Horseback riding-related injuries treated in emergency departments: Risk factors and prevention strategies.

This research investigates the risk factors associated with horseback riding-related injuries treated in emergency departments in the U.S., using a combination of retrospective analysis of nationwide data and phone interviews with active riders. The study also assesses prevention strategies, highlighting the importance of rider safety, awareness of external factors, and understanding rider-horse interactions.

Methodology

• The researchers used both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand horseback riding-related injuries and potentially impactful prevention strategies.
• They retrospectively examined data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), identifying horseback riding-related emergency department (ED) visits between 2010 and 2014.
• Alongside this data analysis, the scientists conducted 10 phone interviews with active horseback riders to gain insight into their experiences of injuries, as well as their thoughts on effective prevention measures.

Results

• The researchers identified a total of 21,899 ED visits related to horseback riding injuries. After weighting this number, they explained it represented approximately 100,964 ED visits in the United States.
• Findings showed that females had a larger proportion of ED visits compared to males throughout the study period. And among females, the age group of 15-19 years had the highest proportion of ED visits.
• Most injuries (85.9%) were addressed and discharged directly from the ED without requiring admission to the hospital.
• When it comes to prevention strategies, the researchers identified three central themes: rider safety (such as the use of protective equipment), external factors (like being aware of their environment), and rider and horse interactions (e.g., ensuring the rider’s skill level matches the behavior and temperament of the horse).

Practical Application and Conclusions

• The results pointed to the prevalence of horseback riding-related injuries that end in ED visits, with female riders aged 15-19 years being the most severely affected group.
• The study therefore suggests a strong need for injury prevention programs that not only encourage the use of protective equipment, but also offer education on understanding horse behavior, secure handling of horses, and safe riding practices.