Left to right: Dr Mark Gillett, Dr Christopha Knee and Project Officer Jennifer McGready
Major horse-riding injuries more frequent than expected Horse riding may evoke images of elite
play a role.” RNSH sees around two mild to moderate horse-related injuries a week—about 100 per year. As the first comprehensive analysis of major horse-riding trauma in NSW, the study fills an important gap in global research. International data shows the risk of hospitalisation from horse riding exceeds American football, motorcycle riding, motor racing and skiing. While most injuries are mild, Mark emphasised the importance of safety measures—especially helmet use—and greater awareness of risks in everyday riding.
competitions or peaceful trail rides, but new research shows the sport carries a significant risk of injury compared with many other physical activities. In a new study, Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) clinicians Drs Mark Gillett and Christopha Knee analysed 11 years of data from the NSW Trauma Registry—which captures emergency department presentations across the state—and identified 624 cases of major equestrian-related trauma between 2012 and 2022. The findings reveal that serious horse- riding injuries are more common than many assume, challenging the perception that they occur only in high-speed or competitive settings. Patients had an average age of 49 and most sustained chest, spine and head injuries. Women were injured at significantly higher rates than men. Around two-thirds of all cases resulted from falls or riders being thrown from a horse. More than half occurred on farms, and almost a third during leisure rides.
“People often think of horse riding as a recreational sport for women, and it comes through in the data – women are more represented,” said Mark. “Women also tend to be more prone to fractures, particularly between ages 40 and 60, when osteoporosis begins to
The study revealed serious horse-riding injuries are more common than people think, challenging the idea they only happen in high-speed or competitive settings
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
9
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online