Horse-play: survey of accidents with horses.
Abstract: Horse-riding is increasing in popularity. During 1971 and 1972 154 patients had horse-related injuries of sufficient severity to warrant admission to the Radcliffe Infirmary. The injuries sustained are more common and more severe than generally appreciated and are comparable to those sustained by motor-cyclists. Supervision of children is often insufficient and protective leg and head gear is commonly quite inadequate, even when worn.
Publication Date: 1973-09-08 PubMed ID: 4795373PubMed Central: PMC1586939DOI: 10.1136/bmj.3.5879.532Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the frequency and severity of horse-related injuries that required hospital admission over a two-year period (1971-1972) at Radcliffe Infirmary. It mentions these injuries being more frequent and serious than often perceived, resembling those incurred by motorcyclists. The article also discusses the prevalent inadequacy of child supervision and protective equipment used in horse-riding.
Study Overview
- This research was conducted by examining horse-related injuries that led to hospital admissions at the Radcliffe Infirmary between 1971 and 1972.
- Totaling 154 cases, the study primarily focused on ascertaining the frequency and severity of the injuries.
Key Findings
- The findings suggest that injuries resultant from horse-riding are often more common and severe than what is commonly understood.
- Such injuries were found to be comparable to those sustained by motorcyclists, thus underlining the dangerous nature of horse-riding without adequate safety precautions.
Protection and Supervision Issues
- The research identified insufficiencies in the supervision of children participating in horse-riding activities, indicating a potential contributor to the frequency of horse-related injuries.
- Insufficient or inadequate use of protective leg and head gear was also noted as a common occurrence, even when the gear was worn. This oversight exposes riders to an increased risk of severe injuries.
Implications
- The implications of this study are significant for enhancing safety in horse-riding. By highlighting the frequency and seriousness of injuries, the need for improved supervision and safety equipment becomes compelling.
- Riders, guardians, trainers, and policymakers may find these insights useful for designing safety regulations and promoting rider-awareness programs to ensure safer horse-riding practices.
Cite This Article
APA
Barber HM.
(1973).
Horse-play: survey of accidents with horses.
Br Med J, 3(5879), 532-534.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5879.532 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Accidents
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Amnesia
- Animals
- Arm Injuries
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Craniocerebral Trauma
- Female
- Femoral Fractures
- Femoral Neck Fractures
- Fractures, Bone
- Horses
- Humans
- Humeral Fractures
- Leg Injuries
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pelvic Bones / injuries
- Protective Clothing
- Ribs / injuries
- Seasons
- Sex Factors
- Spinal Injuries
- Sports Medicine
- Time Factors
References
This article includes 1 references
- LEWIN W, KENNEDY WF. Motor-cyclists, crash helmets, and head injuries.. Br Med J 1956 Jun 2;1(4978):1253-9.
Citations
This article has been cited 20 times.- Spennemann DHR. Turbans vs. Helmets: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature on Head Injuries and Impact Loci of Cranial Trauma in Several Recreational Outdoor Sports.. Sports (Basel) 2021 Dec 20;9(12).
- Chapman M, Thomas M, Thompson K. What People Really Think About Safety around Horses: The Relationship between Risk Perception, Values and Safety Behaviours.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 26;10(12).
- Majeedkutty NA, Khairulanuar NA. Prevalence, patterns, and correlates of equestrian injuries in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study.. J Family Community Med 2017 Jan-Apr;24(1):18-22.
- Schröter C, Schulte-Sutum A, Zeckey C, Winkelmann M, Krettek C, Mommsen P. [Accidents in equestrian sports : Analysis of injury mechanisms and patterns].. Unfallchirurg 2017 Feb;120(2):129-138.
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