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Home / Equine Research Bank / WMJ / Horse-related injuries in children: a review.
WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin2005; 104(2); 50-54;

Horse-related injuries in children: a review.

Abstract: Horseback riding is an increasingly popular activity among today's youth, providing them with the opportunity to learn responsibility and respect for animals. However, it can also be associated with severe injury, of which many physicians are unaware. In 2002, there were an estimated 13,400 emergency department visits nationwide for horse-related injuries among children younger than 15 years. When using a severity score to compare it with other childhood injuries, equestrian-related injury ranked second only to pedestrians being struck by a car, and had a higher score than all terrain vehicle, bicycle, and passenger motor vehicle crash injuries. Most serious injuries occur when a rider is thrown from a horse, which is often accompanied by being dragged or crushed by the horse. However, hoof kick injuries to an unmounted child represent about 30% of horse-related injuries and may result in more severe injury. Head injury is the injury most likely to result in hospitalization or death. The effectiveness of helmets in preventing serious head injury in horse-related accidents has been very well established. Recommendations for the prevention of horse-related injury include requiring helmet use on and near a horse, use of safety stirrups to prevent drag injury, matching rider skill with the appropriate horse, and providing close adult supervision.
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Publication Date: 2005-04-29 PubMed ID: 15856743
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  • Journal Article
  • Review

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 investigates the prevalence and severity of horse-related injuries among children and provides safety recommendations.

Background and Objective

  • This research paper presents an in-depth investigation into the frequency and severity of horse-related injuries among children under 15 years who engage in horseback riding.
  • The objective of the study is to increase the awareness of physicians and caregivers about the potential risks and preventative measures associated with this activity.

Key Findings

  • In 2002, approximately 13,400 visits to emergency departments across the nation were for horse-related injuries among children under 15 years.
  • Using a severity scale to compare it with other childhood injuries, the severity of equestrian-related injuries was found to be second only to instances where pedestrians were struck by cars.
  • Equestrian injuries have a higher severity score than injuries from all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, and passenger motor vehicle crashes.
  • The most serious injuries typically happen when a young rider is thrown off a horse, possibly resulting in being dragged or crushed by the horse.
  • About 30% of horse-related injuries occur from a kick from the horse to an unmounted child, potentially leading to severe harm.
  • The most common injury likely to result in hospitalization or death is a head injury.

Recommendations for Horse-related injury prevention

  • The effectiveness of helmets in preventing serious head injury in horse-related accidents is strongly established. Thus, helmet usage should be mandatory around and on horses.
  • The use of safety stirrups can prevent drag-induced injuries, so it is recommended for young riders.
  • To avoid horse-related injuries, there should be a match between the horse’s temperament and the rider’s skills.
  • Providing close adult supervision while children are horseback riding or near horses can significantly decrease the risk of injury.

Cite This Article

APA
Jagodzinski T, DeMuri GP. (2005). Horse-related injuries in children: a review. WMJ, 104(2), 50-54.

Publication

WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
ISSN: 1098-1861
NlmUniqueID: 9716054
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 104
Issue: 2
Pages: 50-54

Researcher Affiliations

Jagodzinski, Tanya
  • University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
DeMuri, Gregory P

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
    • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
    • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
    • Craniocerebral Trauma / prevention & control
    • Head Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
    • Horses
    • Humans
    • United States / epidemiology

    Citations

    This article has been cited 19 times.
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