Accidents with horses: what has changed in 20 years?
Abstract: Horse riding is a dangerous pastime with more accidents occurring per hour than during motor-cycling. Since a prospective survey of horse-related injuries conducted at a major centre in 1971-1972, equestrian groups and the medical profession have encouraged improvements in training and protective riding wear. By conducting a similar study at the same centre 20 years later we hoped to assess the effects of these measures on the pattern of injuries resulting from contact with horses. Patient and injury details were recorded prospectively for all those presenting to the Accident Service at Oxford during the whole of 1991. Total admissions fell by 46 per cent on average. Most of the decrease was due to a near fivefold fall in those admitted with head injuries (P < 0.001). A reduction in the severity of such injuries was associated with an increased use of riding helmets. However, the most commonly injured group remained amateur young female riders suggesting the need for increasing awareness and training of this group. In seven cases, severe digital injuries were caused by the habit of entwining reins around the fingers. This practice should be discouraged. Up to 12 per cent of all injuries might have been prevented if adequate footwear had been worn.
Publication Date: 1996-03-01 PubMed ID: 8730383DOI: 10.1016/0020-1383(95)00176-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the change in horse-related accidents over a 20-year period, with the aim to assess the effects of improved training and safety measures on injury patterns. It found a significant decrease in total accidents and severe head injuries, however, young female riders were still the most prone to injuries, and certain unsafe practices and use of incorrect footwear also contributed to preventable injuries.
Research Background and Purpose
- The research looks at a span of 20 years, comparing the incidence and types of horse-related injuries in 1971-1972 and in 1991.
- The aim is to gauge the impact of improved training methods and safety practices—including protective wear—propagated by equestrian groups and medical professionals.
Research Methods and Data Collection
- A study similar to the one conducted in 1971-1972 was undertaken at the same major centre.
- Patient and injury details of individuals presenting to the Accident Service at Oxford in 1991 were recorded.
- The study followed a prospective approach, meaning data were collected in real time over the course of the year.
Key Findings
- The research noted a significant fall in total admissions due to horse-related accidents—dropping an average of 46 per cent.
- Most prominently, there was an almost fivefold decrease in the number of people admitted with head injuries, a decline that was statistically significant.
- The reduction in severe head injuries correlated with an increase in the use of riding helmets, indicating that this safety measure had a substantial positive effect.
Continuing Areas of Concern
- Despite the overall decline in injuries, young female riders who rode as amateurs were still the most commonly injured group.
- Seven severe digital injuries—those affecting the fingers—were caused by the practice of wrapping reins around fingers; the researchers advocate against this potentially harmful practice.
- The study suggested that up to 12 per cent of all reported injuries could have been prevented with the use of appropriate footwear, emphasizing the importance of suitable riding gear.
Cite This Article
APA
Chitnavis JP, Gibbons CL, Hirigoyen M, Lloyd Parry J, Simpson AH.
(1996).
Accidents with horses: what has changed in 20 years?
Injury, 27(2), 103-105.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-1383(95)00176-x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Age Distribution
- Animals
- Arm Injuries / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Child
- Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
- England / epidemiology
- Female
- Hand Injuries / epidemiology
- Horses
- Humans
- Incidence
- Leg Injuries / epidemiology
- Male
- Protective Clothing
- Sex Distribution
- Spinal Injuries / epidemiology
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