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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2020; 10(2); 288; doi: 10.3390/ani10020288

A Retrospective Survey of Factors Affecting the Risk of Incidents and Equine Injury During Non-Commercial Transportation by Road in the United Kingdom.

Abstract: The number of equines injured as a result of incidents during road transport is currently unknown in the United Kingdom. Although previous research has identified factors that affect an equine's behavioural and physiological responses to transportation, their contribution to incident occurrence and injury risk is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with incident occurrence and equine injury during transportation by road. An online survey was administered between 12th May 2017 and 21st July 2017 in the UK. The survey was open to those transporting equines non-commercially and comprised two sections. Questions relating to general transport behaviour were completed by all participants. Participants who had experienced an incident then provided details of these, including outcomes. Incidents were reported by 16.2% (342/2116) of participants, with details included for 399 incidents. Those participants who had a professional/competitive involvement with equines reported more incidents than those with a predominantly leisure involvement ( < 0.01). Equine behaviour was the attributed cause of 56% of incidents reported and most incidents occurred during the first hour of travel (65%). In over 50% of the incidents reported, the equine was injured, with those incidents attributed to transport vehicle malfunction being associated with the highest percentage of injury (68%). This study highlights the need for better preparation of the equine for transportation and to identify risk factors associated with transport vehicle type, design and operation.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-12 PubMed ID: 32059511PubMed Central: PMC7070744DOI: 10.3390/ani10020288Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research is about a study that investigates the factors associated with incidents and injuries to horses during non-commercial road transportation in the UK.

Objective and Methodology

The objective of this study was to understand the risk elements contributing to incidents and injuries among horses during non-commercial road transport. A web-based survey was conducted in the UK from the 12th of May 2017 until the 21st of July 2017. The questionnaire was designed for non-commercial horse transporters, consisting of two sections. The first section was general transport behavior questions for all respondents. The second section was for respondents who had an incident during transport to provide details.

Results

  • Out of the total participants, 16.2% or 342 out of 2116 reported incidents during horse transportation.
  • A total of 399 incidents were detailed. Individuals professionally or competitively involved with horses reported more incidents than leisure horse handlers.
  • Equine behavior was identified as the cause of around 56% of the reported incidents.
  • The majority of the incidents happened within the first hour of travel, accounting for 65%.

Incidents and Injuries

  • More than half of the reported incidents resulted in injuries to the horses.
  • Incidents related to transport vehicle malfunction led to the highest percentage of injury, with about 68%.

Implications

From the findings of this research, the study implies that there is a need for better preparations for equine transportation and the identification of risk factors pertaining to the type of transport vehicle, its design, and how it is operated. This study contributes valuable data on equine transport safety, particularly for non-commercial purposes, wherein the risks and challenges may not be as well-documented as in commercial transport.

Cite This Article

APA
Hall C, Kay R, Green J. (2020). A Retrospective Survey of Factors Affecting the Risk of Incidents and Equine Injury During Non-Commercial Transportation by Road in the United Kingdom. Animals (Basel), 10(2), 288. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020288

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
PII: 288

Researcher Affiliations

Hall, Carol
  • School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
Kay, Rachel
  • School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
Green, Jim
  • British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association CIC, The Horse Trust, Slad Lane, Speen, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 0PP, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 9 times.
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