A Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures

Abstract

While the importance of improving horse-related safety seems self-evident, no comprehensive study into understanding or reducing horse-related risk has been undertaken. In this paper, we discuss four dimensions of horse-related risk: the risk itself, the horse, the rider and the culture in which equestrian activities takes place. We identify how the ways in which risk is constructed in each dimension affects the applicability of four basic risk management options of avoidance, transference, mitigation and acceptance. We find the acceptance and avoidance of horse-related risk is generally high, most likely due to a common construction of horses as irrevocably unpredictable, fearful and dangerous. The transference of risk management is also high, especially in the use of protective technologies such as helmets. Of concern, the strategy least utilised is risk mitigation. We highlight the potential benefit in developing mitigation strategies directed at: (a) improving the predictability of horses (to and by humans), and (b) improving riders’ competence in the physical skills that make them more resilient to injury and falls. We conclude with the presentation of a multidisciplinary agenda for research that could reduce accident, injury and death to horse-riders around the world.

Cognition and learning in horses (Equus caballus): What we know and why we should ask more

“…Research has backed this claim up to some extent by showing that a horse's heart rate will increase Brubaker & Udell: Social Cognition and Learning in Horses 5 in response to a rider's increased heart rate, regardless of outside stimuli (Merkies et al, 2014). Understanding the human-horse bond is imperative to the safety of horses and humans (Hawson et al, 2010;Thompson et al, 2015). This may be especially true in riding, therapeutic, and other working contexts.…”

Leisure riding horses: research topics versus the needs of stakeholders

“…In their studies, Thompson et al . () distinguished four main causes of risks associated with horse riding: the intrinsic risk, the horse, the rider and finally the general culture of horse riding. These researchers proposed two key solutions for improving safety: (i) the selection of proper horses for the needs of people and (ii) the development of physical skills and the education of riders.…”

“…Since problems may also be related to a horse's temperament, it is important to look closer at the personalities which would predispose a horse to leisure activities (Nagy et al 2010). In their studies, Thompson et al (2015) distinguished four main causes of risks associated with horse riding: the intrinsic risk, the horse, the rider and finally the general culture of horse riding. These researchers proposed two key solutions for improving safety: (i) the selection of proper horses for the needs of people and (ii) the development of physical skills and the education of riders.…”

The Challenges of Using Horses for Practical Teaching Purposes in Veterinary Programmes

“…This romantic cultural perception of horse riding can, however, conflict with the practical considerations of risk [2]. Horseback riding is reported to be more dangerous than rugby, football, skiing and motorcycle riding [3,4,5] and the risks associated with equine-related activities are commonly accepted and well documented [2,6,7]. Many of the accidents and injuries to riders or handlers are often due to breakdowns in human-equine communication [6].…”

“…It has been proposed that the risk of injuries may be higher amongst people with low levels of knowledge of horse behaviour, as they may not be able to anticipate unwanted, but natural, equine behaviours [2]. As up to half of all equine related injuries take place during activities other than riding [9], it is likely that veterinary and animal science students may be a high risk group.…”