Equestrian (Dressage, Eventing, Jumping)

Equestrian sports represent a uniquely popular group of sporting events with a wide variety of participants and injury patterns. Two key factors place equestrian athletes at unique risk of injury when compared to other sports; interacting with a large animal and participating at height, both of which increases the potential of higher energy and more severe injuries. Specific risk patterns vary by the demands unique to the specific equestrian category: dressage, eventing, jumping, polo, rodeo, and horse racing. The most common injuries including head injuries, cervical spine injuries, and fractures are related to falls from the horse. Due to the need to maintain weight and fitness of the rider to overloading the horse, equestrian athletes, especially horseracing jockeys, appear to be at greater risk of relative energy deficit syndrome compared to athletes in other sports.