Abstract des Autors

The authors surveyed equestrians to determine an injury profile. Based on responses from 2,195 frequent riders, the study confirms previous findings regarding injury rates, injury sites, and helmet use. New findings include a large number of neck and back injuries and a likelihood of injured riders to be between 15 and 44 years of age, ride English style, and have less than 10 years of riding experience. Data also show that many horseback-riding injuries are treated in physicians' offices. The high percentageof injured patients who suffered prolonged disability underscores the need for physicians to counsel horseback-riding patients about hazards and safety measures - especially helmet use. Verf.-Referat