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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Fam Pract / Horseback riding injuries among children and young adults.
The Journal of family practice1994; 39(2); 148-152;

Horseback riding injuries among children and young adults.

Abstract: Horseback riding injuries are responsible for an estimated 2300 hospital admissions annually among persons younger than 25 years of age in the United States, but injury rates, patterns of injury, and risk factors for this population have not been well studied. Methods: Study participants were selected from a list provided by a national mail-order company that sells riding equipment. A total of 557 persons younger than 25 years of age who rode horses at least six times a year completed survey questionnaires. Results: Among the study participants, 34 (6.1%) had been hospitalized at least once because of a riding injury and 153 (27.5%) had been treated by a physician within the previous 2 years for such an injury. The overall injury rate was 0.6 per 1000 riding hours. Among those injured, sprains or strains (41.8%), lacerations or bruises (40.0%), and fractures or dislocations (33.3%) were the most common types of injury. A total of 27.5% of those injured sustained concussions or other head injuries. Riding 15 to 24 hours per month (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04), being female (OR = 1.81), and riding English style (OR = 1.77) were the characteristics most strongly correlated with injury. Conclusions: Horseback riding injuries among participants in this study tended to be serious. Family physicians should inform their patients who ride horses about the risks associated with equestrian activities and should emphasize helmet use.
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Publication Date: 1994-08-01 PubMed ID: 8057065
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

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 conducted a study on the nature and frequency of horse riding injuries among children and young adults, and found that such injuries are often serious, particularly linked to female gender, English riding style, and riding 15 to 24 hours a month.

Research Methods

  • The study made use of a list provided by a national company that sells horse riding equipment to source its participants.
  • The survey questionnaires were filled out by 557 children and young adults, all under 25 years old, who engaged in horse riding at least six times a year.

Results of the Study

  • Among the respondents, 34 (or 6.1%) had at least one hospitalization due to a riding injury in the past, and 153 (or 27.5%) had been treated by a physician for a riding injury within the last 2 years.
  • The overall rate of injuries was calculated to be 0.6 per 1,000 riding hours.
  • Among the injuries reported, the most common were sprains or strains (41.8%), lacerations or bruises (40.0%), and fractures or dislocations (33.3%). Concussions or head injuries accounted for 27.5% of the injuries.
  • The risk factors that showed the maximum correlation with injury were riding for 15 to 24 hours a month (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04), female gender (OR = 1.81), and opting for the English riding style (OR = 1.77).

Conclusions Drawn From the Study

  • Those involved in this sport are susceptible to relatively serious injuries, as the study discovered.
  • The researchers therefore advise that family physicians should educate their patients who engage in horse riding about the associated risks.
  • An emphasis should be put on the importance of wearing helmets when riding.

Cite This Article

APA
Christey GL, Nelson DE, Rivara FP, Smith SM, Condie C. (1994). Horseback riding injuries among children and young adults. J Fam Pract, 39(2), 148-152.

Publication

The Journal of family practice
ISSN: 0094-3509
NlmUniqueID: 7502590
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 2
Pages: 148-152

Researcher Affiliations

Christey, G L
  • Christchurch School of Medicine, New Zealand.
Nelson, D E
    Rivara, F P
      Smith, S M
        Condie, C

          MeSH Terms

          • Adolescent
          • Adult
          • Age Factors
          • Animals
          • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
          • Athletic Injuries / etiology
          • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
          • Child
          • Persons with Disabilities / statistics & numerical data
          • Family Practice
          • Female
          • Head Protective Devices
          • Health Surveys
          • Horses
          • Humans
          • Logistic Models
          • Male
          • Odds Ratio
          • Office Visits / statistics & numerical data
          • Patient Admission / statistics & numerical data
          • Patient Education as Topic
          • Population Surveillance
          • Risk Factors
          • Sex Factors
          • Time Factors
          • United States / epidemiology

          Grant Funding

          • CCR 002570 / PHS HHS

          Citations

          This article has been cited 10 times.
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            doi: 10.1007/s00113-016-0154-8pubmed: 26975502google scholar: lookup
          4. Boham M, O'Connell K. Unusual mechanism of injury resulting in a thoracic chance fracture in a rodeo athlete: a case report. J Athl Train 2014 Mar-Apr;49(2):274-9.
            doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-48.6.06pubmed: 24520836google scholar: lookup
          5. Kiss K, Swatek P, Lénárt I, Mayr J, Schmidt B, Pintér A, Höllwarth ME. Analysis of horse-related injuries in children. Pediatr Surg Int 2008 Oct;24(10):1165-9.
            doi: 10.1007/s00383-008-2214-9pubmed: 18696082google scholar: lookup
          6. McCrory P, Turner M, LeMasson B, Bodere C, Allemandou A. An analysis of injuries resulting from professional horse racing in France during 1991-2001: a comparison with injuries resulting from professional horse racing in Great Britain during 1992-2001. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jul;40(7):614-8.
            doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.028449pubmed: 16687479google scholar: lookup
          7. Thomas KE, Annest JL, Gilchrist J, Bixby-Hammett DM. Non-fatal horse related injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States, 2001-2003. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jul;40(7):619-26.
            doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.025858pubmed: 16611723google scholar: lookup
          8. Turner M, McCrory P, Halley W. Injuries in professional horse racing in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland during 1992-2000. Br J Sports Med 2002 Dec;36(6):403-9.
            doi: 10.1136/bjsm.36.6.403pubmed: 12453834google scholar: lookup
          9. O'Farrell DA, Irshad F, Thorns BS, McElwain JP. Major pelvic injuries in equestrian sports. Br J Sports Med 1997 Sep;31(3):249-51.
            doi: 10.1136/bjsm.31.3.249pubmed: 9298563google scholar: lookup
          10. Thompson JM, von Hollen B. Causes of horse-related injuries in a rural western community. Can Fam Physician 1996 Jun;42:1103-9.
            pubmed: 8704486
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