Accidents in equestrian sports.
Abstract: In a five-year study, 160 accidents occurred among 46,351 six-through 21-year-olds engaged in horse activities. Of these, 130 were riding accidents, 20 were horse-related and 10 did not involve horses. Bruises and abrasions were the most frequent injuries, and the area of the body most commonly injured was the head and face. The low accident rate may result from the requirement that riders wear approved protective headgear.
Publication Date: 1987-09-01 PubMed ID: 3630883
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study examines accidents in equestrian sports over a five-year period, revealing how they occur and highlighting protective measures such as the use of headgear.
Methodology
- This research was conducted over five years.
- Research subject group included 46,351 individuals aged between 6 to 21, all of whom engaged in horse-related activities.
Findings
- Out of the 160 accidents that occurred within the study period, 130 were directly related to horse riding.
- There were 20 accidents that were horse-related but not necessarily from riding (could involve handling, grooming, and other around-the-horse activities).
- 10 accidents had no direct involvement with horses. The nature of these accidents was not described in the abstract.
Injuries
- A large portion of the injuries, not specified in the abstract, were bruises and abrasions – which indicates mostly minor injuries.
- The head and face area was the most commonly injured part of the body.
Interpretation of Results
- The researchers noted that despite a significant number of participants, the accident rate was relatively low.
- The researchers speculate that the low accident rate may be due to the requirement for riders to wear approved protective headgear, which would reduce the severity of head and face injuries.
Implications of the Study
- Highlighting the effectiveness of protective headgear in reducing the severity of injuries during horse-related activities.
- Promoting safety measures in equestrian sports, and possibly influencing policy and rule changes in the sport regarding safety equipment.
- Providing data for further studies regarding safety in equestrian sports.
Cite This Article
APA
Bixby-Hammett DM.
(1987).
Accidents in equestrian sports.
Am Fam Physician, 36(3), 209-214.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Child
- Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
- Craniocerebral Trauma / prevention & control
- Head Protective Devices
- Horses
- Humans
- United States
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Mutore K, Lim J, Fofana D, Torres-Reveron A, Skubic JJ. Hearing hoofbeats? Think head and neck trauma: a 10-year NTDB analysis of equestrian-related trauma in the USA. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2021;6(1):e000728.
- Altgärde J, Redéen S, Hilding N, Drott P. Horse-related trauma in children and adults during a two year period. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2014 Jul 17;22:40.
- Srinivasan V, Pierre C, Plog B, Srinivasan K, Petraglia AL, Huang JH. Straight from the horse's mouth: neurological injury in equestrian sports. Neurol Res 2014 Oct;36(10):873-7.
- McCrory P, Turner M, LeMasson B, Bodere C, Allemandou A. An analysis of injuries resulting from professional horse racing in France during 1991-2001: a comparison with injuries resulting from professional horse racing in Great Britain during 1992-2001. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jul;40(7):614-8.
- Thomas KE, Annest JL, Gilchrist J, Bixby-Hammett DM. Non-fatal horse related injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States, 2001-2003. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jul;40(7):619-26.
- Turner M, McCrory P, Halley W. Injuries in professional horse racing in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland during 1992-2000. Br J Sports Med 2002 Dec;36(6):403-9.
- Watt GM, Finch CF. Preventing equestrian injuries. Locking the stable door. Sports Med 1996 Sep;22(3):187-97.
- Thompson JM, von Hollen B. Causes of horse-related injuries in a rural western community. Can Fam Physician 1996 Jun;42:1103-9.
- Condie C, Rivara FP, Bergman AB. Strategies of a successful campaign to promote the use of equestrian helmets. Public Health Rep 1993 Jan-Feb;108(1):121-6.
- Bixby-Hammett D, Brooks WH. Common injuries in horseback riding. A review. Sports Med 1990 Jan;9(1):36-47.
- Sayres WG Jr. Ride and tie. A hybrid sport with synergistic potential for injury. West J Med 1990 Sep;153(3):319-21.
- Eriksson HK, Wullimann-Ohlsson H, Wolf O, Brüggemann A. Horseback riding injuries in Sweden: a nationwide register-based study of fracture incidence. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2025 Dec 10;36(1):45.
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