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Heliyon2025; 11(3); e42276; doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42276

Lessons learnt from horse-related human fatalities: Accident analysis using HFACS-Equestrianism.

Abstract: Equestrianism has an opportunity to learn lessons relating to safer human-horse interactions from those who no longer have a voice, by drawing data from the investigation of horse-related human fatalities and participating in accident analysis. Many human-horse related injuries and fatalities are not examined in equestrianism for the purpose of developing safer future risk mitigation practice, often due to the philosophy that horse sport is simply dangerous. This study analysed data from the Australian National Coronial Information System (NCIS) relating to fatalities involving human-horse interaction that occurred between 2000 and 2020. A total of 50 human-horse related fatalities were identified from the NCIS database for analysis using a validated accident analysis framework. The aim of the study was to identify what we could learn and potentially do differently to prevent future fatalities. This was done through a detailed frequency analysis of the underlying causes identified from the coronial investigation using Human Factors Analysis and Classification System-Equestrianism (HFACS-Eq), an accident analysis model specifically designed for equestrianism. As to be expected, the analysis found that most fatalities involved falls 56 % (n = 28) resulting in blunt force trauma 96 % (n = 48), with the horse as causal factor 90 % (n = 45). Beyond these obvious findings, the HFACS-Eq analysis revealed additional findings that in turn can guide future health, safety, and welfare advances in equestrianism. The analysis presented in this paper highlights the environment, surroundings, or location in which the human-horse interact as a critical factor of accident causation. Also, the role of non-technical skills such as communication, effective supervision, and adequate leadership were highlighted as factors that could contribute to enhanced safety in this high-risk domain. The human-horse dyad in equestrianism is complex and unique when compared to other high-risk work and non-work activities. A better understanding of the risk factors involved in handling and riding horses, coupled with a model to help mitigate that risk will also set us on the path to a good life for horses because human safety and horse welfare are inextricably linked.
© 2025 The Authors.
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Publication Date: 2025-01-24 PubMed ID: 39991252PubMed Central: PMC11847095DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42276Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

Overview

  • This study analyzes horse-related human fatalities in Australia over a 20-year period to identify underlying causes and potential prevention strategies.
  • By using a specialized accident analysis model, the research reveals both obvious and less obvious factors that contribute to fatalities, aiming to improve safety and welfare in equestrianism.

Introduction and Research Purpose

  • Equestrianism involves close interactions between humans and horses, which can be risky and lead to injury or fatality.
  • The study recognizes that many horse-related injuries and fatalities have not been systematically analyzed for safety improvements, often because danger is presumed inherent to horse sport.
  • The goal was to examine fatal incidents to learn lessons and develop risk mitigation strategies that could prevent future fatalities.

Methodology

  • The study utilized data from the Australian National Coronial Information System (NCIS) covering human-horse related fatalities from 2000 to 2020.
  • A total of 50 fatalities were identified for analysis.
  • The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System-Equestrianism (HFACS-Eq), a validated accident analysis framework tailored specifically for equestrian activities, was applied to dissect the data.
  • HFACS-Eq enables identification of contributing factors in accident causation beyond the immediate physical cause.

Key Findings

  • Majority of fatalities (56%, 28 cases) involved falls, confirming the known risk associated with riding or handling horses.
  • Blunt force trauma was the predominant cause of death (96%, 48 cases), often resulting directly from the fall or horse impact.
  • The horse itself was identified as a causal factor in 90% (45 cases), emphasizing the central role horses play in these incidents.
  • Crucially, the HFACS-Eq uncovered less obvious contributing factors, including:
    • The physical environment, surroundings, and specific location where the interaction occurred significantly influenced accident causation.
    • Non-technical skills such as communication among participants, effective supervision during equestrian activities, and sufficient leadership were highlighted as areas that could enhance safety.

Implications for Safety and Welfare

  • Equestrianism involves a complex and unique relationship between human and horse, distinct from other high-risk work or sports due to the unpredictable nature of animal behavior.
  • The findings suggest the need for systematic risk assessments that incorporate environmental factors and human factors beyond just physical safety measures.
  • Improving communication, supervision, and leadership among riders, trainers, and managers could reduce incidents.
  • The research emphasizes the interconnectedness of human safety and horse welfare, highlighting that better safety practices for humans are also beneficial to horses.
  • Development and use of models like HFACS-Eq can guide ongoing improvements in health, safety, and welfare standards in equestrianism.

Conclusion

  • The study provides a detailed accident analysis of horse-related fatalities, moving beyond the simplistic assumption that such accidents are just “part of the sport.”
  • It offers actionable insights focusing on environment, human factors, and equestrian-specific risk management to prevent future fatalities.
  • Ultimately, promoting safer human-horse interactions contributes both to reducing injury or death in humans and improving the quality of life for horses involved in equestrian activities.

Cite This Article

APA
Chapman M, Fenner K, Thomas MJW. (2025). Lessons learnt from horse-related human fatalities: Accident analysis using HFACS-Equestrianism. Heliyon, 11(3), e42276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42276

Publication

Heliyon
ISSN: 2405-8440
NlmUniqueID: 101672560
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
Pages: e42276
PII: e42276

Researcher Affiliations

Chapman, Meredith
  • Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, 4701, Australia.
Fenner, Kate
  • The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
Thomas, Matthew J W
  • Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

We declare and believe there are no competing financial, personal interests or conflicts of interest associated that influence the work reported in the paper submitted for consideration and publication in Heliyon. This research project is/was supported under the Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Program. I gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the 10.13039/100015539Australian Government.

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