On and off the horse: Mechanisms and patterns of injury in mounted and unmounted equestrians

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study is to determine whether discrepant patterns of horse-related trauma exist in mounted versus unmounted equestrians from a single Level 1 trauma center to guide awareness of injury prevention. Methods Retrospective data were collected from the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry for patients admitted with horse-related injuries between January 2003 and December 2007 (n=284). Injuries incurred while mounted were compared with those incurred while unmounted. Results Of 284 patients, 145 (51%) subjects were male with an average age of 37.2 years (S.D. 17.2). Most injuries occurred due to falling off while riding (54%) or kick (22%), resulting in extremity fracture (33%) and head injury (27%). Mounted equestrians more commonly incurred injury to the chest and lower extremity while unmounted equestrians incurred injury to the face and abdomen. Head trauma frequency was equal between mounted and unmounted equestrians. There were 3 deaths, 2 of which were due to severe head injury from a kick. Helmet use was confirmed in only 12 cases (6%). Conclusion This evaluation of trauma in mounted versus unmounted equestrians indicates different patterns of injury, contributing to the growing body of literature in this field. We find interaction with horses to be dangerous to both mounted and unmounted equestrians. Intervention with increased safety equipment practice should include helmet usage while on and off the horse.

From the Horse Worker’s Mouth: A Detailed Account of Injuries Experienced by Latino Horse Workers

“…A second finding is that the most common tasks and mechanisms leading to injury in our sample were horserelated. Specific mechanisms were similar to those found in the literature: led by kicks [4,[7][8][9][10][11][12]16], jerks, pulls, and twists [17], and bites [4,12,42]. Furthermore, the tasks most often reported as leading to injury were routine ones, like walking/leading horses or transitioning them (i.e., ''taking out'') to pastures or stables.…”

“…Much of what we know about horse-related injuries comes from trauma records [7][8][9][10][11] or employer-based injury reporting [12][13][14]. Both have limitations on the inferences that can be drawn regarding horse worker health, but help to explain the risks of interacting with horses.…”

“…These injuries resulted from being kicked, crushed, thrown, or falling from a horse [7][8][9][10]. Common diagnoses for horserelated injuries found through trauma and hospital records include contusions, fractures, abrasions and/or lacerations [9].…”

“…However, such records cannot always distinguish between recreational and occupational exposures. One study that did so found significant differences in the nature of these injuries; specifically, recreational injuries most often occurred while mounted, whereas work-related injuries more often occurred to un-mounted persons [10]. The latter were chiefly due to being kicked or crushed-causing facial and abdominal injuries-whereas mounted persons sustained more chest and lower extremity injuries due to being thrown or falling from the horse.…”

Injury History in the Collegiate Equestrian Athlete: Part I: Mechanism of Injury, Demographic Data and Spinal Injury

“…4 The most common mechanism of injury for equestrian reported in the literature is falling from the horse. 5,6 According to the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Safety Committee Cross Country injury report, falls occur during 1 of every 43.6 starts. 7 During equestrian activities the rider is expected to control the horse and his/her center of mass over the horse while managing the forces transmitted to him/her via the movement of the horse.…”