What are the most common injuries in eventing horses?

The sport of eventing has been around since the 19th century but has seen an increase in popularity in recent years. When you think of an eventing event, you likely envision a horse galloping through fields and jumping over fences. However, this sport poses some unique challenges for both rider and horse that aren’t part of other equestrian disciplines.In addition to the risks inherent to any equestrian competition, eventing also poses a higher risk of injury due to the nature of the events, the types of activities being performed and the types of equipment being used. The following is a brief overview of some of the most common injuries found in eventing horses.

Horse fall injuries

One of the most common injuries in eventing is a fall resulting in an injury. Falls are common in all equestrian disciplines but are especially common in eventing due to the large number of jumps in each course. In fact, research has shown that between 63 and 80 percent of injuries during eventing are related to falls.The most common types of falls in eventing are falling while trying to avoid another horse and falling after jumping while leading a course. The most common injuries related to horse fall injuries include strained muscles, bruises, broken bones and ligament tears.Some of the primary risk factors for horse falls include the size and strength of the rider, the type of course, the type of footing used and the horse’s jumping ability.

Bump or impact injuries

Horse riders are at risk of incurring injuries from a horse bumping into them or another rider. Bump injuries are often a result of a horse not being able to see an object in its path and bumping into it. Bump injuries can cause serious damage to the spine and can be potentially fatal.While a rider may be at risk of experiencing a bump injury, another rider may also be injured by a horse bumping into them. For example, a horse may be attempting to jump over a rider and accidentally knock them off the horse.A horse may also accidentally bump into another horse during a course. This type of injury is similar to a horse fall, but it’s often a result of a horse not being able to see an object in its path.

Strangulation injuries

Strangulation is a type of injury that is not often discussed, but can be just as dangerous as falls. This injury is caused when a rider’s clothing becomes trapped between a rider and a horse’s neck, preventing the rider from being able to remove themselves from the situation.Strangulation injuries are often the result of a rider being trapped in a situation where they don’t have enough room to remove their jacket or other clothing. These injuries can be especially dangerous because a rider can be trapped for hours before anyone nearby is able to notice what is happening.

Sprain and strain injuries

Sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries in eventing. A sprain is a ligament or joint injury that causes pain and swelling. A strain is a partial tear of a muscle or tendon. Both sprains and strains can be very painful and require time to heal.When a horse experiences a strain or sprain, the horse is most likely to show signs such as limping, refusing to work and increased pain after jumping.Some of the most common injuries related to sprains and strains include muscles in the back of the leg, the hock, the spine, the shoulder and the neck.Other injuries related to sprains and strains include fractures and tendon injuries.

Fractures and breaks

Fractures are another common injury in eventing. Horse falls often result in fractures, which are breaks in a bone that may require surgery.When a horse falls, the force is often enough to break bones in the legs, spine and ribs. Broken bones in eventing can be very serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.

Conclusion

The sport of eventing has been around since the 19th century but has seen an increase in popularity in recent years. When you think of an eventing event, you likely envision a horse galloping through fields and jumping over fences. However, this sport poses some unique challenges for both rider and horse that aren’t part of other equestrian disciplines.In addition to the risks inherent to any equestrian competition, eventing also poses a higher risk of injury due to the nature of the events, the types of activities being performed and the types of equipment being used. The following is a brief overview of some of the most common injuries found in eventing.