Analysis of horse-related injuries in children

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate factors affecting the nature, characteristics, severity and outcome of horseback and horse care injuries in paediatric patients and to create guidelines for injury prevention. METHODS: Detailed clinical records of 265 children sustained horse-riding related injuries have been analysed. Questionnaires were mailed to provide follow-up information for patients who have been treated in either Department of Paediatric Surgery in Pécs, Hungary, or Department of Paediatric Surgery in Graz, Austria between 1999 and 2003. Those 112 children (42%) who answered the questionnaire were included in the study and further analyses were performed. RESULTS: Female to male ratio of the 112 patients was 101/11. Trauma occurred during horseback riding accounted for 76.8% of all cases; these injuries represented more severe cases comparing to those which happened while handling a horse (23.2%). The mechanism as well as the localisation of injury displayed a close association with age. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention strategies targeting horse-related injuries at children should appreciate the age-dependent nature of injury as well as the fact that injury severity is not necessarily associated with the experience of the rider.