Analyze Diet
Equine veterinary journal2007; 40(3); 219-223; doi: 10.2746/042516408X253118

Bite and kick injuries in horses: prevalence, risk factors and prevention.

Abstract: Studies on the prevalence and predisposing factors of bite and kick injuries in horses have not been reported in a population-based data sample. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of bite and kick injuries in horses and associated risk factors in a representative sample of horses in Switzerland. Methods: A questionnaire on the incidence of disease and injury, which included the frequency of bite and kick injuries and their association with breed, housing, use and feeding regime, was sent to 2559 horse owners randomly selected throughout Switzerland. Results: The data of 2912 horses with 897 disorders diagnosed by a veterinarian were analysed. There were 231 injuries, 50 (21.6%) caused by a bite or kick from another horse; this number corresponded to 5.6% of all diseases and injuries and concerned only 1.7% of all the horses evaluated. Warmblood, Thoroughbred and Arabian horses had a 4.3 times higher risk of bite or kick injuries than horses of other breeds. Eighteen per cent of injuries were associated with a change in housing management and occurred regardless of whether horses were kept in groups permanently or sporadically. Conclusions: A stable group hierarchy and a housing system that provides adequate space and is adapted to horse-specific behaviour are important factors in prevention and kick and bite injuries.
Publication Date: 2007-12-19 PubMed ID: 18086579DOI: 10.2746/042516408X253118Google 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

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.

This research investigates the prevalence and risk factors of bite and kick injuries in horses in Switzerland. The study was conducted by distributing questionnaires to horse owners and analysing the data collected.

Study Design and Methodology

The researchers undertook the study by reaching out to horse owners across Switzerland. They devised a comprehensive questionnaire centered around different factors that could affect the occurrence of bite and kick injuries in horses. These factors included:

  • The breed of the horse.
  • The housing system and conditions where the horses are kept.
  • The purpose or use of the horse.
  • The feeding regime or diet of the horse.

The researchers randomly selected a total of 2559 horse owners to participate in this study.

Results

The collected data from 2912 horses and 897 identified disorders were analysed. Out of the documented injuries,

  • 50 (or 21.6%) were caused by bite or kick injuries inflicted by other horses.
  • This accounts for 5.6% of all reported diseases and injuries.
  • However, only 1.7% of all evaluated horses suffered from these types of injuries.

Identified Risk Factors

The study found that certain breeds, such as Warmblood, Thoroughbred, and Arabian horses, were at a 4.3 times higher risk of sustaining bite or kick injuries compared to other breeds. Additionally, 18% of injuries were linked to changes in the housing management, happening regardless if horses were kept permanently or sporadically in groups.

Conclusion and Prevention

Based on the study’s findings, the researchers concluded that a stable group hierarchy and a well-adapted housing system, providing adequate space and accounting for horse-specific behaviors, were key in preventing bite and kick injuries in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Knubben JM, Furst A, Gygax L, Staᆲher M. (2007). Bite and kick injuries in horses: prevalence, risk factors and prevention. Equine Vet J, 40(3), 219-223. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408X253118

Publication

ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 40
Issue: 3
Pages: 219-223

Researcher Affiliations

Knubben, J M
  • Institute of Animal Sciences, Physiology and Behaviour, ETH Zurich, LFW B55.1, CH-8092 Zurich.
Furst, A
    Gygax, L
      Staᆲher, M

        MeSH Terms

        • Animal Husbandry / methods
        • Animals
        • Behavior, Animal
        • Bites and Stings / epidemiology
        • Bites and Stings / etiology
        • Bites and Stings / prevention & control
        • Bites and Stings / veterinary
        • Female
        • Horses / injuries
        • Housing, Animal / standards
        • Male
        • Prevalence
        • Risk Factors
        • Surveys and Questionnaires
        • Switzerland / epidemiology
        • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology
        • Wounds and Injuries / etiology
        • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control
        • Wounds and Injuries / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 8 times.
        1. Raspa F, Tarantola M, Muca E, Bergero D, Soglia D, Cavallini D, Vervuert I, Bordin C, De Palo P, Valle E. Does Feeding Management Make a Difference to Behavioural Activities and Welfare of Horses Reared for Meat Production?. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jul 6;12(14).
          doi: 10.3390/ani12141740pubmed: 35883287google scholar: lookup
        2. Krueger K, Esch L, Farmer K, Marr I. Basic Needs in Horses?-A Literature Review. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jun 16;11(6).
          doi: 10.3390/ani11061798pubmed: 34208615google scholar: lookup
        3. Dalla Costa E, Tranquillo V, Dai F, Minero M, Battini M, Mattiello S, Barbieri S, Ferrante V, Ferrari L, Zanella A, Canali E. Text Mining Analysis to Evaluate Stakeholders' Perception Regarding Welfare of Equines, Small Ruminants, and Turkeys. Animals (Basel) 2019 May 8;9(5).
          doi: 10.3390/ani9050225pubmed: 31071978google scholar: lookup
        4. Schroeder OE, Aceto HW, Boyle AG. A field study of kick injuries to the radius and tibia in 51 horses (2000-2010). Can Vet J 2013 Mar;54(3):271-5.
          pubmed: 23997265
        5. Mejdell CM, Jørgensen GH, Rehn T, Fremstad K, Keeling L, Bøe KE. Reliability of an injury scoring system for horses. Acta Vet Scand 2010 Dec 31;52(1):68.
          doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-52-68pubmed: 21194451google scholar: lookup
        6. Jastrzębska E, Siemieniuch M, Bizio A, Pietruszka J, Górecka-Bruzda A. Are Users Good Assessors of Social Dominance in Domestic Horses?. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 7;14(13).
          doi: 10.3390/ani14131999pubmed: 38998111google scholar: lookup
        7. Schumacher A, Gehlen H. Health of Polo Horses. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 8;14(12).
          doi: 10.3390/ani14121735pubmed: 38929354google scholar: lookup
        8. Kjellberg L, Dahlborn K, Roepstorff L, Morgan K. Frequency and nature of health issues among horses housed in an active open barn compared to single boxes-A field study. Equine Vet J 2025 Jan;57(1):54-61.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14054pubmed: 38173124google scholar: lookup