Survey on Horse-Related Injuries and Safety Practices in Maryland and Virginia

Abstract

Horseback riding is a leading cause of sports injury. This thesis identifies socio-demographic characteristics of adults sustaining horse-related injuries, and factors associated with receipt of medical treatment and improvement of safety behaviors among those injured. A web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Maryland and Virginia during July 1st - September 1st 2010 (n=908). Ninety-four percent (93.7%) of respondents had ever sustained a horse-related injury. Women and adults with ≥15 years of experience with horses had higher odds of injury than men and adults with <15 years of experience. Roughly half of the injured (48.2%) had received emergency treatment. The odds of receiving medical treatment for injuries occurring at a competition/show were 2.42 (1.08-5.44) times the odds of receiving medical treatment for injuries occurring at home. Provision of informational and emotional support from friends/family, healthcare professionals, or equine industry professionals was significantly associated with improving safety practices among the injured.