Injuries in the event horse: training versus competition.

The research compares and contrasts injuries occurred by event horses during competition and training, noting that injuries like lacerations and abrasions are common during competition and a large proportion of horses intending to compete did not start due to injury.

Objective of the Study

• The primary objective of this study is to investigate the types and occurrence of injuries sustained by event horses during both competition and training.

Main Findings

• The study discovered that during the cross-country phase of competitions, horses commonly sustained injuries like cuts and grazes to joints such as the carpus and stifle.
• The conditions of superficial digital flexor tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon in the foot) and exertional rhabdomyolysis (a muscle disease often associated with excessive exercise) were significantly more common during international three-day events (CCIs) compared to one-day events (ODEs).
• The difference in injuries between ODEs and CCIs is likely due to the more challenging athletic requirements of CCIs and the fact that veterinary observation is more thorough at these competitions.
• The study also analyzed data pertaining to training incidents. It was found that 21% of horses scheduled to compete in a CCI did not start due to injury.
• Almost half of these injuries were associated with soft tissue structures, with specific injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament each accounting for 33%.
• The study suggests that these significant percentages of soft tissue injuries represent a crucial area of research for the future, as such injuries can be career threatening for the horses.

Implications of the Study

• This study has essential implications for the welfare of event horses, as well as the training and competition strategies employed by their caretakers.
• Understanding the types of injuries most frequently sustained in competition and training, as well as identifying the increased risk associated with CCIs, can help develop effective preventative measures and treatment regimes.
• With a significant number of horses unable to start in international competitions due to injury, identification and mitigation of risk is crucial to protect the physical wellbeing of the horse and the investment of owners and trainers.
• Considering the prominence of soft tissue injuries and their potentially career threatening nature, future research in this specific area could be beneficial in the long term management and care of event horses.