FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Br J Sports Med / An analysis of injuries resulting from professional horse ra...
British journal of sports medicine2006; 40(7); 614-618; doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.028449

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.

Abstract: It has been previously shown that professional jockeys suffer high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the pursuit of their occupation. Little is known, however, about differences in injury rates between countries. Objective: To determine the rate of fatal and non-fatal injuries in flat and jump jockeys in France and to compare the injury rates with those in Great Britain and Ireland Method: Prospectively collected injury data on professional jockeys were used as the basis of the analysis. Results: Limb fractures occur four times more often in both flat and jump racing in France than in Great Britain. Similarly dislocations are diagnosed 20 times more often in flat and three times more often in jump racing. This difference is surprising given that French jockeys have fewer falls per ride than their British counterparts in flat racing, although they do have more falls than the British in jump racing. Similarly concussion rates seem to be higher in French jockeys, although there may be a difference in the diagnostic methods used in the different countries. By contrast, soft tissue injuries account for a far smaller percentage of injuries than in Great Britain. Conclusions: There are striking differences in injury rates between countries which may be explained in part by a difference in track conditions-for example, harder tracks in France-or different styles of racing--for example, larger fields of horses per race in France.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2006-05-10 PubMed ID: 16687479PubMed Central: PMC2564309DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.028449Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

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 study analyzes injury data for professional horse racers in France from 1991-2001 and compares it to that of professional horse racers in Great Britain during the same period. The findings indicate varying injury rates and types across the two countries, possibly due to differing track conditions and racing styles.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary objective of the study was to determine the rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries among flat and jump jockeys in France, and compare these with the injury rates in Great Britain and Ireland.
  • To accomplish this, the researchers utilized prospectively collected injury data regarding professional jockeys for their analysis.

Findings

  • Injuries such as limb fractures were found to occur four times more often in both flat and jump racing in France, as compared to Great Britain.
  • Further, dislocations were measured and found to be 20 times more common in flat racing in France and three times more in French jump racing.
  • Interestingly, these differences were observed despite French jockeys recording fewer falls per ride in flat racing, compared to their British counterparts. However, they did have more falls in jump racing.
  • Moreover, concussion rates appeared to be higher for French jockeys, but the authors note the possibility of discrepancies in diagnostic methods across the two regions.
  • On the other hand, the study found that soft tissue injuries made up a smaller percentage of injuries in France than in Great Britain.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that there are significant differences in injury rates between France and Great Britain.
  • The higher incidence of certain types of injuries in France may be attributable, at least in part, to differences in track conditions such as harder tracks, or varying racing styles, such as larger fields of horses per race.
  • While some factors contributing to these differences have been considered, further investigation might be required to substantiate these conclusions and explore other potential factors.

Cite This Article

APA
McCrory P, Turner M, LeMasson B, Bodere C, Allemandou A. (2006). 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, 40(7), 614-618. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.028449

Publication

British journal of sports medicine
ISSN: 1473-0480
NlmUniqueID: 0432520
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 40
Issue: 7
Pages: 614-618

Researcher Affiliations

McCrory, P
  • Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine and Brain Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. paulmccr@bigpond.net.au
Turner, M
    LeMasson, B
      Bodere, C
        Allemandou, A

          MeSH Terms

          • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
          • Accidents, Occupational / statistics & numerical data
          • Animals
          • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
          • Athletic Injuries / etiology
          • Female
          • France / epidemiology
          • Horses
          • Humans
          • Incidence
          • Ireland / epidemiology
          • Male
          • Prospective Studies
          • United Kingdom / epidemiology

          Conflict of Interest Statement

          Competing interests: none declared

          References

          This article includes 52 references
          1. 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.
            pmc: PMC1724574pubmed: 12453834doi: 10.1136/bjsm.36.6.403google scholar: lookup
          2. DeBenedette V. For Jockeys, Injuries Are Not a Long Shot.. Phys Sportsmed 1987 Jun;15(6):236-45.
            pubmed: 27404541doi: 10.1080/00913847.1987.11709388google scholar: lookup
          3. Press JM, Davis PD, Wiesner SL, Heinemann A, Semik P, Addison RG. The national jockey injury study: an analysis of injuries to professional horse-racing jockeys.. Clin J Sport Med 1995 Oct;5(4):236-40.
            pubmed: 7496848
          4. Barclay WR. Equestrian sports.. JAMA 1978 Oct 20;240(17):1892-3.
            pubmed: 567703
          5. Bixby-Hammett DM. Accidents in equestrian sports.. Am Fam Physician 1987 Sep;36(3):209-14.
            pubmed: 3630883
          6. Bixby-Hammett D, Brooks WH. Common injuries in horseback riding. A review.. Sports Med 1990 Jan;9(1):36-47.
            pubmed: 2408117doi: 10.2165/00007256-199009010-00004google scholar: lookup
          7. Chitnavis JP, Gibbons CL, Hirigoyen M, Lloyd Parry J, Simpson AH. Accidents with horses: what has changed in 20 years?. Injury 1996 Mar;27(2):103-5.
            pubmed: 8730383doi: 10.1016/0020-1383(95)00176-xgoogle scholar: lookup
          8. Douglas BL. Oral protection for equestrians.. CDS Rev 1995 Jun;88(5):28-30.
            pubmed: 9528451
          9. Greiss FC Jr. Equestrian dyspareunia.. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1984 Sep 15;150(2):168.
            pubmed: 6476038doi: 10.1016/s0002-9378(84)80010-1google scholar: lookup
          10. Grossman JA, Kulund DN, Miller CW, Winn HR, Hodge RH Jr. Equestrian injuries. Results of a prospective study.. JAMA 1978 Oct 20;240(17):1881-2.
            pubmed: 567702doi: 10.1001/jama.240.17.1881google scholar: lookup
          11. Hobbs GD, Yealy DM, Rivas J. Equestrian injuries: a five-year review.. J Emerg Med 1994 Mar-Apr;12(2):143-5.
            pubmed: 8207147doi: 10.1016/0736-4679(94)90690-4google scholar: lookup
          12. Hughes KM, Falcone RE, Price J, Witkoff M. Equestrian-related trauma.. Am J Emerg Med 1995 Jul;13(4):485-7.
            pubmed: 7605543doi: 10.1016/0735-6757(95)90148-5google scholar: lookup
          13. Kriss TC, Kriss VM. Equine-related neurosurgical trauma: a prospective series of 30 patients.. J Trauma 1997 Jul;43(1):97-9.
            pubmed: 9253915doi: 10.1097/00005373-199707000-00022google scholar: lookup
          14. Lloyd RG. Riding and other equestrian injuries: considerable severity.. Br J Sports Med 1987 Mar;21(1):22-4.
            pmc: PMC1478604pubmed: 3580722doi: 10.1136/bjsm.21.1.22google scholar: lookup
          15. McLatchie GR. Equestrian injuries--a one year prospective study.. Br J Sports Med 1979 Apr;13(1):29-32.
            pmc: PMC1859746pubmed: 465903doi: 10.1136/bjsm.13.1.29google scholar: lookup
          16. O'Farrell DA, Irshad F, Thorns BS, McElwain JP. Major pelvic injuries in equestrian sports.. Br J Sports Med 1997 Sep;31(3):249-51.
            pmc: PMC1332532pubmed: 9298563doi: 10.1136/bjsm.31.3.249google scholar: lookup
          17. Pounder DJ. "The grave yawns for the horseman." Equestrian deaths in South Australia 1973-1983.. Med J Aust 1984 Nov 10;141(10):632-5.
            pubmed: 6493111doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1984.tb113173.xgoogle scholar: lookup
          18. Reich L. [Head and neck injuries in equestrian accidents (author's transl)].. HNO 1979 Dec;27(12):416-8.
            pubmed: 536247
          19. Masters R. Equestrian injuries: a review.. Clin J Sport Med 1991 1123–126.
          20. Buckley SM, Chalmers DJ, Langley JD. Injuries due to falls from horses.. Aust J Public Health 1993 Sep;17(3):269-71.
            pubmed: 8286503
          21. . Horseback-riding-associated traumatic brain injuries--Oklahoma, 1992-1994.. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1996 Mar 15;45(10):209-11.
            pubmed: 8609875
          22. Ingemarson H, Grevsten S, Thorén L. Lethal horse-riding injuries.. J Trauma 1989 Jan;29(1):25-30.
            pubmed: 2911099doi: 10.1097/00005373-198901000-00005google scholar: lookup
          23. Hume P, Marshall S. Sports injuries in New Zealand.. NZ J Sports Med 1994 2218–22.
          24. Silver JR, Parry JM. Hazards of horse-riding as a popular sport.. Br J Sports Med 1991 Jun;25(2):105-10.
            pmc: PMC1478823pubmed: 1751891doi: 10.1136/bjsm.25.2.105google scholar: lookup
          25. Costa-Paz M, Aponte-Tinao L, Muscolo DL. Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation.. Br J Sports Med 1999 Oct;33(5):329-31; discussion 331-2.
            pmc: PMC1756206pubmed: 10522635doi: 10.1136/bjsm.33.5.329google scholar: lookup
          26. Butterwick DJ, Nelson DS, LaFave MR, Meeuwisse WH. Epidemiological analysis of injury in one year of Canadian professional rodeo.. Clin J Sport Med 1996 Jul;6(3):171-7.
            pubmed: 8792048doi: 10.1097/00042752-199607000-00006google scholar: lookup
          27. Nelson DE, Rivara FP, Condie C, Smith SM. Injuries in Equestrian Sports.. Phys Sportsmed 1994 Oct;22(10):53-60.
            pubmed: 27415172doi: 10.1080/00913847.1994.11710501google scholar: lookup
          28. DeBenedette V. People and Horses: The Risks of Riding.. Phys Sportsmed 1989 Mar;17(3):250-4.
            pubmed: 27413868doi: 10.1080/00913847.1989.11709748google scholar: lookup
          29. Bernhang AM, Winslett G. Equestrian Injuries.. Phys Sportsmed 1983 Jan;11(1):90-7.
            pubmed: 27409268doi: 10.1080/00913847.1983.11708437google scholar: lookup
          30. Gierup J, Larsson M, Lennquist S. Incidence and nature of horse-riding injuries. A one-year prospective study.. Acta Chir Scand 1976;142(1):57-61.
            pubmed: 944517
          31. Lando L. Riding injuries stir British concern.. Phys Sportsmed 1976 4124–126.
          32. Rathfelder FJ, Klever P, Nachtkamp J, Paar O. [Injuries in horseback riding--incidence and causes].. Sportverletz Sportschaden 1995 Sep;9(3):77-83.
            pubmed: 7502217doi: 10.1055/s-2007-993429google scholar: lookup
          33. . From the Centers for Disease Control. Injuries associated with horseback riding--United States, 1987 and 1988.. JAMA 1990 Jul 4;264(1):18-9.
            pubmed: 2355421
          34. Barone GW, Rodgers BM. Pediatric equestrian injuries: a 14-year review.. J Trauma 1989 Feb;29(2):245-7.
            pubmed: 2918566
          35. Bixby-Hammett DM. Pediatric equestrian injuries.. Pediatrics 1992 Jun;89(6 Pt 2):1173-6.
            pubmed: 1594372
          36. Bond GR, Christoph RA, Rodgers BM. Pediatric equestrian injuries: assessing the impact of helmet use.. Pediatrics 1995 Apr;95(4):487-9.
            pubmed: 7700745
          37. Campbell-Hewson GL, Robinson SM, Egleston CV. Equestrian injuries in the paediatric age group: a two centre study.. Eur J Emerg Med 1999 Mar;6(1):37-40.
            pubmed: 10340733
          38. Christey GL, Nelson DE, Rivara FP, Smith SM, Condie C. Horseback riding injuries among children and young adults.. J Fam Pract 1994 Aug;39(2):148-52.
            pubmed: 8057065
          39. Giebel G, Braun K, Mittelmeier W. [Equestrian accidents in children].. Chirurg 1993 Nov;64(11):938-47.
            pubmed: 8281833
          40. McAbee GN, Ciminera PF. Intracranial hematoma in experienced teenage equestrians.. Pediatr Neurol 1996 Oct;15(3):235-6.
            pubmed: 8916162doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(96)00162-2google scholar: lookup
          41. Nelson DE, Bixby-Hammett D. Equestrian injuries in children and young adults.. Am J Dis Child 1992 May;146(5):611-4.
            pubmed: 1621666doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1992.02160170091022google scholar: lookup
          42. Reeder AI, Stanton WR, Langley JD, Chalmers DJ. Adolescents' sporting and leisure time physical activities during their 15th year.. Can J Sport Sci 1991 Dec;16(4):308-15.
            pubmed: 1663833
          43. Schmidt B, Mayr J, Fasching G, Nöres H. [Equestrian accidents in children and adolescents].. Unfallchirurg 1994 Dec;97(12):661-2.
            pubmed: 7855614
          44. Sahlin Y. Sport accidents in childhood.. Br J Sports Med 1990 Mar;24(1):40-4.
            pmc: PMC1478768pubmed: 2350666doi: 10.1136/bjsm.24.1.40google scholar: lookup
          45. McCrory P, Turner M. Equestrian injuries.. 2005 8–18.
          46. McGhee CN, Gullan RW, Miller JD. Horse riding and head injury: admissions to a regional head injury unit.. Br J Neurosurg 1987;1(1):131-5.
            pubmed: 3267272doi: 10.3109/02688698709034348google scholar: lookup
          47. Foster JB, Leiguarda R, Tilley PJ. Brain damage in National Hunt jockeys.. Lancet 1976 May 8;1(7967):981-3.
            pubmed: 57438doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(76)91858-4google scholar: lookup
          48. Aronson H, Tough SC. Horse-related fatalities in the Province of Alberta, 1975-1990.. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 1993 Mar;14(1):28-30.
            pubmed: 8493964doi: 10.1097/00000433-199303000-00006google scholar: lookup
          49. Hamilton MG, Tranmer BI. Nervous system injuries in horseback-riding accidents.. J Trauma 1993 Feb;34(2):227-32.
            pubmed: 8459460doi: 10.1097/00005373-199302000-00008google scholar: lookup
          50. Nelson DE, Rivara FP, Condie C. Helmets and horseback riders.. Am J Prev Med 1994 Jan-Feb;10(1):15-9.
            pubmed: 8172726
          51. Whitlock MR, Whitlock J, Johnston B. Equestrian injuries: a comparison of professional and amateur injuries in Berkshire.. Br J Sports Med 1987 Mar;21(1):25-6.
            pmc: PMC1478592pubmed: 3580723doi: 10.1136/bjsm.21.1.25google scholar: lookup
          52. Mills NJ, Whitlock MD. Performance of horse-riding helmets in frontal and side impacts.. Injury 1989 Jul;20(4):189-92.
            pubmed: 2592089doi: 10.1016/0020-1383(89)90108-3google scholar: lookup

          Citations

          This article has been cited 18 times.
          1. Giusti Gestri L. Wearable technology may assist in reducing jockeys' injuries if integrated into their safety vests: a qualitative study.. Front Sports Act Living 2023;5:1167110.
            doi: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1167110pubmed: 37416317google scholar: lookup
          2. Stallones L, McManus P, McGreevy P. Sustainability and the Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Industries: An Enhanced One Welfare Perspective.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 31;13(3).
            doi: 10.3390/ani13030490pubmed: 36766378google scholar: lookup
          3. Lucas D, Stokes K, McGuigan P, Hill J, Cazzola D. Consensus on a jockey's injury prevention framework for video analysis: a modified Delphi study.. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022;8(4):e001441.
            doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001441pubmed: 36530598google scholar: lookup
          4. Meyer HL, Scheidgen P, Polan C, Beck P, Mester B, Kauther MD, Dudda M, Burggraf M. Injuries and Overuse Injuries in Show Jumping-A Retrospective Epidemiological Cross-Sectional Study of Show Jumpers in Germany.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Feb 17;19(4).
            doi: 10.3390/ijerph19042305pubmed: 35206487google scholar: lookup
          5. Davies M, Jackson KA, Mackinnon AL, Turner A, Kuznik K, Hill J, Newton JL, Sanchez Santos M. Epidemiology of race day injury in young professional jockeys in Great Britain from 2007 to 2018: a retrospective cohort study.. BMJ Open 2021 Aug 11;11(8):e044075.
            doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044075pubmed: 34380713google scholar: lookup
          6. Mizobe F, Takahashi Y, Kusano K. Epidemiology of jockey falls and injuries in flat and jump races in Japan (2003-2017).. J Equine Sci 2020;31(4):101-104.
            doi: 10.1294/jes.31.101pubmed: 33376447google scholar: lookup
          7. Ryan K, Garruppo G, Alexander K, Hluchan CM, Lincoln AE. Injuries among Maryland jockeys during thoroughbred racing: 2015-2019.. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2020;6(1):e000926.
            doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000926pubmed: 33354351google scholar: lookup
          8. Connor TA, Clark JM, Jayamohan J, Stewart M, McGoldrick A, Williams C, Seemungal BM, Smith R, Burek R, Gilchrist MD. Do equestrian helmets prevent concussion? A retrospective analysis of head injuries and helmet damage from real-world equestrian accidents.. Sports Med Open 2019 May 24;5(1):19.
            doi: 10.1186/s40798-019-0193-0pubmed: 31127396google scholar: lookup
          9. O'Connor S, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Cullen S. Epidemiology of Injury Due to Race-Day Jockey Falls in Professional Flat and Jump Horse Racing in Ireland, 2011-2015.. J Athl Train 2017 Dec;52(12):1140-1146.
            doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-52.12.17pubmed: 29154693google scholar: lookup
          10. Maeda Y, Hanada M, Oikawa MA. Epidemiology of racing injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses with special reference to bone fractures: Japanese experience from the 1980s to 2000s.. J Equine Sci 2016;27(3):81-97.
            doi: 10.1294/jes.27.81pubmed: 27703403google scholar: lookup
          11. Tanner J, Rogers C, Bolwell C, Cogger N, Gee E, Mcllwraith W. Analysis of Failure to Finish a Race in a Cohort of Thoroughbred Racehorses in New Zealand.. Animals (Basel) 2016 May 25;6(6).
            doi: 10.3390/ani6060036pubmed: 27231944google scholar: lookup
          12. Hitchens PL, Hill AE, Stover SM. Jockey Falls, Injuries, and Fatalities Associated With Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racing in California, 2007-2011.. Orthop J Sports Med 2013 Jan-Jun;1(1):2325967113492625.
            doi: 10.1177/2325967113492625pubmed: 26535231google scholar: lookup
          13. Curry BA, Hitchens PL, Otahal P, Si L, Palmer AJ. Workplace Injuries in Thoroughbred Racing: An Analysis of Insurance Payments and Injuries amongst Jockeys in Australia from 2002 to 2010.. Animals (Basel) 2015 Sep 8;5(3):897-909.
            doi: 10.3390/ani5030390pubmed: 26479392google scholar: lookup
          14. Sandiford N, Buckle C, Alao U, Davidson J, Ritchie J. Injuries associated with recreational horse riding and changes over the last 20 years: a review.. JRSM Short Rep 2013 May;4(5):2042533313476688.
            doi: 10.1177/2042533313476688pubmed: 23772313google scholar: lookup
          15. Waldron-Lynch F, Murray BF, Brady JJ, McKenna MJ, McGoldrick A, Warrington G, O'Loughlin G, Barragry JM. High bone turnover in Irish professional jockeys.. Osteoporos Int 2010 Mar;21(3):521-5.
            doi: 10.1007/s00198-009-0887-0pubmed: 19271097google scholar: lookup
          16. Fuller CW. Catastrophic injury in rugby union: is the level of risk acceptable?. Sports Med 2008;38(12):975-86.
            doi: 10.2165/00007256-200838120-00002pubmed: 19026015google scholar: lookup
          17. Cowley S, Bowman B, Lawrance M. Injuries in the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry.. Br J Sports Med 2007 Oct;41(10):639-43; discussion 643.
            doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.032888pubmed: 17502333google scholar: lookup
          18. Balendra G, Turner M, McCrory P, Halley W. Injuries in amateur horse racing (point to point racing) in Great Britain and Ireland during 1993-2006.. Br J Sports Med 2007 Mar;41(3):162-6.
            doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.033894pubmed: 17138629google scholar: lookup
          Subscribe to our newsletter
          Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.