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Equine veterinary journal2021; 54(5); 885-894; doi: 10.1111/evj.13522

Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Risk factors for horse falls and unseated riders during the cross-country phase (2008-2018).

Abstract: Eventing is an equestrian sport that tests athletes' and horses' skill over three phases: dressage, jumping and cross-country. Falls during the cross-country phase can have very serious outcomes up to and including death for both horse and athlete. Therefore, understanding risk factors associated with falls is essential for improving equine and human welfare. Objective: To provide descriptive statistics and identify risk factors at the horse-, athlete- and course-level affecting horses competing in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events worldwide. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Data collected by the FEI of every horse start worldwide in all international (CI), championship (CH), Olympics (OG) and World Equestrian Games (WEG) competitions between January 2008 and December 2018 were analysed. Descriptive statistics followed by univariable logistic regression to identify risk factor candidates for inclusion in the final multivariable logistic regression model. Models were constructed stepwise using a bi-directional process and assessed using the Akaike information criterion. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of falls and or unseated rider included: higher event levels, longer course distances, more starters at cross-country phase and less experienced horses and athletes. Conclusions: The data set is geographically comprehensive but covers only FEI competitions, not National Federation events, that is not every competition started by every individual horse. Nor does the data set include any prior veterinary information or data on training or schooling. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale epidemiological study of cross-country falls in FEI eventing. Results suggest that a potential risk profile can be constructed for each horse-athlete combination prior to entering a given competition, based on individual histories and course-level factors. This could lead to interventions that can reduce the number of falls, thus protecting equine and human welfare.
© 2021 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2021-10-19 PubMed ID: 34608658DOI: 10.1111/evj.13522Google 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.

This research investigates the risk factors contributing to horse falls and unseated riders during the cross-country phase of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events, demonstrating a correlation between increased fall risk and factors such as event levels, course distances, starter numbers, and experience levels of horses and riders.

Research Objectives and Methodology

  • The research aimed to identify horse, rider, and course-related risk factors during the cross-country phase of FEI events, with the goal of mitigating potential for injury or death.
  • A retrospective cohort study design was employed, utilizing data from all international, championship, Olympic, and World Equestrian Games competitions from January 2008 to December 2018.
  • Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and univariable logistic regression to identify candidate risk factors for the final multivariable logistic regression model.
  • Model construction followed a stepwise, bi-directional process and was evaluated using the Akaike information criterion.

Key Findings

  • Higher event levels, greater course distances, increased number of starters at the cross-country phase, and less experienced horses and riders are all associated with increased risk of falls or unseating.
  • The research data set includes only FEI competitions, making it comprehensive geographically, but not inclusive of National Federation events, or every competition started by every individual horse.
  • The data does not incorporate prior veterinary information or details pertaining to training or schooling, potentially limiting its scope.

Conclusions and Implications

  • This research serves as the first large-scale epidemiological study of cross-country falls, paving the way for further investigations in this field.
  • The findings suggest constructing a risk profile for each horse-rider team prior to a competition, based on both individual histories and course-level factors, can help anticipate potential safety challenges.
  • By implementing these findings and risk profiles into strategic interventions, the number of falls can potentially be reduced, thus safeguarding both equine and human welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Bennet ED, Cameron-Whytock H, Parkin TDH. (2021). Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Risk factors for horse falls and unseated riders during the cross-country phase (2008-2018). Equine Vet J, 54(5), 885-894. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13522

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 5
Pages: 885-894

Researcher Affiliations

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

MeSH Terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sports

Grant Funding

  • N/A / Federation Equestre Internationale

References

This article includes 23 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
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