk-reduction initiatives.

Cite This Article

APA
Riley CB, Liddiard JR, Thompson K. (2015). A Cross-Sectional Study of Horse-Related Injuries in Veterinary and Animal Science Students at an Australian University. Animals (Basel), 5(4), 951-964. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani5040392

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 4
Pages: 951-964

Researcher Affiliations

Riley, Christopher B
  • Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand. c.b.riley@massey.ac.nz.
Liddiard, Jessica R
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia. jessicaliddiard23@gmail.com.
Thompson, Kirrilly
  • Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia. kirrilly.thompson@cqu.edu.au.

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Citations

This article has been cited 11 times.
  1. Grünwald JA, Licka TF. Health Promotion for Students of Veterinary Medicine: A Preliminary Study on Active Microbreaks and Ergonomics Education. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 15;13(10).
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  2. Riley CB, Padalino B, Rogers CW, Thompson KR. Human Injuries Associated with the Transport of Horses by Road. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 10;13(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13101594pubmed: 37238024google scholar: lookup
  3. Thompson K, Taylor J, Mendez D, Chicken C, Carrick J, Durrheim DN. Willingness to adopt personal biosecurity strategies on thoroughbred breeding farms: Findings from a multi-site pilot study in Australia's Hunter Valley. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:1017452.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1017452pubmed: 36590817google scholar: lookup
  4. Guinnefollau L, Gee EK, Norman EJ, Rogers CW, Bolwell CF. Horses Used for Educational Purposes in New Zealand: A Descriptive Analysis of Their Use for Teaching. Animals (Basel) 2020 Sep 1;10(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10091547pubmed: 32882976google scholar: lookup
  5. Guinnefollau L, Gee EK, Bolwell CF, Norman EJ, Rogers CW. Benefits of Animal Exposure on Veterinary Students' Understanding of Equine Behaviour and Self-Assessed Equine Handling Skills. Animals (Basel) 2019 Aug 28;9(9).
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