Horseback riding-related injuries treated in emergency departments: Risk factors and prevention strategies.
Abstract: Despite inherit dangers of horseback riding (HBR), research on HBR-related injuries is sparse. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to (1) examine HBR-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) and associated risk factors and (2) explore HBR-related injury experiences and recommendations for prevention strategies from the perspective of riders. We retrospectively analyzed data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), identifying HBR-related ED visits between 2010 and 2014. Additionally, we conducted 10 phone interviews with active horseback riders to understand their experiences and perspectives regarding HBR-related injuries and recommendations for prevention measures. A total of 21,899 ED visits for HBR-related injuries were identified. When weighted, these represented 100,964 ED visits in the United States. Females had a consistently higher proportion of ED visits compared to males across the study period, with the proportion of ED visits being highest in females aged 15-19. Most injuries (85.9%) were treated and released from the ED. Three primary themes were identified as key to the prevention of HBR-related injuries: (1) rider safety (e.g., use of protective equipment), (2) external factors (e.g., awareness of environment), and (3) rider and horse interactions (e.g., matching skill level of the rider to the horse). Results indicate that HBR-related injuries treated in EDs are prevalent, with female riders aged 15-19 years having the highest proportion of injuries treated in EDs. Practical Applications: There is a critical need for injury prevention programs that not only promote the use of protective equipment, but that also educate horseback riders on horse behavior, the proper handling of horses, and safe riding practices.
Copyright © 2019 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-11-20 PubMed ID: 31862037DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.09.004Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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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.
Cite This Article
APA
Asa N, Newton A, Sullivan L, Shi J, Wheeler K, Smith GA, Yang J.
(2019).
Horseback riding-related injuries treated in emergency departments: Risk factors and prevention strategies.
J Safety Res, 71, 251-257.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2019.09.004 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Center for Injury Research and Policy at The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States. Electronic address: Ginger.Yang@nationwidechildrens.org.
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / etiology
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Incidence
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prevalence
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Sports
- United States / epidemiology
- Young Adult
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Franzén Lindgren E, Hammarqvist F, Ahl Hulme R. Horse-riding hazards: an observational cohort study mapping equestrian related injuries at a Scandinavian trauma centre.. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023 Mar 28;15(1):46.
- Davies E, McConn-Palfreyman W, Parker JK, Cameron LJ, Williams JM. Is Injury an Occupational Hazard for Horseracing Staff?. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Feb 12;19(4).
- Furtado T, Perkins E, McGowan C, Pinchbeck G. Equine Management in UK Livery Yards during the COVID-19 Pandemic-"As Long As the Horses Are Happy, We Can Work Out the Rest Later".. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 14;11(5).
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