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The Journal of trauma2007; 62(3); 735-739; doi: 10.1097/ta.0b013e318031b5d4

Equestrian injury prevention efforts need more attention to novice riders.

Abstract: Equestrian injury is commonly seen at trauma centers and the severity of injury is often high. We sought to determine the risk, incidence, and the influence of skill and experience on injury during horse-related activity (HRA). Methods: Members of horse clubs and individual equestrians in a three-state region (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) were recruited via mailings and community advertisements to take a survey regarding their horse contact time and injuries over their entire riding career. Serious injury (SI) was defined by hospitalization, surgery, or long-term disability. Results: There were 679 equestrians with a median age of 44 years who reported a median of 20 hours of HRA per month with a mean of 24 years (1 to 75 years) experience. The cumulative risk of any injury (AI) was 81% and of SI was 21%. The incidence of AI and SI were 1.6 +/- 0.1 (SE) and 0.26 +/- 0.02 per 10,000 hours, respectively. The incidence, per 10,000 hours, of AI was 7.6 +/- 2.7, 2.4 +/- 0.2, 1.5 +/- 0.1, and 1.0 +/- 0.1 at novice, intermediate, advanced, and professional levels, respectively (p < 0.001, analysis of variance [ANOVA]) and of SI was 1.03 +/- 0.52, 0.38 +/- 0.06, 0.21 +/- 0.03, and 0.19 +/- 0.04 at the respective skill levels (p < 0.001, ANOVA). There was a sharp decline in incidence of injury between 18 and 100 hours of experience. Helmet use was 74%, 61%, 58%, and 59% at the respective skill levels (NS, chi). Conclusions: One in five equestrians will be seriously injured during their riding career. Novice riders experienced a three-fold greater incidence of injury over intermediates, a five-fold greater incidence over advanced riders, and nearly eight-fold greater incidence over professional equestrians. Approximately 100 hours of experience are required to achieve a substantial decline in injury. These findings suggest that equestrian injury prevention efforts need more attention and should focus on novice equestrians.
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Publication Date: 2007-04-07 PubMed ID: 17414356DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e318031b5d4Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This study investigates the risk of injury during horse-related activities, finding that novice riders are most at risk and that around 100 hours of riding experience is necessary before a significant drop in injury incidence is seen. The research suggests more focus should be placed on injury prevention strategies aimed at novice equestrians.

Understanding the Risk and Incidence of Equestrian Injuries

  • The research involved members of horse clubs and individual equestrians across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho who were asked to provide information about their horse contact time and injuries sustained during their riding careers.
  • Out of the 679 equestrians who participated in the survey, the cumulative risk of any injury (AI) was found to be 81%, while for serious injuries (SI), such as those requiring hospitalization, surgery, or causing long-term disability, the risk was 21%.
  • It calculated the incidence of AI and SI per 10,000 hours respectively, noting that the incidence varied considerably based on the skill level of the rider.

The Impact of Skill and Experience on Injury Rates

  • The study found that novice riders were most at risk, with the incidence of AI being 7.6 per 10,000 hours. This figure significantly dropped down to 1.0 for professional equestrians.
  • Similarly, the SI incidence was highest for the novice group and lowest for professionals.
  • Interestingly, the study found that the incidence of injury dropped sharply after around 100 hours of riding experience, suggesting a key milestone in a rider’s development.
  • Helmet usage did not significantly vary between the different skill levels.

Need for More Focused Injury Prevention Efforts

  • Given these findings, the researchers emphasize the need for more targeted injury prevention strategies focusing on novice equestrians.
  • They suggest that a one in five risk of sustaining a serious injury over one’s riding career is too high, particularly given that novice riders experienced injury incidence rates several times higher than more experienced riders.
  • The indication that approximately 100 hours of riding experience are needed to achieve a substantial drop in injury incidence further underscores the need for targeted interventions during this high-risk initial period.

Cite This Article

APA
Mayberry JC, Pearson TE, Wiger KJ, Diggs BS, Mullins RJ. (2007). Equestrian injury prevention efforts need more attention to novice riders. J Trauma, 62(3), 735-739. https://doi.org/10.1097/ta.0b013e318031b5d4

Publication

The Journal of trauma
ISSN: 0022-5282
NlmUniqueID: 0376373
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 62
Issue: 3
Pages: 735-739

Researcher Affiliations

Mayberry, John C
  • Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. mayberrj@ohsu.edu
Pearson, Tuesday E
    Wiger, Kerry J
      Diggs, Brian S
        Mullins, Richard J

          MeSH Terms

          • Adolescent
          • Adult
          • Aged
          • Aged, 80 and over
          • Animals
          • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
          • Athletic Injuries / pathology
          • Child
          • Female
          • Horses
          • Humans
          • Male
          • Middle Aged
          • Risk

          Citations

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