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Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine2026; doi: 10.1186/s13049-026-01593-6

Characteristics of horse riding-related falls in patients presenting to emergency departments in manche department, france: a multicenter retrospective analysis.

Abstract: Horse riding-related falls are a frequent cause of emergency department (ED) presentations; however, their regional epidemiology in France is poorly described. We aimed to quantify the incidence of ED visits after falling from a horse in the Manche Department and characterize the injury patterns, resource use, and short-term outcomes. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study across six hospitals in Manche (France), including all patients presenting to the ED after a fall from a horse between May 1, 2021, and October 31, 2024. Demographics, initial clinical status, imaging findings, anatomical injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS]), management, and use of protective equipment were extracted from the electronic records. The incidence was standardized according to the catchment population of each center. Reporting was performed in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Results: This study included 669 ED visits after falling from horses. The average annual incidence was 93.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, with substantial geographical variation. Most patients were women (87%), with a median age of 18 years. Spinal (43%), head (39%), and upper limb (33%) injuries were most common. Helmet use was high (97%) and likely contributed to the low rate of severe intracranial injuries. Imaging was performed in 93% of the patients, with 42% showing abnormalities. Most patients (80%) were discharged home, whereas 18% required hospitalization (median stay, 2 days), and 8.5% required surgery, mainly for fractures. Conclusions: Horse riding-related falls are a prevalent cause of ED visits in the Manche region, with substantial geographic variation in incidence. Although most injuries are minor, the high frequency of head and spine involvement underscores the importance of protective equipment and targeted prevention strategies. Standardized imaging and discharge pathways can streamline resource utilization while ensuring the detection of clinically significant injuries. Background: Not applicable (retrospective observational study).
© 2026. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2026-03-10 PubMed ID: 41808218DOI: 10.1186/s13049-026-01593-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

Overview

  • This study analyzed emergency department (ED) visits caused by falls from horses in the Manche Department of France to understand the frequency, injury types, use of protective gear, and healthcare resource demands.
  • It aimed to provide detailed regional epidemiological data to guide prevention and clinical management.

Study Design and Methods

  • Multicenter retrospective analysis conducted in six hospitals within the Manche Department, France.
  • Included all patients presenting to the ED after falling from a horse between May 1, 2021, and October 31, 2024.
  • Data extracted from electronic medical records encompassed demographics, clinical status at presentation, imaging results, anatomical injury classification (using Abbreviated Injury Scale – AIS), treatment details, and protective equipment usage.
  • Incidence rates were standardized according to the population catchment areas of the included hospitals.
  • Reporting adhered to STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines to ensure methodological rigor.

Key Findings

  • A total of 669 emergency visits due to horse riding falls were analyzed.
  • The average annual incidence was 93.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with marked geographic variation within the region.
  • Demographics:
    • Majority were female patients (87%).
    • Median age was 18 years, indicating a predominantly young population affected.
  • Injury Patterns:
    • Spinal injuries were the most common (43%).
    • Head injuries affected 39% of patients.
    • Upper limb injuries were present in 33% of cases.
  • Protective Equipment:
    • Helmet use was reported in 97% of cases.
    • This high usage is believed to have contributed to the low incidence of severe intracranial injuries.
  • Imaging and Diagnosis:
    • Imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT, MRI) were performed in 93% of patients.
    • 42% of these images revealed abnormalities consistent with injury.
  • Treatment and Outcomes:
    • Most patients (80%) were discharged home directly from the ED, indicating minor injuries.
    • 18% of patients required hospital admission, with a median length of stay of 2 days.
    • 8.5% underwent surgical interventions, mainly for fracture repair.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Horse-related falls are a significant cause of emergency visits in the Manche region, with some areas experiencing higher incidence than others.
  • Despite most injuries being minor, the frequent involvement of the head and spinal cord stresses the critical need for protective equipment like helmets and targeted prevention efforts.
  • The study supports the benefit of consistent helmet use in reducing severe brain injuries.
  • High imaging rates reflect a cautious clinical approach, and standardized imaging protocols coupled with clear discharge pathways may optimize utilization of medical resources and ensure important injuries are not missed.
  • Public health strategies focusing on safety measures and education could further reduce the burden of horse riding-related injuries.

Background Context

  • Horse riding is a popular activity in Manche, France, but falls can result in significant injury.
  • Prior to this study, regional epidemiological data on horse-related falls were limited in France, restricting targeted intervention efforts.
  • This research fills a gap by providing detailed incidence rates, injury patterns, and outcome profiles specific to this geographic area.

Cite This Article

APA
Lemercier J, Pasco J, Olivier G, Amiot F. (2026). Characteristics of horse riding-related falls in patients presenting to emergency departments in manche department, france: a multicenter retrospective analysis. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-026-01593-6

Publication

Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine
ISSN: 1757-7241
NlmUniqueID: 101477511
Country: England
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Lemercier, Juliette
  • Emergency Department-SAMU50, Centre Hospitalier Mémorial Saint-Lô, Saint-Lô, France.
Pasco, Jeremy
  • Clinical Research and Innovation Unit, Centre Hospitalier Public du Cotentin, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
Olivier, Grégoire
  • Clinical Research and Innovation Unit, Centre Hospitalier Public du Cotentin, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
Amiot, Félix
  • Emergency Department-SAMU50, Centre Hospitalier Mémorial Saint-Lô, Saint-Lô, France. felix.amiot@gmail.com.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The protocol was approved by the Local Ethics and Research Committee of the Caen University Hospital. Information and non-opposition notes were sent to the patients or the parents/legal guardians of minor patients; they had 30 days to express their refusal. No response was considered non-opposition. All data were processed in accordance with the Reference Methodology 004 (MR-004) of the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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