FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2007; 175(1); 76-81; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.11.009

Injuries in the event horse: training versus competition.

Abstract: Two related studies on injuries sustained by event horses during competition and during training are reported. During the cross-country phase of competition, the most common injuries were lacerations and abrasions to the carpus and stifle. Superficial digital flexor tendonitis and exertional rhabdomyolysis were significantly more common during Cours Complete Internationale (CCI) competitions compared to one-day event (ODE) competitions. The difference in injury types at ODEs and CCI competitions probably relates to the increased athletic demands of the CCI and the closer veterinary observation at these competitions. The results of the training study indicate that 21% of horses intending to compete in a CCI did not start due to injury. Forty-three percent of these injuries involved soft tissue structures with injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament each accounting for 33%. The most important area for future research is investigation of the risk factors for these career-threatening soft tissue injuries.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2007-01-03 PubMed ID: 17204438DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.11.009Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 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.

Cite This Article

APA
Singer ER, Barnes J, Saxby F, Murray JK. (2007). Injuries in the event horse: training versus competition. Vet J, 175(1), 76-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.11.009

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 175
Issue: 1
Pages: 76-81

Researcher Affiliations

Singer, Ellen R
  • Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, South Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK. e.r.singer@liverpool.ac.uk
Barnes, Jane
    Saxby, Fiona
      Murray, Jane K

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • England / epidemiology
        • Horses / injuries
        • Lameness, Animal
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal
        • Sports
        • Surveys and Questionnaires
        • Tendon Injuries / epidemiology
        • Tendon Injuries / prevention & control
        • Tendon Injuries / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 27 times.
        1. Wonghanchao T, Sanigavatee K, Pongnarudech P, Suchairat T, Jitsopin S, Wanichayanon B, Rattanakarn D, Jantakanangkoon P, Jaraswutiwong T, Kalanuson N, Simasurapoj N, Srisujja W, Tippayaratsoontorn S, Kranpan P, Charoenchanikran P, Poochipakorn C, Chanda M. Heart rate and heart rate variability responses during three exercise tests and recovery in horses participating in the Fédération Équestre Internationale Eventing World Challenge. BMC Vet Res 2025 Oct 24;21(1):631.
          doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-05090-3pubmed: 41137117google scholar: lookup
        2. Guest DJ, Birch HL, Thorpe CT. A review of the equine suspensory ligament: Injury prone yet understudied. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1167-1182.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14447pubmed: 39604165google scholar: lookup
        3. Tranquille CA, Chojnacka K, Murray RC. Musculoskeletal Injury and Illness Patterns in British Eventing Horses: A Descriptive Study. Animals (Basel) 2024 Sep 13;14(18).
          doi: 10.3390/ani14182667pubmed: 39335262google scholar: lookup
        4. Lindsay-McGee V, Massey C, Li YT, Clark EL, Psifidi A, Piercy RJ. Characterisation of phenotypic patterns in equine exercise-associated myopathies. Equine Vet J 2025 Mar;57(2):347-361.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14128pubmed: 38965932google scholar: lookup
        5. Schöpper H, Egerbacher M. Arterial Blood Supply of the Stifle Joint in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2024 Apr 24;14(9).
          doi: 10.3390/ani14091279pubmed: 38731283google scholar: lookup
        6. Ramos GV, Titotto AC, da Costa GB, Ferraz GC, de Lacerda-Neto JC. Determination of speed and assessment of conditioning in horses submitted to a lactate minimum test-alternative approaches. Front Physiol 2024;15:1324038.
          doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1324038pubmed: 38725567google scholar: lookup
        7. Ducrocq M, Kamus L, Richard H, Beauchamp G, Janvier V, Laverty S. Micro-computed tomography reveals high-density mineralised protrusions and microstructural lesions in equine stifle joint articular cartilage. Equine Vet J 2025 Jan;57(1):203-216.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14100pubmed: 38720453google scholar: lookup
        8. Jacklin BD, Hanousek K, Gillespie S, Liedtke A, Tucker R, Fiske-Jackson A, Smith RK. Validation of a novel clinical tool for monitoring distal limb stiffness. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1271036.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1271036pubmed: 38249548google scholar: lookup
        9. Vidal Moreno de Vega C, Lemmens D, de Meeûs d'Argenteuil C, Boshuizen B, de Maré L, Leybaert L, Goethals K, de Oliveira JE, Hosotani G, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Devisscher L, Delesalle C. Dynamics of training and acute exercise-induced shifts in muscular glucose transporter (GLUT) 4, 8, and 12 expression in locomotion versus posture muscles in healthy horses. Front Physiol 2023;14:1256217.
          doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1256217pubmed: 37654675google scholar: lookup
        10. Møller-Jensen M, Blomquist MH, Mortensen CL, Olsson IKC, Cuevas-Ramos G. Development of an Ultrasound Technique to Evaluate the Popliteal Complex in the Horse. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 22;12(7).
          doi: 10.3390/ani12070800pubmed: 35405791google scholar: lookup
        11. De Maré L, Boshuizen B, Vidal Moreno de Vega C, de Meeûs C, Plancke L, Gansemans Y, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, de Oliveira JE, Hosotani G, Oosterlinck M, Delesalle C. Profiling the Aerobic Window of Horses in Response to Training by Means of a Modified Lactate Minimum Speed Test: Flatten the Curve. Front Physiol 2022;13:792052.
          doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.792052pubmed: 35392373google scholar: lookup
        12. Aßmann AD, Ohlerth S, Suárez Sánchez-Andráde J, Torgerson PR, Bischofberger AS. Ex vivo comparison of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computed tomography arthrography to identify artificial soft tissue lesions in equine stifles. Vet Surg 2022 May;51(4):648-657.
          doi: 10.1111/vsu.13798pubmed: 35289943google scholar: lookup
        13. Melotti L, Carolo A, Elshazly N, Boesso F, Da Dalt L, Gabai G, Perazzi A, Iacopetti I, Patruno M. Case Report: Repeated Intralesional Injections of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma for Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Healing in a Show Jumping Horse. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:843131.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.843131pubmed: 35252428google scholar: lookup
        14. Hatrisse C, Macaire C, Sapone M, Hebert C, Hanne-Poujade S, De Azevedo E, Marin F, Martin P, Chateau H. Stance Phase Detection by Inertial Measurement Unit Placed on the Metacarpus of Horses Trotting on Hard and Soft Straight Lines and Circles. Sensors (Basel) 2022 Jan 18;22(3).
          doi: 10.3390/s22030703pubmed: 35161452google scholar: lookup
        15. Clarke EJ, Gillen A, Turlo A, Peffers MJ. An Evaluation of Current Preventative Measures Used in Equine Practice to Maintain Distal Forelimb Functionality: A Mini Review. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:758970.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.758970pubmed: 34796229google scholar: lookup
        16. O' Brien C, Pegg J. A Preliminary Investigation into Ridden Water Submersion Training as an Adjunct to Current Condition Training Protocols in Performance Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 7;11(9).
          doi: 10.3390/ani11092629pubmed: 34573594google scholar: lookup
        17. Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Chateau H, Marin F. The Protraction and Retraction Angles of Horse Limbs: An Estimation during Trotting Using Inertial Sensors. Sensors (Basel) 2021 May 30;21(11).
          doi: 10.3390/s21113792pubmed: 34070859google scholar: lookup
        18. Depuydt E, Broeckx SY, Van Hecke L, Chiers K, Van Brantegem L, van Schie H, Beerts C, Spaas JH, Pille F, Martens A. The Evaluation of Equine Allogeneic Tenogenic Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Surgically Induced Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Lesion Model. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:641441.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.641441pubmed: 33748217google scholar: lookup
        19. Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Château H, Marin F. Comparison of Trotting Stance Detection Methods from an Inertial Measurement Unit Mounted on the Horse's Limb. Sensors (Basel) 2020 May 25;20(10).
          doi: 10.3390/s20102983pubmed: 32466104google scholar: lookup
        20. Roszkowska K, Witkowska-Pilaszewicz O, Przewozny M, Cywinska A. Whole body and partial body cryotherapies - lessons from human practice and possible application for horses. BMC Vet Res 2018 Dec 12;14(1):394.
          doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1679-6pubmed: 30541547google scholar: lookup
        21. Padalino B, Rogers CW, Guiver D, Thompson KR, Riley CB. A Survey-Based Investigation of Human Factors Associated With Transport Related Injuries in Horses. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:294.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00294pubmed: 30525050google scholar: lookup
        22. Agar C, Gemmill R, Hollands T, Freeman SL. The use of nutritional supplements in dressage and eventing horses. Vet Rec Open 2016;3(1):e000154.
          doi: 10.1136/vetreco-2015-000154pubmed: 26925239google scholar: lookup
        23. Bavin EP, Smith O, Baird AE, Smith LC, Guest DJ. Equine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells have a Reduced Tendon Differentiation Capacity Compared to Embryonic Stem Cells. Front Vet Sci 2015;2:55.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2015.00055pubmed: 26664982google scholar: lookup
        24. Munsters CC, van den Broek J, Welling E, van Weeren R, van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM. A prospective study on a cohort of horses and ponies selected for participation in the European Eventing Championship: reasons for withdrawal and predictive value of fitness tests. BMC Vet Res 2013 Sep 13;9:182.
          doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-182pubmed: 24034152google scholar: lookup
        25. Rich T, Henderson LB, Becker DL, Cornell H, Patterson-Kane JC. Indicators of replicative damage in equine tendon fibroblast monolayers. BMC Vet Res 2013 Sep 11;9:180.
          doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-180pubmed: 24025445google scholar: lookup
        26. Spaas JH, Guest DJ, Van de Walle GR. Tendon regeneration in human and equine athletes: Ubi Sumus-Quo Vadimus (where are we and where are we going to)?. Sports Med 2012 Oct 1;42(10):871-90.
          doi: 10.1007/BF03262300pubmed: 22963225google scholar: lookup
        27. Isgren CM, Upjohn MM, Fernandez-Fuente M, Massey C, Pollott G, Verheyen KL, Piercy RJ. Epidemiology of exertional rhabdomyolysis susceptibility in standardbred horses reveals associated risk factors and underlying enhanced performance. PLoS One 2010 Jul 14;5(7):e11594.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011594pubmed: 20644724google scholar: lookup
        Subscribe to our newsletter
        Join 99,911 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.