Analysis of morbidity and mortality data in riding school horses, with special regard to locomotor problems.

This research article analyses the incidence of disease, mortality, and survival rates of horses in riding schools, with a focus on locomotor problems. Using data from an animal insurance database spanning from 1997 – 2002, the study examines the relationship between these health issues and various factors such as horse breeds, age, and geographical location.

Research Methodology and Sample Population

• The researchers used a combination of incidence rate calculation and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards analysis to study data pertaining to 5140 horses from 136 riding schools.
• The data was derived from an animal insurance database, covering events during the period from 1997 to 2002.
• The sample population of horses was assessed for veterinary care instances and mortality rates, with particular emphasis on locomotor problems.

Key Findings

• The study showed an overall yearly incidence rate (IR) of 1584 events of veterinary care per 10,000 horse-years at risk (HYAR).
• The total and diagnostic mortalities were observed to be 790 and 763 deaths per 10,000 HYAR respectively.
• The rate of locomotor problems resulted in 1116 events of veterinary care and 524 deaths per 10,000 HYAR, displaying significant variation across riding schools.

Effects of Breed, Age, and Insurance Value

• Considering veterinary care for locomotor issues, the hazard ratios (HR) were found to increase with the life insurance value of the horse and were higher for Swedish warmbloods and other horses as compared to ponies.
• Horses aged 8 years or more at the onset of the study had lower HRs for settled life-insurance cases due to locomotor problems, while horses in the two highest insurance value brackets exhibited increased HRs.
• Regarding claims due to previous locomotor issues, Swedish warmbloods had a higher HR as compared to other horses and ponies.
• The HR was found to increase by 33% with each advancing year of age at entry into the study.

Geographic Variations

• The hazard ratio was lower in south-urban areas of Sweden when compared to all other areas, suggesting a potentially safer environment for horses in these regions.

Insurance Utilization

• The study highlights that riding schools made more use of insurance compared to all horses in the database (approximately 22% for veterinary care insurance and approximately 79% for settled life insurance).