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Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)1990; 9(1); 36-47; doi: 10.2165/00007256-199009010-00004

Common injuries in horseback riding. A review.

Abstract: The most common location of horse-related injuries is the upper extremity (24% to 61%) with injuries to the lower extremity second in frequency (36% to 40%). The head and face sustain 20% of horse-related injuries. The most common type of injury is a soft tissue injury (92% to 1%), followed by a fracture (57% to 3%). Concussion is the third most common type of injury (63% to 2%). The most frequent cause of hospitalisation is concussion (38% to 4%) with fracture second. The most common injury which leaves residual impairment is injury to the central nervous system. The age at which most injury occurred is less than 21 years. In the latest NEISS report (1987-1988), injuries have decreased in the younger riders, but have increased in the older riders (above 24 years). More women are injured than men, but over the age of 44 years more men are injured than women, with the difference more marked in the 1987-1988 NEISS report. Previous horse-related injuries are reported frequently (37% to 25%). In mortality studies from Australia and the United States, head injuries caused the majority of deaths (78% and 60%), followed by chest injuries (9%). In the Australian study each sex had 50% of the deaths. In the United States, 60% were male, 40% female. Above the age of 24 years male deaths increasingly predominate, being 15 male deaths to 1 female above the age of 64. Concussion is divided into 3 divisions of severity which require different medical evaluation and treatment: mild in which rider is stunned or disoriented for a brief period; moderate in which there is loss of consciousness for less than 5 minutes; and severe in which there is a loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes. Investigative need is cited in the areas of previous horse-related injury, lessons, experience vs knowledge, epilepsy, drowning, gender, deaths, safety helmets, stirrups, and body protectors. No horse is a safe horse; some are safer than others but the horse is a potentially lethal animal. Prevention of accidents and injuries is dependent upon using knowledge previously obtained from studying horse activities. Much more information is available than in the past through the medical studies that have been done and the recommendations made by these investigators. The medical community has a responsibility to educate the horse riding public and to participate in investigations requested by the horse organizations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Publication Date: 1990-01-01 PubMed ID: 2408117DOI: 10.2165/00007256-199009010-00004Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research explores various aspects of horseback riding related injuries. Most injuries occurred in the upper and lower extremities. Common types include soft tissue damage, fractures, and concussions. The most frequent reason for hospitalization was concussion, followed by fractures. The central nervous system impairment was the injury that frequently caused residual effects. The study also noted an increase in injuries among older riders and an intriguing gender-based injury pattern.

Type and Location of Injuries

  • The research identified the upper extremity as the most common location for horse-related injuries, followed by the lower extremity. The upper extremity might include arms, shoulders, and hands while the lower extremity refers to legs, knees, ankles, and feet.
  • The head and face also sustain a significant proportion (20%) of horse-related injuries. This is significant because head injuries can be fatal or life-altering.

Implication of Injuries

  • Regarding the type of injury, the most common is soft tissue injury, suggesting a prevalence of sprains, strains, and bruises. Fractures come second.
  • It’s notable that concussion is the third most common type of injury and is the most frequent cause for hospitalization. Concussions are traumatic brain injuries and can have serious implications.
  • The research also points out that injuries to the central nervous system were most likely to result in lingering impairment, again highlighting the potentially serious nature of head injuries.

Injury Patterns and Prevention

  • A significant point raised in the research is that the highest number of injuries occurred among individuals under 21 years of age. However, the trend shows decreasing injuries in younger riders, and an increase in injuries among older riders aged above 24 years.
  • The data revealed a gender-based pattern, with more women being injured than men overall, but more men than women suffering injuries after the age of 44. In addition, men predominantly were victims of fatal accidents after the age of 24.
  • The research indicates the need for more investigation in several areas including the effects of previous injuries, the importance of lessons and experienced versus novice riders, effects of epilepsy, importance of safety gear like helmets, stirrups, and body protectors.
  • The study underlines the importance of educating the horse riding public about safety measures and investigations of horse-related accidents. The paper hints at the often-underestimated danger associated with horse-related activities, stating ‘No horse is a safe horse.’

Cite This Article

APA
Bixby-Hammett D, Brooks WH. (1990). Common injuries in horseback riding. A review. Sports Med, 9(1), 36-47. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199009010-00004

Publication

Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
ISSN: 0112-1642
NlmUniqueID: 8412297
Country: New Zealand
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: 36-47

Researcher Affiliations

Bixby-Hammett, D
  • United States Pony Clubs, Inc., American Medical Equestrian Association, Waynesville, NC 28786.
Brooks, W H

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Athletic Injuries
    • Horses
    • Humans
    • Sports

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