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Home / Equine Research Bank / Curr Sports Med Rep / Equestrian Sports Safety: An Update on Safety Equipment and ...
Current sports medicine reports2025; 24(1); 11-17; doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000001222

Equestrian Sports Safety: An Update on Safety Equipment and Event Medical Coverage.

Abstract: Equestrian sports are associated with high rates of major injury compared to collision and powered two-wheel sports. Advancements in rider and horse safety equipment and the implementation of comprehensive emergency action planning standards may help mitigate injuries, particularly in regard to the Olympic disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing covered in this review. Personal safety equipment to consider includes helmets, safety and air vests, and horse tack including safety stirrups, acoustic dampeners, and breakaway reins. Equestrian event medical coverage requires emergency action planning, partnership with local emergency medical services, and cooperation of interprofessional teams. Safety coordinators and medical providers may be tasked with providing first aid to spectators in addition to stabilizing and triaging crush trauma, traumatic brain injuries or spinal injuries, or fractures in competitors. Stationary and mobile medical units, proper medical equipment, acute spine stabilization protocols, and communication systems are critical components of equestrian medical coverage.
Copyright © 2025 by the American College of Sports Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2025-01-01 PubMed ID: 39749953DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000001222Google 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.

Equestrian sports carry a high risk of major injuries, but recent improvements in safety gear and medical planning aim to reduce these risks. This review highlights key safety equipment and medical strategies used in Olympic equestrian disciplines like dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing.

Injury Risks in Equestrian Sports

  • Equestrian sports have higher rates of severe injuries compared to many other sports, including collision sports and powered two-wheel sports.
  • These injuries often involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, crush trauma, and fractures.
  • The risks are particularly notable in Olympic disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing.

Safety Equipment for Riders and Horses

  • Helmets: Proper helmets are essential to protect riders from head injuries during falls or collisions.
  • Safety Vests and Air Vests: These provide additional protection to the torso by absorbing impact forces and reducing the severity of injuries.
  • Horse Tack Safety Features:
    • Safety stirrups: Designed to release the rider’s foot during a fall to prevent dragging.
    • Acoustic dampeners: Reduce noise that could startle the horse, preventing accidents.
    • Breakaway reins: Essential for enabling quick release in emergencies to avoid impeding the horse or rider.

Medical Coverage and Emergency Planning at Equestrian Events

  • Emergency Action Planning: Comprehensive plans guide responses to accidents, ensuring efficient use of resources and rapid care.
  • Partnerships With Local Emergency Medical Services: Collaborations ensure quick access to advanced medical care beyond onsite capabilities.
  • Interprofessional Teams: Medical providers, safety coordinators, and emergency staff work together for effective event coverage.
  • First Aid for Spectators: Safety teams are also prepared to assist bystanders or spectators who might require first aid during events.

Medical Equipment and Protocols

  • Stationary and Mobile Medical Units: These provide immediate onsite care and enable rapid transport if necessary.
  • Proper Medical Equipment: Includes tools for stabilizing spinal injuries, managing fractures, and handling crush trauma or traumatic brain injuries.
  • Acute Spine Stabilization Protocols: Critical approaches to minimize damage from spinal injuries before hospital care.
  • Communication Systems: Reliable communication is essential for coordinating emergency response teams and ensuring timely interventions.

Summary

  • Advances in safety equipment for both riders and horses help reduce the risk and severity of injuries in equestrian sports.
  • Well-designed medical coverage plans and trained interprofessional teams improve outcomes by delivering timely emergency care.
  • Ongoing attention to safety practices and emergency preparedness is vital to protect competitors and spectators at equestrian events.

Cite This Article

APA
Gould S, Roy IR, Gabriel FD, Lowe R, Lin CY. (2025). Equestrian Sports Safety: An Update on Safety Equipment and Event Medical Coverage. Curr Sports Med Rep, 24(1), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000001222

Publication

Current sports medicine reports
ISSN: 1537-8918
NlmUniqueID: 101134380
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 24
Issue: 1
Pages: 11-17

Researcher Affiliations

Gould, Sara
    Roy, Ian R
    • Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
    Gabriel, Fernanda Dib
    • Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
    Lowe, Rusty
    • Hoover Fire Department, Hoover, AL.
    Lin, Cindy Y

      MeSH Terms

      • Horses
      • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
      • Humans
      • Animals
      • Head Protective Devices
      • Emergency Medical Services
      • Personal Protective Equipment
      • Sports Equipment

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