| Records |
| Author |
Boden, L.A.; Anderson, G.A.; Charles, J.A.; Morgan, K.L.; Morton, J.M.; Parkin, T.D.H.; Slocombe, R.F.; Clarke, A.F. |
| Title |
Risk of fatality and causes of death of Thoroughbred horses associated with racing in Victoria, Australia: 1989-2004 |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
38 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
312-318 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/mortality/*veterinary; *Cause of Death; Female; *Floors and Floorcoverings; Horses/*injuries; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*adverse effects; Risk Factors; Running/injuries; Safety; Sports; Victoria |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Determining the risk of fatality of Thoroughbred horses while racing is essential to assess the impact of intervention measures designed to minimise such fatalities. OBJECTIVES: To measure the risk of racehorse fatality in jump and flat starts on racecourses in Victoria, Australia, over a 15 year period and to determine proportional mortality rates for specific causes of death. METHODS: All fatalities of Thoroughbred horses that occurred during or within 24 h of a race were identified from a database. The risk of a start resulting in a racehorse fatality in all races and within flat and jump races, proportional mortality rates, population attributable risk, population attributable fraction and risk ratios were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals. Poisson regression was also performed to estimate risk ratios. RESULTS: There were 514 fatalities over the 15 year period; 316 in flat races and 198 in jump races. The risk of fatality was 0.44 per 1000 flat starts and 8.3 per 1000 jump starts (18.9 x greater). The risk of fatality on city tracks was 1.1 per 1000 starts whereas on country tracks it was 0.57 per 1000 starts. Of the 316 fatalities in flat races, 73.4% were due to limb injury, 2.5% to cranial or vertebral injury and 19.0% were sudden deaths. Of the 198 fatalities in jump races, 68.7% were due to limb injury, 16.2% to cranial or vertebral injury and 3.5% were sudden deaths. The risk of fatality in flat starts increased between 1989 and 2004 but the risk in jump starts remained unchanged over the 15 year period. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of fatality in flat starts was lower in Victoria than North America and the UK but the risk in jump starts was greater. Catastrophic limb injury was the major reason for racehorse fatality in Victoria but there was a larger percentage of sudden deaths than has been reported overseas. The risk of fatality in jump starts remained constant over the study period despite jump racing reviews that recommended changes to hurdle and steeple races to improve safety. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study provides important benchmarks for the racing industry to monitor racetrack fatalities and evaluate intervention strategies. |
Address  |
Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:16866197 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3761 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Cooper, J.J. |
| Title |
Comparative learning theory and its application in the training of horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1998 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume |
|
Issue |
27 |
Pages |
39-43 |
| Keywords |
Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Conditioning (Psychology); Horses/*psychology; *Learning; Reinforcement (Psychology) |
| Abstract |
Training can best be explained as a process that occurs through stimulus-response-reinforcement chains, whereby animals are conditioned to associate cues in their environment, with specific behavioural responses and their rewarding consequences. Research into learning in horses has concentrated on their powers of discrimination and on primary positive reinforcement schedules, where the correct response is paired with a desirable consequence such as food. In contrast, a number of other learning processes that are used in training have been widely studied in other species, but have received little scientific investigation in the horse. These include: negative reinforcement, where performance of the correct response is followed by removal of, or decrease in, intensity of a unpleasant stimulus; punishment, where an incorrect response is paired with an undesirable consequence, but without consistent prior warning; secondary conditioning, where a natural primary reinforcer such as food is closely associated with an arbitrary secondary reinforcer such as vocal praise; and variable or partial conditioning, where once the correct response has been learnt, reinforcement is presented according to an intermittent schedule to increase resistance to extinction outside of training. |
| Address |
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:10485003 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
846 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Cooper, J.J.; Mason, G.J. |
| Title |
The identification of abnormal behaviour and behavioural problems in stabled horses and their relationship to horse welfare: a comparative review |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1998 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume |
|
Issue |
27 |
Pages |
5-9 |
| Keywords |
*Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; *Housing, Animal/standards; *Stereotyped Behavior |
| Abstract |
Many behaviours in domestic animals, such as the 'stable vices' of horses, are treated because they are considered undesirable for economic or cultural reasons, and not because the activity affects the horse's quality of life. The impact of a behaviour on the human reporter is not a function of its impact on the animal performer, and an understanding of the causes and effects of the particular activity is necessary to assess the costs and benefits of treatment. Where the behaviour is a sign of poor welfare, such as an inadequate environment, treatment can best be achieved by removing these underlying causal factors. Pharmacological or physical prevention of a behaviour can be justified only if the behaviour causes harm to the performer or to others. In these cases, prevention of the behaviour without addressing its causes is no cure and may result in its perseverance in a modified form or the disruption of the animal's ability to adapt to its environment. Where the behavioural 'problem' causes no harm and is not related to poor housing, then the education of the reporter, rather than treatment of the performer, may be the best solution. |
| Address |
Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:10484995 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
1933 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Winkelmayr, B.; Peham, C.; Fruhwirth, B.; Licka, T.; Scheidl, M. |
| Title |
Evaluation of the force acting on the back of the horse with an English saddle and a side saddle at walk, trot and canter |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume |
|
Issue |
36 |
Pages |
406-410 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Back/*physiology; Back Pain/etiology/veterinary; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/physiology; Horse Diseases/etiology; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Locomotion/physiology; Male; Movement/*physiology; *Physical Conditioning, Animal/instrumentation/methods/physiology; *Pressure; Weight-Bearing/*physiology |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Force transmission under an English saddle (ES) at walk, trot and canter is commonly evaluated, but the influence of a side saddle (SS) on the equine back has not been documented. HYPOTHESIS: Force transmission under a SS, with its asymmetric construction, is different from an ES in walk, trot and canter, expressed in maximum overall force (MOF), force in the quarters of the saddle mat, and centre of pressure (COP). The biomechanics of the equine back are different under a SS compared to ES. METHODS: Thirteen horses without clinical signs of back pain ridden in an indoor riding school with both saddles were measured using an electronic saddle sensor pad. Synchronous kinematic measurements were carried out with tracing markers placed along the back in front of (withers, W) and behind the saddle (4th lumbar vertebra, L4). At least 6 motion cycles at walk, trot and canter with both saddles (ES, SS) were measured. Out of the pressure distribution the maximum overall force (MOF) and the location of the centre of pressure (COP) were calculated. RESULTS: Under the SS the centre of pressure was located to the right of the median and slightly caudal compared to the COP under the ES in all gaits. The MOF was significantly different (P<0.01) between saddles. At walk, L4 showed significantly larger (P<0.01) vertical excursions under the ES. Under the SS relative horizontal movement of W was significantly reduced (P<0.01) at trot, and at canter the transversal movement was significantly reduced (P<0.01) . In both trot and canter, no significant differences in the movement of L4 were documented. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The results demonstrate that the load under a SS creates asymmetric force transmission under the saddle, and also influences back movement. To change the load distribution on the back of horses with potential back pain and as a training variation, a combination of both riding styles is suitable. |
| Address |
Department V, Clinic of Orthopaedics in Ungulates, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:17402456 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4007 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Johnston, C.; Holm, K.R.; Erichsen, C.; Eksell, P.; Drevemo, S. |
| Title |
Kinematic evaluation of the back in fully functioning riding horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
495-498 |
| Keywords |
Age Factors; Animals; Back/*physiology; Back Pain/diagnosis/veterinary; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/*veterinary; Female; Gait/*physiology; Horse Diseases/diagnosis; Horses/*physiology; Male; Movement/physiology; Sex Factors |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Clinical history and examination are important features in diagnosis of equine back dysfunction. However, interpretation is subjective and therefore may vary substantially. OBJECTIVES: To establish a clinical tool to objectively evaluate the function of the equine back, in the form of a database on the kinematics of the back at the walk and trot in fully functioning riding horses. METHODS: Thirty-three fully functioning riding horses walked and trotted on a treadmill. Morphometrics and kinematics were tested for correlations to age, height, weight and stride length, and differences between gender (geldings and mares) and use (dressage and showjumping). RESULTS: A database for range of movement and symmetry of movement for extension and flexion, lateral bending, lateral excursion and axial rotation was presented. Symmetry values were very high for all variables. Significant differences were observed in use and gender. Age was negatively correlated to extension and flexion of the thoracolumbar junction. CONCLUSIONS: Interrelationships between use, gender and age to conformation and movement were established. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The database provides a basis for objective reference for diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation of clinical cases of back dysfunction. |
| Address |
Departments of Anatomy and Histology, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:15460073 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3716 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Holmstrom, M.; Drevemo, S. |
| Title |
Effects of trot quality and collection on the angular velocity in the hindlimbs of riding horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1997 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume |
|
Issue |
23 |
Pages |
62-65 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Femur/physiology; Gait/*physiology; Hindlimb/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Male; Movement/physiology; Statistics; Time Factors |
| Abstract |
The angular velocities of the hindlimb angles of 14 horses, including 6 Grand Prix dressage horses, 4 horses judged as good at the trot and 4 horses judged as poor, were analysed. The horse material was the same as previously used by Holmstrom (1994) in studies on conformation and trotting gaits in the Swedish Warmblood riding horse. Four consecutive strides of each horse and the corresponding pace were analysed and mean velocity curves (Xh) for each angle were calculated. Before calculation the data were filtered forwards and backwards with a Butterworth third order filter with a cut off frequency of 60 Hz. During the last 60% of the stance phase there were differences between the horses judged as good and poor at the trot in all the analysed hindlimb angles except the femur inclination. The angular velocity in the hock joint, pelvis inclination and hindlimb pendulation was larger in the good horses. The angular velocity of the hindlimb pendulation decreased with collection in the Grand Prix horses. During parts of the stance phase, there was also a gradual decrease in the femur angular velocity from trot at hand to piaffe. In the hock joint, there was no difference in angular velocity between trot at hand and passage during the last 30%. The higher compression of the hock angle and pelvic angle to the horizontal plane probably reflects a higher compression of the whole hindlimb. It probably contributes to the greater springiness in the movements of good young horses and Grand Prix dressage horses. The results from the present study confirmed the importance of storing elastic strain energy for the quality of the dressage horse gaits. |
| Address |
Dept. of Anatomy and Histology, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:9354292 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3736 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Singer, E.R.; Saxby, F.; French, N.P. |
| Title |
A retrospective case-control study of horse falls in the sport of horse trials and three-day eventing |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2003 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
35 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
139-145 |
| Keywords |
Accidental Falls/prevention & control/*statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Child; Confidence Intervals; Female; Horses/*injuries; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Safety; *Sports/standards |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Serious injuries to horses and riders in horse trials (HT) and three-day events (3DE) are usually associated with falls of horses, which invariably involve falls of the riders. Many potential causes for these falls have been discussed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the risk factors for horse falls on the cross-country phase of horse trials and three-day events. METHODS: Using retrospective data, significant risk factors identified with unvariable analysis (P value <0.2) were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Significant risk factors (P value <0.05) were included in the final model. RESULTS: It was revealed that a number of course, obstacle and rider variables were significantly and independently associated with the risk of falling. Falling was associated with obstacles sited downhill (Odds ratio [OR] 8.41) and with obstacles with ditches in front (OR = 5.77). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between course variables and the risk of falling was characterised and showed a significantly increased risk with increasing numbers of jumps on the course and for jumping efforts later in the course. In contrast, after allowing for the total number of obstacles on the course, an increase in the total number of jumping efforts appeared to have a protective effect. A later cross-country start time was associated with a decreased risk of a horse fall. Amateur event riders were approximately 20 times more likely to fall than professional riders. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has identified a number of risk factors associated with horse falls and highlights areas that can be altered to improve safety in cross-country competitions. |
| Address |
Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:12638789 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3661 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Galloux, P.; Barrey, E. |
| Title |
Components of the total kinetic moment in jumping horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1997 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume |
|
Issue |
23 |
Pages |
41-44 |
| Keywords |
Algorithms; Animals; Exertion/*physiology; Female; Gravitation; Horses/*physiology; Kinetics; Locomotion/*physiology; Male; Models, Biological; Movement/*physiology; Video Recording |
| Abstract |
Thirty horses were filmed with a panning camera operating at 50 frames/s as they jumped over a 1.20 x 1.20 m fence. The markers of 9 joints on the horse and 7 joints on the rider were tracked in 2D with the TrackEye system. The centre of gravity and moment of inertia of each segment were calculated using a geometric algorithm and a cylindric model, respectively. The kinetic moment of each part of the horse was calculated after filtering, and resampling of data. This method showed the relative contribution of each body segment to the body overall rotation during the take-off, jump and landing phases. It was found that the trunk, hindlimbs and head-neck had the greatest influence. The coordination between the motion of the body segments allowed the horse to control its angular speed of rotation over the fence. This remained nearly constant during the airborne phase (120 +/- 5 degrees/s). During the airborne phase, the kinetic moment was constant because its value was equal to the moment of the external forces (722 +/- 125 kg x m2/s). |
| Address |
Ecole Nationale d'Equitation, Terrefort, Saumur, France |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
|
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:9354287 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3797 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Pinchbeck, G.L.; Clegg, P.D.; Proudman, C.J.; Morgan, K.L.; French, N.R. |
| Title |
Whip use and race progress are associated with horse falls in hurdle and steeplechase racing in the UK |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
384-389 |
| Keywords |
Accidental Falls/*statistics & numerical data; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Great Britain/epidemiology; Horses/*injuries; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Running/statistics & numerical data; Sports; Videotape Recording |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Falls during racing present a risk of injury to both horse and jockey and a risk of fatality to horses. OBJECTIVES: To use video recordings of races to describe the circumstances surrounding horse falls at hurdle and steeplechase fences and to identify and quantify within-race risk factors for horse falls in National Hunt racing in the UK. METHODS: A retrospective, matched, nested case-control study using video recordings of races was conducted on 6 UK racecourses. Cases and controls were matched on both race type and jump number at which the fall occurred. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to examine the univariable and multivariable relationship between predictor variables and the risk of falling. RESULTS: The risk of falling was significantly associated with whip use and race progress. Horses which were being whipped and progressing through the race were at greater than 7 times the risk of falling compared to horses which were not being whipped and which had no change in position or lost position through the field. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified whip use and the position of the horse with respect to others in the field as potential risk factors for horse falls. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: If these findings are confirmed by the use of intervention trials (e.g. with whip-free or restricted whip use races), modifications could be introduced which would reduce the frequency of horse falls, leading to improved equine welfare. |
| Address |
Epidemiology Group, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:15253077 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3659 |
| Permanent link to this record |
| |
|
| |
| Author |
Murray, J.K.; Singer, E.R.; Morgan, K.L.; Proudman, C.J.; French, N.P. |
| Title |
The risk of a horse-and-rider partnership falling on the cross-country phase of eventing competitions |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
38 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
158-163 |
| Keywords |
*Accidental Falls; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Horses/*injuries; Humans; Logistic Models; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Safety; Sports; Time Factors |
| Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Fatalities resulting from horse falls occurring during the cross-country phase of eventing competitions initiated epidemiological investigation of the risk factors associated with horse falls. OBJECTIVES: To identify variables that increased or decreased the risk of a horse fall during the cross-country phase of an eventing competition. METHODS: Data were collected from randomly selected British Eventing competitions held in Great Britain during 2001 and 2002. Data were obtained for 173 cases (jumping efforts resulting in a fall of the horse-and-rider partnership) and 503 matched controls (jumping efforts not resulting in a fall). The risk of falling was modelled using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: An increased risk of a horse fall was associated with jumping into or out of water; taking off from good-to-soft, soft or heavy ground; fences with a drop landing; nonangled fences with a spread > or =2 m; and angled fences. Other risk factors included riders who knew that they were in the lead within the competition before the cross-country phase; an inappropriate speed of approach to the fence (too fast or too slow); horse-and-rider partnerships that had not incurred refusals at earlier fences; and riders who received cross-country tuition. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified modifiable course- and fence-level risk factors for horse falls during the cross-country phase of eventing competitions. The risk of horse and rider injury at eventing competitions should be reduced by 3 simple measures; maintaining good to firm take-off surfaces at fences, reducing the base spread of fences to <2 m and reducing the use of fences at which horses are required to jump into or out of water. Risk reduction arising from course and fence modification needs to be confirmed by intervention studies. Potential relevance: Knowledge of factors that increase or decrease the risk of a horse fall can be used by UK governing bodies of the sport to reduce the risk of horse falls on the cross-country phase of eventing competitions, and reduce the risk of horse and rider injuries and fatalities. As one in 3 horses that fall injure themselves and one in 100 horse falls results in fatality to the horse, we suggest that immediate consideration is given to these recommendations. |
| Address |
Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK |
| Corporate Author |
|
Thesis |
|
| Publisher |
|
Place of Publication |
|
Editor |
|
| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
|
Original Title |
|
| Series Editor |
|
Series Title |
|
Abbreviated Series Title |
|
| Series Volume |
|
Series Issue |
|
Edition |
|
| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:16536386 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3765 |
| Permanent link to this record |
