Risk factors for cross-country horse falls at one-day events and at two-/three-day events.

This research study identifies various factors that contribute to the risk of horse falls during cross-country phases of one-day and two or three-day eventing competitions. Key findings include significant risks associated with fences with water landings, the angle and spread of the fence, and additional factors related to the rider’s experience and training.

Objective and Methodology

• The research aimed to explore the risk factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of a horse fall during cross-country phases in eventing competitions. The goal was to improve safety for horses and riders in these events.
• A case-control study was conducted, using data from 121 incidents of horse falls at one-day events and 59 cases at two or three-day events, along with data from 540 matched control cases that did not result in falls.
• Comparison was made between one-day events and two-/three-day events to determine if significant risk factors differed among these types of competitions.
• Data were analysed using a methodology called conditional logistic regression, a form of statistical analysis particularly well suited to case-control studies.

Key Findings

• The analysis found that certain conditions increased the odds of a horse fall, including fences with a landing in water, no previous refusals on the course (this suggests the horse and rider had a clean run up to this point) and the combined impact of the angle and spread of the fence.
• For one-day events, additional significant risk factors included fences requiring take-off from the water, a landing that involves a drop, the rider’s awareness of their competitive standing before the cross-country phase, and whether the rider received cross-country specific training or tuition.
• For two or three-day events, the angle or slope of the fence (termed camber), and whether the rider is involved in non-equestrian sports were significant risk factors associated with horse falls.

Implications and Recommendations

• The research identified key variables contributing to the risk of horse falls on cross-country phases in eventing. Some of these risk factors are modifiable, meaning that interventions could be applied to mitigate these risks.
• The researchers reported the results to the governing body of Eventing in the UK, which could consider possible interventions for improving safety in these events based on this research.