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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Fence...
Equine veterinary journal2022; 55(3); 463-473; doi: 10.1111/evj.13863

Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Fence-level risk factors for falls during the cross-country phase (2008-2018).

Abstract: The equestrian discipline of eventing tests athletes' and horses' skill over three phases: dressage, jumping and cross-country. Falls during cross-country can be particularly serious and result in serious or fatal injury for both horse and athlete. Cross-country course and fence design are crucial contributory factors to safety. Objective: To provide descriptive statistics and identify fence-level risk factors for horses competing in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events worldwide. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Data were collected for every horse start worldwide in all international (CI), championship (CH), Olympics (OG) and World Equestrian Games (WEG) eventing competitions between January 2008 and December 2018 and univariable logistic regression, followed by multivariable logistic regression were applied. The final model was built in a stepwise bi-directional process, with each step assessed by the Akaike information criterion. Results: Risk factors were identified at the fence level covering aspects of fence design and course design. Ten fence types were at increased odds of a fall occurring compared with square spread fences, and seven types were at reduced odds. Fences with an approach downhill (odds ratio [OR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.52), with landing into water (OR 1.82, CI 1.62-2.01), frangible devices (OR 1.28, CI 1.15-1.41) and later elements of combined obstacles (OR 1.33 CI 1.25-1.42 for the second element, OR 1.21 CI 1.10-1.32 for later elements) were associated with increased risk of falls occurring. Conclusions: Although the dataset covers every international competition worldwide, it does not include national-level competitions. Conclusions: It is recommended that the most challenging fences are placed near the beginning of the course, and not in downhill or water settings. The complexity of individual elements in combined fences should be reduced. Adopting evidence-based course design is a crucial intervention for reducing the incidence of horse falls and associated serious and fatal injuries to horse and human athletes.
© 2022 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2022-08-09 PubMed ID: 35842735DOI: 10.1111/evj.13863Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research paper aims to determine the risk factors associated to equestrian falls during cross-country events, focusing on the design of course fences. The study uses data from global Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events and identifies distinct fence designs and course settings that raise or lower the odds of a fall occurrence.

Study Design and Methodology

  • The research utilized a retrospective cohort study methodology.
  • Data from every horse start around the world in FEI events like international (CI), championship (CH), Olympics (OG), and World Equestrian Games (WEG) competitions from January 2008 to December 2018 were gathered.
  • Statistical assessments were done through univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Model building adhered to a stepwise bi-directional procedure, and each step was evaluated using the Akaike information criterion (a measure for comparing statistical models).

Findings of the Study

  • The research unearthed various risk factors at the fence level, concerning both fence and course design.
  • Compared to square spread fences, ten other fence types increased fall odds while seven types reduced fall odds.
  • Fences with a downhill approach, fences that land into water, fences with frangible devices (breaking upon impact to absorb energy), and later parts of combined obstacles increased the fall risks. Specific odds ratios and confidence intervals were provided for each type.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • Although the dataset covered all international competitions globally, it excluded national-level competitions.
  • Recommendations included placing the most challenging fences near the course beginning and avoiding downhill or water settings. Simpler elements should be used in combined fences to lessen fall risk.
  • Adopting evidence-based course design was highlighted as critical to reduce horse falls and the relevant serious and even fatal harm to both human and horse athletes.

Cite This Article

APA
Bennet ED, Cameron-Whytock H, Parkin TDH. (2022). Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Fence-level risk factors for falls during the cross-country phase (2008-2018). Equine Vet J, 55(3), 463-473. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13863

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 55
Issue: 3
Pages: 463-473

Researcher Affiliations

Bennet, Euan David
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford Campus, Bristol, UK.
Cameron-Whytock, Heather
  • School of Animal Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, UK.
Parkin, Tim D H
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford Campus, Bristol, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Accidental Falls
  • Sports
  • Risk Factors
  • Logistic Models

Grant Funding

  • Federation Equestre Internationale

References

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Walz KR, McCormick ME, Fedorka CE. The Thoroughbred Theory: Influence of Breed on Performance at the CCI5*-L Level of Eventing. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 18;15(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15121796pubmed: 40564347google scholar: lookup
  2. Cameron-Whytock HA, O'Brien D, Lewis V, Parkin T, Bennet ED. Equine fatalities in equestrian eventing. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1387-1394.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14529pubmed: 40371753google scholar: lookup
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