Abstract

To assess the frequency, nature, and severity of injuries to participants in equestrian sports, a review of the world literature was performed. Up to 90 of injuries occur in those riders less than 21 years of age, with 70 being female. Furthermore, ca. 70 of accidents occur to amateur riders during unsupervised recreational riding. Injury during instruction in a riding school is rare (4). Approximately 75 of injuries are due to a fall from a horse while 15 are due to a kick. Overall, the most common injury is to the upper extremity (fracture, sprain, or dislocation) consistent with a fall onto the outstretched arm. However, the most common injury necessitating hospitalization is to the head. It is the most common cause of death or disability to the rider. In those riders with serious head injury, the lack of an appropriate protective helmet is almost universal. Only 1-2 of those with neurologic injury wear adequate headgear: the majority wear either no helmet, an inadequate hat, or a helmet that is not secured to the head. Clearly, in this potentially hazardous sport, preventative measures, including the habitual use of an approved helmet, are to be emphasized. Verf.-Referat