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British journal of sports medicine1987; 21(1); 25-26; doi: 10.1136/bjsm.21.1.25

Equestrian injuries: a comparison of professional and amateur injuries in Berkshire.

Abstract: A retrospective study of horse riding injuries in Berkshire was undertaken over a one year period from November 1983. The information was obtained from the Ambulance Service, the Jockey Club and the St. John Ambulance Brigade. There was a total of 103 injured persons with no deaths. Information from the Jockey Club was compared with the other two groups, the former sustaining more limb injuries and the latter more head injuries. A questionnaire was sent to all 42 ambulance patients. Thirty-eight had radiographs taken, 16 of which showed a fracture. Forty-one were wearing some form of hard hat, but if a safety strap was available it was attached in 24 cases. The dangers of riding are highlighted and the importance of adequate protective clothing emphasised.
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Publication Date: 1987-03-01 PubMed ID: 3580723PubMed Central: PMC1478592DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.21.1.25Google 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.

This research investigates the patterns and types of injuries professional and amateur riders sustain in Berkshire over a one-year period starting in November 1983. It emphasizes the need for wearing proper protective clothing while horse riding.

Methodology

  • The research is a retrospective study, which means the data has been collected and analyzed after the events have taken place.
  • Data was gathered from three sources: the Ambulance Service, the Jockey Club, and the St. John Ambulance Brigade. These sources routinely record such data as part of their operations.
  • The study made comparisons between data obtained from the Jockey Club (representing professional riders) and those from the other two groups (presumably representing amateur riders).

Findings

  • During the year, a total of 103 people suffered injuries because of horse riding. However, no deaths were recorded in this period.
  • The research found that professional riders from the Jockey Club experienced more limb injuries, whereas amateurs recorded more head injuries.
  • A questionnaire was sent to all 42 ambulance patients. From these, 38 had undergone X-rays, with 16 revealing fractures.

Use of Protective Clothing

  • Among the ambulance patients, 41 were found to be wearing some form of hard hat during the accident – a form of protective clothing for the head.
  • However, only 24 of these riders had their safety strap attached. A safety strap ensures that the helmet remains on the head during a fall or impact, providing much-needed protection to the head.

Recommendations

  • The study presents the inherent risks involved in horse riding. Both professional and amateur riders must be aware of these dangers.
  • It emphasizes the importance of wearing adequate protective clothing during riding to prevent severe injuries.
  • This includes not only wearing a hard hat but also ensuring that the hat’s safety strap is attached properly for maximum protection.

Cite This Article

APA
Whitlock MR, Whitlock J, Johnston B. (1987). Equestrian injuries: a comparison of professional and amateur injuries in Berkshire. Br J Sports Med, 21(1), 25-26. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.21.1.25

Publication

British journal of sports medicine
ISSN: 0306-3674
NlmUniqueID: 0432520
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Pages: 25-26

Researcher Affiliations

Whitlock, M R
    Whitlock, J
      Johnston, B

        MeSH Terms

        • Adolescent
        • Adult
        • Animals
        • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
        • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
        • England
        • Extremities / injuries
        • Facial Injuries / epidemiology
        • Female
        • Horses
        • Humans
        • Male
        • Middle Aged
        • Retrospective Studies
        • Spinal Injuries / epidemiology

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 15 times.
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