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Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)1996; 22(3); 187-197; doi: 10.2165/00007256-199622030-00005

Preventing equestrian injuries. Locking the stable door.

Abstract: The medical and sports literature databases were searched for equestrian sports-related injury published in English since 1980, together with conference abstracts and discussions with equestrian sporting bodies. This literature was critically reviewed, with emphasis on measures to prevent or control injury i.e. countermeasures. While there is considerable literature available on the epidemiology of injury incurred in most equestrian sports, there is little on the prevention of these injuries. Case-control or other studies evaluating the effectiveness of the countermeasures suggested by authors do not seem to exist. There is a good body of epidemiology that supports the proper use of approved helmets as a means of preventing injury in these sports. However, protective helmets do not always prevent injury as expected, and many riders do not choose to wear them because of perceived poor design. The search for the ideal equestrian helmet should continue. Ideally the effectiveness of helmets should be assessed scientifically. Among the other countermeasures discussed are the use of rules and regulations for conduct of events, knowledge of horse behaviour, well-conducted lessons, contraindicated medical conditions, public education, rider education, appropriate equipment and clothing, the riding environment, rider experience, safety stirrups, body protectors, falling techniques, and first aid measures. Even though the injury rate for equestrians is relatively low when compared with other sports, the injuries that are incurred are usually severe. prevention is often difficult because the behaviour of the horse is unpredictable. Countermeasures used for prevention should be evaluated for the effectiveness to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries to equestrians.
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Publication Date: 1996-09-01 PubMed ID: 8883215DOI: 10.2165/00007256-199622030-00005Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research article explores the various ways to prevent or reduce injuries encountered in equestrian sports. Despite the low injury rate, the injuries sustained in equestrian sports are usually severe, thus necessitating the need for effective prevention strategies. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various countermeasures, with a major focus on the use of safety helmets.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a literature review by searching various medical and sports literature databases. They looked for English publications since 1980 related to injuries associated with equestrian sports.
  • The team also involved conference abstracts and discussions with equestrian sporting bodies during their search.
  • The emphasis of the research was on understanding measures that could prevent or control injuries in equestrian sports, often referred to as countermeasures.

Findings

  • The researchers discovered a dearth of studies on preventing injuries in equestrian sports, even though there is plenty of literature available on the epidemiology of such injuries.
  • Studies that evaluate the effectiveness of these countermeasures are absent. However, authors tend to suggest that approved helmets are effective in preventing or reducing such injuries.
  • Still, some riders opt not to wear these helmets due to their perceived poor design, and in some cases, the helmets don’t perform as expected in prevention of injuries. This finding necessitates the need for continued improvements in equestrian helmet designs.

Other Countermeasures

  • The researchers discussed other potential injury prevention strategies. These include enforcing rules and regulations for conducting events, gaining knowledge of horse behavior, and providing well-conducted lessons.
  • They also highlighted the importance of identifying contraindicated medical conditions, providing public education, rider education, appropriate equipment and clothing, and ensuring a safe riding environment.
  • Rider experience, safety stirrups, body protectors, falling techniques, and first aid measures are also important considerations for injury prevention.

Conclusion

  • Although the injury rate for equestrians is low when compared to other sports, the injuries incurred are often severe. Prevention is often challenging due to the unpredictable nature of horse behavior.
  • The research underscores the need for countermeasures to be evaluated for effectiveness in reducing the frequency and severity of injuries to equestrians. This will advance the safety of the sport and further reduce the risk of injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Watt GM, Finch CF. (1996). Preventing equestrian injuries. Locking the stable door. Sports Med, 22(3), 187-197. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199622030-00005

Publication

Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
ISSN: 0112-1642
NlmUniqueID: 8412297
Country: New Zealand
Language: English
Volume: 22
Issue: 3
Pages: 187-197

Researcher Affiliations

Watt, G M
  • Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Finch, C F

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
    • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
    • Behavior, Animal
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Equipment and Supplies
    • Horses
    • Humans
    • Protective Clothing

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 10 times.
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