Injuries associated with recreational horse riding
Horses are mostly ridden for recreational purpose. Horses are unpredictable; therefore, not all potential risks can be anticipated. This study set out to assess the incidence and distribution of recreational equestrian injuries and review the available literature on this subject.
155 patients with horse-related injuries were extracted out of the database of the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of the Kent and Sussex Hospital.
Most injuries occured in female patients. Novice riders with less than 50 hours of experience are at a higher risk of being injured. From the 155 patients, 152 wore a helmet (98%).
Horse related injuries accounted for 0,34% of all presentations to the AED. From the injuries, 69% were due to falls. In this group, 125 patients wore not only helmets but also protective body armour and protective boots.
Despite the original title of the article nothing was written about the changes in the last 20 years. The importance of matching riding boots and stirrups in reducing the risk of lower limb injury has also been previously alluded to as have the benefits of body protectors in reducing the risk of truncal injury.
> From: Sandiford, J R soc Med 4 (2018-02-01 06:43:14) 2042533313476688. All rights reserved to The Author(s). Click here for the online summary.
