Science & Equine

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Written by Sophie Delemarre
Posted in Rider fitness

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Equestrian injuries. Are we addressing functional outcomes?

In the equestrian sports many accidents occur. In the majority of cases the injuries occur after a fall. It is in the same line as motorcycling, skiing and rugby. These are all sports that are considered dangerous because (serious) injuries happen often.

It is almost inevitable when you work with a partner of over 500 kilos, which can kick with the power of almost a ton and who is unpredictable when spooked.

This research focuses on what happens after an injury.

As found in other studies, it emerged that most of the injuries occured after a fall. Slightly less than half of the patients who participated in the study indicated that they have had a form of rehabilitation. More than half of the riders (55%) had maintained constant complaints to the equestrian injury. Chronic pain and headache were also common (62%).

The articles shows that equestrians make little use of a rehabilitation program in any form whatsoever.

Have you ever visited a (para-) medic such as a physiotherapist after a horse-related injury?

Expert opinion by Sophie Delemarre

As a physiotherapist and horserider I can confirm that most equestrians rarely come by themselves with a request for help. They often think of their horse first and when the horse is fine then they might consider thinking of themselves.

 

It would be nice if riders would also think a little bit more about themselves. You can not ride your horse if you have an injury! Maybe ask for help a bit sooner?

> From: Ball et al., J Trauma Manag Outcomes 3:2 (2009) 1-5. All rights reserved to Creative Commons Attribution License. Click here for the online summary.

Hoefslag
Image by: Hoefslag