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BMJ open sport & exercise medicine2025; 11(3); e002589; doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2025-002589

Youth horse-related injuries (2014-2024): a scoping review of epidemiological and disciplinary insights.

Abstract: Although horse riding is hazardous and injuries are common, young riders regularly engage in horse-related activities. To our knowledge, there have been no syntheses on youth horse-related injuries published during the past decade that employ a multi- and interdisciplinary research agenda (M-IDR) and that incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to (1) review studies on horse-related injuries among children and adolescents and (2) identify methodological and paradigmatic trends according to M-IDR. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist, we searched six databases (PubMed, SportDiscus, Scopus, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts and Web of Science) for studies on horse-related injuries among youth riders published between 1 January 2014 and 1 December 2024. The total sample included 1400 participants aged 0-17 years, of which 78.7% were girls. The main results present data on acute injuries in general and traumatic brain injury in particular. In terms of disciplinary insights, the study design and paradigmatic views predominantly reflect a positivistic worldview, employ quantitative methods and are consistent with previous literature reviews on equestrian sport injuries. Further studies are needed on the injuries that occur among young riders in equestrian sports. They should use an interpretivist approach to explore norms and attitudes towards injuries and risk-taking within the equestrian community, for example, how cultural predisposition influences safety equipment use among young equestrians in private stables.
Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.
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Publication Date: 2025-09-05 PubMed ID: 40922806PubMed Central: PMC12414217DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2025-002589Google 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.

Overview

  • This scoping review examines research on horse-related injuries in children and adolescents from 2014 to 2024.
  • It evaluates both the epidemiological data and the disciplinary approaches used, highlighting a lack of multi- and interdisciplinary studies incorporating qualitative methods.

Purpose and Objectives

  • To review existing studies focusing on injuries sustained by youth (ages 0-17) during horse-related activities.
  • To assess methodological trends based on a multi- and interdisciplinary research (M-IDR) framework, considering both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms.

Research Methodology

  • Followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines for systematic searching and reviewing.
  • Conducted a comprehensive literature search across six major databases: PubMed, SportDiscus, Scopus, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science.
  • Included studies published from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.
  • Selected studies focusing on horse-related injuries among children and adolescents.
  • Total sample across studies consisted of 1400 participants aged 0 to 17 years; the majority (78.7%) were girls, emphasizing the demographic distribution of young equestrians.

Key Findings: Injury Data

  • Reported injuries primarily involved acute trauma, with a notable focus on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which are a serious consequence of falls and accidents involving horses.
  • Many injuries occurred in organized equestrian sport settings but also in private and informal riding contexts.
  • The predominance of female participants aligns with the gender distribution in youth horse riding activities.

Disciplinary and Methodological Trends

  • Most existing studies employ a positivistic worldview, meaning they focus on objective, quantifiable data and often use statistical analysis.
  • Quantitative methods dominate the research landscape, including surveys, injury surveillance, and retrospective data analysis.
  • Limited use of qualitative or mixed methods approaches that would explore deeper contextual or cultural factors influencing injury risk and prevention.
  • These trends are consistent with prior literature reviews on equestrian injuries, indicating a sustained pattern within the field.

Recommendations for Future Research

  • There is a strong need for more interpretivist studies that utilize qualitative approaches to understand attitudes, beliefs, and social norms within the equestrian community related to injury and risk.
  • Future investigations should examine how cultural factors shape behaviors such as safety equipment use (helmets, protective vests) — especially in less formal settings like private stables.
  • Research should adopt a true multi- and interdisciplinary framework, combining epidemiology, psychology, sociology, and sports science, to fully capture the complexity of risks and preventive behaviors in youth horse riding.
  • Such studies can inform tailored injury prevention strategies that address psychological, cultural, and social dimensions, alongside physical safety measures.

Significance and Impact

  • This review highlights a critical gap in the literature concerning the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives and qualitative insights on youth horse-related injuries.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of these injuries is only one part of promoting youth safety; equally important is exploring the human factors around injury acceptance and risk management.
  • By broadening research paradigms, policymakers, coaches, and caregivers can develop more effective education, safety campaigns, and protective interventions aligned with rider experiences and cultural contexts.

Cite This Article

APA
Boije Af Gennäs K, Jungmalm J. (2025). Youth horse-related injuries (2014-2024): a scoping review of epidemiological and disciplinary insights. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med, 11(3), e002589. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2025-002589

Publication

BMJ open sport & exercise medicine
ISSN: 2055-7647
NlmUniqueID: 101681007
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
Pages: e002589
PII: e002589

Researcher Affiliations

Boije Af Gennäs, Klara
  • Department of Sport Science, Malmö University, Faculty of Education and Society, Malmö, Sweden.
Jungmalm, Jonatan
  • Department of Food and Nutrition and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None declared.

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