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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Factors associated with safe completion of Fédération Eque...
Equine veterinary journal2023; 56(5); 902-913; doi: 10.1111/evj.14002

Factors associated with safe completion of Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing cross-country (2008-2018).

Abstract: Equestrian eventing involves competing in three phases: dressage, jumping, and cross-country. Competitors are ranked by number of penalties accrued-with those who have fewer penalties ranked higher. Completing the cross-country phase with zero obstacle penalties is commonly referred to as 'running clear'. Understanding factors associated with running clear can help athletes plan strategically for success, while also helping governing bodies to refine qualification criteria for elite levels. Objective: This study was carried out to identify factors associated with running clear in the cross-country phase of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) eventing. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 107 348 horse starts worldwide in all FEI competitions between January 2008 and December 2018. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression models constructed stepwise using a bi-directional process. Two study cohorts were assessed: a complete cohort that met all inclusion requirements and separately, a cohort that included only horses starting at the level above their previous start. Results: Sixteen factors were associated with running clear. Factors associated with increased likelihood of doing so included lower event level, lower dressage score earlier in the event, fewer recent FEI event starts, and more clear runs in their previous three FEI events. For horses that had stepped up an event level, 14 of these factors were still associated with running clear. Conclusions: Data available covered only FEI events, no national federation competitions were available for inclusion in horse histories. No prior veterinary information or data on training were available. Conclusions: This study provides a framework that allows stakeholders to potentially better understand the appropriate level of competition for any particular horse/rider combination, given the combination's recent history. This could provide an additional direct benefit in terms of safety by reducing the likelihood of a combination falling during cross-country.
© 2023 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2023-09-12 PubMed ID: 37697866DOI: 10.1111/evj.14002Google 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 article presents a study investigating the factors that contribute to a safe and successful cross-country race in equestrian eventing. It utilizes past data from worldwide Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) competitions and provides a framework for understanding the appropriate competition level for horse-rider pairs.

Research Objective and Methodology

The research aimed to identify the factors that enable horse-rider pairs to successfully and safely complete the cross-country phase of equestrian eventing, particularly the clear runs with no obstacle penalties.

  • The study used retrospective data from 107,348 horse starts in all FEI competitions around the world from January 2008 to December 2018.
  • Through the use of multivariable logistic regression models constructed stepwise using a bi-directional method, the data was analyzed rigorously to establish associations and draw conclusions
  • Two main cohorts were studied: a complete group that fulfilled all the designated inclusion criteria and a separate group, which only comprised horses that started at a level above their previous one.

Research Findings

The research identified 16 contributing factors related to successful and clear runs during cross-country phases of eventing.

  • There is a greater likelihood of running clear associated with a lower event level, a lower score in the dressage phase that takes place earlier in the event, fewer recent FEI event starts, and more clear runs in their previous three FEI events.
  • The study found that for horses that moved up to a higher event level, 14 out of the identified 16 factors still contributed to running clear.

Study Limitations and Conclusions

Despite the comprehensive findings, the research faced certain limitations.

  • Firstly, the research data only included FEI events; national federation competitions were not factored into the analysis, limiting the study’s range.
  • Secondly, prior veterinary information or data concerning the training practices of horse-rider pairs were unavailable.

Nonetheless, the study still provides a valuable and practical framework for identifying the most suitable competition level for horse-rider pairs, given their recent history. It allows stakeholders and governing bodies to refine qualification criteria for different skill levels and aids in enhancing the safety standards by reducing the chances of falling during a cross-country phase in equestrian eventing.

Cite This Article

APA
Bennet ED, Cameron-Whytock H, Parkin TDH. (2023). Factors associated with safe completion of Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing cross-country (2008-2018). Equine Vet J, 56(5), 902-913. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14002

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 5
Pages: 902-913

Researcher Affiliations

Bennet, Euan D
  • School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, UK.
Cameron-Whytock, Heather
  • School of Animal Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, UK.
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, UK.
Parkin, Tim D H
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sports
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Running
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Male

Grant Funding

  • Federation Equestre Internationale

References

This article includes 32 references
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