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Home / Equine Research Bank / Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med / Characteristics of horse riding-related falls in patients pr...
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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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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