Causes of horse-related injuries in a rural western community.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the causes of horse-related injuries in a rural western community.


METHODS
Prospective identification of persons with horse-related injuries and retrospective interviews with patients or witnesses to determine causes.


METHODS
A small rural community in Alberta where the western style of riding predominates.


METHODS
All patients presenting to two family medicine clinics or to the Sundre General Hospital emergency department.


METHODS
Factors contributing to the injury as recalled by patients or witnesses, and characteristics of the persons, horses, and injuries.


RESULTS
Two thirds of the 150 injuries were caused primarily by horses and one third primarily by patients risk taking or inattention. The most common horse behaviour that caused injuries was "spooking," but several other behaviours also were identified as primary causes. The injuries were varied and relatively severe. Only one person was wearing a helmet.


CONCLUSIONS
Horse-related injuries often are caused by characteristic horse behaviours.
Thompson
J M
JM
Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary.
von Hollen
B
B
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000383:Agriculture; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population