Spinal and spinal cord injuries in horse riding: the New South Wales experience 1976-1996.
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence of acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI) in all forms of horse riding in New South Wales (NSW) for the period 1976-1996. Other aims of the present study were to compare and contrast ASCI with vertebral column injuries (VCI) without neurological damage and to define appropriate safety measures in relation to spinal injury in horse-riding. Methods: A retrospective review was done of all ASCI cases (n = 32) admitted to the two acute spinal cord injury units in NSW for the cited period. A comparable review of VCI cases (n = 30) admitted to these centres for the period 1987-1995 was also undertaken. Results: A fall in flight was the commonest mode of injury in both groups. Occupational and leisure riding accounted for 88% of ASCI and VCI. The incidence of ASCI is very low in those riding under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of Australia - two cases in 21 years; and there were no cases in the Pony Club Riders or in Riding for the Disabled. The difference in the spinal damage caused by ASCI and VCI is in degree rather than kind. Associated appendicular/visceral injuries were common. Conclusions: No measures were defined to improve spinal safety in any form of horse riding. The possible role of body protectors warrants formal evaluation. Continued safety education for all horse riders is strongly recommended.
Publication Date: 2003-05-20 PubMed ID: 12752291DOI: 10.1046/j.1445-2197.2003.t01-1-02618.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article examines the occurrence of acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI) and vertebral column injuries (VCI) in horse riding amongst the population of New South Wales (NSW) between 1976 and 1996.
Research Objective and Methodology
- The main goal of the study was to identify and record the incidence of ASCI in all types of horse riding in NSW over the stated period. The researchers also aimed to compare ASCI cases with incidents of VCI where no neurological damage occurred.
- Another aim was to suggest suitable safety precautions to mitigate or prevent spinal injuries during horse riding.
- This study is based on a retrospective review of all reported ASCI cases (32 in total) admitted to the two acute spinal cord injury units in NSW.
- Moreover, a similar review was carried out for VCI cases (30 in total) admitted to these centres within the period of 1987-1995.
Key Findings
- The primary cause of injury in both groups was revealed to be ‘a fall in flight’.
- The study revealed a low incidence of ASCI, especially for those riding under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of Australia, with only two cases reported over 21 years. Importantly, no cases were recorded for the Pony Club Riders or for Riding for the Disabled.
- Another key finding was that for both ASCI and VCI, occupational and leisure riding were responsible for 88% of the injuries.
- The difference in damage caused by ASCI and VCI was more about the degree or extent of the injury rather than the types of injury.
- Commonly reported injuries associated were appendicular and visceral.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- Despite the research, the team did not specify any measures to enhance spinal safety in horse riding.
- However, they emphasized that the potential role of body protectors should be formally evaluated to determine their possible effectiveness in reducing such injuries.
- The article concludes by strongly suggesting continued safety education for all horse riders to enhance awareness and possibly decrease incidence of such injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Roe JP, Taylor TK, Edmunds IA, Cumming RG, Ruff SJ, Plunkett-Cole MD, Mikk M, Jones RF.
(2003).
Spinal and spinal cord injuries in horse riding: the New South Wales experience 1976-1996.
ANZ J Surg, 73(5), 331-334.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1445-2197.2003.t01-1-02618.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatic Surgery, the Royal North Shore Hospital, the University of Sydney, Little Bay, New South Wales, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Acute Disease
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Age Distribution
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Incidence
- Male
- Middle Aged
- New South Wales / epidemiology
- Retrospective Studies
- Sex Distribution
- Spinal Cord Injuries / epidemiology
- Spinal Cord Injuries / prevention & control
- Spinal Injuries / epidemiology
- Spinal Injuries / prevention & control
- Time Factors
- Trauma Severity Indices
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Giusti Gestri L. Wearable technology may assist in reducing jockeys' injuries if integrated into their safety vests: a qualitative study. Front Sports Act Living 2023;5:1167110.
- Qi C, Xia H, Miao D, Wang X, Li Z. The influence of timing of surgery in the outcome of spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA). J Orthop Surg Res 2020 Jun 16;15(1):223.
- Chan CW, Eng JJ, Tator CH, Krassioukov A. Epidemiology of sport-related spinal cord injuries: A systematic review. J Spinal Cord Med 2016 May;39(3):255-64.
- Kiss K, Swatek P, Lénárt I, Mayr J, Schmidt B, Pintér A, Höllwarth ME. Analysis of horse-related injuries in children. Pediatr Surg Int 2008 Oct;24(10):1165-9.
- Xiao S, Yan H, Bao B, Wu Y, Cheng X, Xu C, Tang J. The impact of early vs. delayed surgery on outcomes in cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation. Front Surg 2025;12:1619141.
- Loder RT, Walker AL, Blakemore LC. Spinal Injuries from Equestrian Activity: A US Nationwide Study. J Clin Med 2025 Jun 26;14(13).
- Loder RT, Walker AL, Blakemore LC. Injury Patterns and Associated Demographic Characteristics in Children with a Fracture from Equines: A US National Based Study. Children (Basel) 2024 Nov 27;11(12).
- Crawford AE, Picken LK, Gabriel FD, Quade J, Gould S. CNS and Thorax Injury and Associated Risks Factors in Equestrian Sports. Sports Health 2025 Jul;17(4):697-702.
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