FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
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.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2023-09-12 PubMed ID: 37697866DOI: 10.1111/evj.14002Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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.

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
  1. Bennet ED, Cameron‐Whytock H, Parkin TDH. Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: fence‐level risk factors for falls during the cross‐country phase (2008–2018). Equine Vet J 2023;55(3):463–473.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13863google scholar: lookup
  2. Bennet ED, Cameron‐Whytock H, Parkin TDH. Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: risk factors for horse falls and unseated riders during the cross‐country phase (2008–2018). Equine Vet J 2022;54:885–894.
  3. Murray JK, Singer ER, Morgan KL, Proudman CJ, French NP. The risk of a horse‐and‐rider partnership falling on the cross‐country phase of eventing competitions. Equine Vet J 2006;38:158–163.
  4. Murray JK, Singer ER, Morgan KL, Proudman CJ, French NP. Risk factors for cross‐country horse falls at one‐day events and at two‐/three‐day events. Vet J 2005;170:318–324.
  5. Murray JK, Singer ER, Saxby F, French NP. Factors influencing risk of injury to horses failing during eventing. Vet Rec 2004;154:207–208.
  6. Singer ER, Barnes J, Saxby F, Murray JK. Injuries in the event horse: training versus competition. Vet J 2008;175:76–81.
  7. Singer ER, Saxby F, French NP. A retrospective case–control study of horse falls in the sport of horse trials and three‐day eventing. Equine Vet J 2003;35:139–145.
  8. O'Brien D. Look before you leap: what are the obstacles to risk calculation in the equestrian sport of eventing?. Animals 2016;6:13.
  9. Cameron‐Whytock HA, Parkin TDH, Hobbs SJ, Brigden CV, Bennet ED. Towards a safer sport: risk factors for cross‐country horse falls at British eventing competition. Equine Vet J 2024;56(1):137–146.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13934google scholar: lookup
  10. 2000 Safety report.pdf. Accessed 27 July 2022. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/2000%20Safety%20report.pdf
  11. 2021 Statistics 24.01.2022.pdf. Accessed 27 July 2022. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/2021%20Statistics%2024.01.2022.pdf
  12. Eventing Audit—Charles Barnett—Final Report 26.07.16.pdf. Accessed 27 July 2022. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/Eventing%20Audit%20-%20Charles%20Barnett%20-%20Final%20Report%2026.07.16.pdf
  13. Bennet ED, Parkin TDH. Federation Equestre Internationale endurance events: risk factors for failure to qualify outcomes at the level of the horse, ride and rider (2010‐2015). Vet J 2018;236:44–48.
  14. Coombs SL, Fisher RJ. Endurance riding in 2012: too far too fast?. Vet J 2012;194:270–271.
  15. Nagy A, Murray JK, Dyson SJ. Horse‐, rider‐, venue‐ and environment‐related risk factors for elimination from Federation Equestre Internationale endurance rides due to lameness and metabolic reasons. Equine Vet J 2014;46:294–299.
  16. Boden LA, Anderson GA, Charles JA, Morgan KL, Morton JM, Parkin TDH. Risk factors for Thoroughbred racehorse fatality in flat starts in Victoria, Australia (1989–2004). Equine Vet J 2007;39:430–437.
  17. Parkin TDH, Clegg PD, French NP, Proudman CJ, Riggs CM, Singer ER. Race‐ and course‐level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in racing Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet J 2004;36:521–526.
  18. Hitchens PL, Blizzard CL, Jones G, Day L, Fell J. Predictors of race‐day jockey falls in flat racing in Australia. Occup Environ Med 2010;67:693–698.
  19. Estberg L, Stover SM, Gardner IA, Johnson BJ, Jack RA, Case JT. Relationship between race start characteristics and risk of catastrophic injury in Thoroughbreds: 78 cases (1992). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;212:544.
  20. Estberg L, Stover SM, Gardner IA, Johnson BJ, Case JT, Ardans A. Fatal musculoskeletal injuries incurred during racing and training in Thoroughbreds. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;208:92–96.
  21. Georgopoulos SP, Parkin TDH. Risk factors associated with fatal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses competing in flat racing in the United States and Canada. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016;249:931–939.
  22. Hitchens PL, Hill AE, Stover SM. The role of catastrophic injury or sudden death of the horse in race‐day jockey falls and injuries in California, 2007–2012. Equine Vet J 2016;48:50–56.
  23. Zuffa T, Bennet ED, Parkin TDH. Factors associated with completion of Fédération Équestre Internationale endurance rides (2012–2019): modelling success to promote welfare‐oriented decisions in the equestrian sport of endurance. Prev Vet Med 2022;198:105534.
  24. Marlin D, Williams J. Equine endurance race pacing strategy and performance in 120‐km single‐day races. J Equine Vet 2018;67:87–90.
  25. Marlin D, Williams J. Equine endurance race pacing strategy differs between finishers and non‐finishers in 120 km single‐day races. Comp Exerc Physiol 2018;14:11–18.
  26. . FEI Eventing Rules (2012). FEI Accessed 27 July 2022.
  27. Wickham H, Averick M, Bryan J, Chang W, McGowan LD, François R. Welcome to the Tidyverse. J Open Source Softw 2019;4:1686.
  28. Dohoo IR, Ducrot C, Fourichon C, Donald A, Hurnik D. An overview of techniques for dealing with large numbers of independent variables in epidemiologic studies. Prev Vet Med 1997;29:221–239.
  29. Akaike H. Information theory and an extension of the maximum likelihood principle. In: Petrov BN, Csaki F, editors. Second international symposium on information theory. Budapest, Hungary: Akademiai Kaido; 1992. p. 267–281. [Reprinted; In: Breakthroughs in Statistics, Volume I. Eds. Kotz, S. and Johnson, N.L. Springer, New York, USA. 1973; pp. 599–624].
  30. Bennet ED, Parkin T, Cameron‐Whytock H. We have demonstrated the potential to make eventing safer: what will happen next?. Equine Vet J 2023;55(5):723–726.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13963google scholar: lookup
  31. Bennet ED, Hayes ME, Friend L, Parkin TDH. The association between clinical parameters recorded at vet gates during Federation Equestre Internationale endurance rides and the imminent risk of elimination. Equine Vet J 2020;52:832–840.
  32. Bennet ED, Parkin TDH. Fifteen risk factors associated with sudden death in Thoroughbred racehorses in North America (2009–2021). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022;260:1956–1962.

Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Liedtke AM, Meijer H, Horstmann S, von Reitzenstein C, Rump I, Kirsch K. Modelling Energy Demands of Cross-Country Tests in 2-Star to 5-Star Eventing Competitions. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 17;15(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15121775pubmed: 40564327google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,824 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.