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Analysis of morbidity and mortality data in riding school horses, with special regard to locomotor problems.
Abstract: The incidence of disease, mortality and survival of horses, focusing on locomotor problems, at riding schools were studied, using data from an animal insurance database during 1997-2002. In total 5140 horses from 136 riding schools were included in the analysis. The overall yearly incidence rate (IR) was 1584 events of veterinary care per 10,000 horse-years at risk (HYAR). The total and diagnostic mortalities were 790 and 763 deaths per 10,000 HYAR. Rates varied substantially among riding schools. For locomotor problems the rates were 1116 events of veterinary care and 524 deaths per 10,000 HYAR. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards analysis was performed on horses enrolled in insurance during the study period, including riding schools as frailty effects. For the outcome veterinary care for locomotor problems, the hazard ratios (HR) increased with increasing life-insurance value and Swedish warmbloods and other horses had increased HR compared to ponies. In the model with outcome life claim because of locomotor problems the breed groups Swedish warmblood and other horses also had higher HR than ponies. Age at entry > or = 8 years was associated with decreased HR for settled life-insurance cases due to locomotor problems and the two highest categories for insurance value had increased HR compared to the two lower categories. In the model with the outcome life claim because of previously claimed locomotor problems Swedish warmbloods had a higher HR than other horses and ponies. The HR increased by 33% for each year of age at entry. In south-urban areas of Sweden the HR was decreased compared to in all other areas, including baseline. Overall riding schools utilised the insurance more compared to all horses in the insurance database ( approximately 22% for the veterinary-care insurance and approximately 79% for the settled life insurance).
Publication Date: 2008-11-29 PubMed ID: 19042047DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2008.10.004Google 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.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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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).
Cite This Article
APA
Egenvall A, Lönnell C, Roepstorff L.
(2008).
Analysis of morbidity and mortality data in riding school horses, with special regard to locomotor problems.
Prev Vet Med, 88(3), 193-204.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2008.10.004 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. Agneta.Egenvall@kv.slu.se
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Databases, Factual
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / mortality
- Horses
- Incidence
- Insurance
- Lameness, Animal / epidemiology
- Lameness, Animal / mortality
- Male
- Proportional Hazards Models
- Sweden / epidemiology
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Smith R, Perkins L, Pinchbeck G, Ireland J. Owners' everyday interactions with their horse: Pain-related issues and those of veterinary concern. Anim Welf 2025;34:e62.
- Auer U, Kelemen Z, Vogl C, von Ritgen S, Haddad R, Torres Borda L, Gabmaier C, Breteler J, Jenner F. Development, refinement, and validation of an equine musculoskeletal pain scale. Front Pain Res (Lausanne) 2023;4:1292299.
- Egenvall A, Roepstorff L, Peterson M, Lundholm M, Hernlund E. The Descriptions and Attitudes of Riders and Arena Owners to 656 Equestrian Sport Surfaces in Sweden. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:798910.
- Yngvesson J, Rey Torres JC, Lindholm J, Pättiniemi A, Andersson P, Sassner H. Health and Body Conditions of Riding School Horses Housed in Groups or Kept in Conventional Tie-Stall/Box Housing. Animals (Basel) 2019 Feb 26;9(3).
- Sénèque E, Morisset S, Lesimple C, Hausberger M. Testing optimal methods to compare horse postures using geometric morphometrics. PLoS One 2018;13(10):e0204208.
- Leśniak K, Williams J, Kuznik K, Douglas P. Does a 4-6 Week Shoeing Interval Promote Optimal Foot Balance in the Working Equine?. Animals (Basel) 2017 Mar 29;7(4).
- Tapprest J, Morignat E, Dornier X, Borey M, Hendrikx P, Ferry B, Calavas D, Sala C. Fallen stock data: An essential source of information for quantitative knowledge of equine mortality in France. Equine Vet J 2017 Sep;49(5):596-602.
- Rogers CW, Bolwell CF, Gee EK. Proactive Management of the Equine Athlete. Animals (Basel) 2012 Dec 19;2(4):640-55.
- Egenvall A, Lönnell C, Johnston C, Roepstorff L. Orthopaedic health status of horses from 8 riding schools--a pilot study. Acta Vet Scand 2010 Aug 20;52(1):50.
- Egenvall A, Nødtvedt A, Penell J, Gunnarsson L, Bonnett BN. Insurance data for research in companion animals: benefits and limitations. Acta Vet Scand 2009 Oct 29;51(1):42.
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