Horse-related trauma: A one-year Incidence study

Introduction Horse-related injuries have historically been described as both common and sometimes severe, often in young people. The main goals in this study were to describe the incidence and nature of horse related accidents in the county of Ostergotland as well as provide data on health care consumption and usage of safety equipment. Furthermore, current results were compared with our previous study that examined horse-related trauma in Ostergotland, Sweden between 2003 and 2004. Patients and Methods The nursing staff recruited patients presenting with horse related trauma at the Emergency Department at the University Hospital of Linkoping from March 2012 until March 2013. A questionnaire was sent to the study participants and the medical records of the respondents were reviewed. Results In total, there were 144 patients asked to participate in this study, 103 patients responded to the questionnaire. The patients were divided in two groups according to age, one group under the age of 19 years (Children) and one group 19 years of age and above (Adults). The total incidence of horse related accidents was 1, 2 accidents per 1000h spent with horses. The children had 4, 0 accidents per 1000h of horse riding and 3, 5 non-riding accidents per 1000h of horse care. The adults suffered 2, 9 accidents per 1000h of horse riding and 1, 1 non-riding accident per 1000h of horse care. In total, 14 patients, all adults, sustained severe injuries. Children were significantly more likely to own a safety vest and to use safety vest and riding boots at the time of the accident. For helmet and safety stirrups, no difference between children and adults was observed. Conclusion Severe injuries have increased in our population between the study periods. Among the children, we saw no severe injuries or death which may be due to increased use of safety equipment and/or change of riding behavior. The adults had more days of sick leave than in the previous study. Future preventive measures should focus on extremity injuries.