Abstract
Specific estimates of the risk of horse-related injury (HRI) to university students enrolled in veterinary and animal sciences have not been reported. This study aimed to determine the risk of student HRI during their university education, the nature and management of such injuries. A retrospective questionnaire solicited demographic information, data on students’ equine experience prior to and during their educational programs, and on HRI during their program of study. Of 260 respondents, 22 (8.5%) reported HRI (27 incidents). Including concurrent injuries the most commonly injured body parts were the foot or ankle (nine of 32 injures), the upper leg or knee (eight of 32), and hands (three of 32). Trampling and being kicked by a hind limb were each associated with 30.4% of HRI, and 13% with being bitten. Bruising (91.3% of respondents) and an open wound (17.4%) were most commonly described. No treatment occurred for 60.9% of incidents; professional medical treatment was not sought for the remainder. Most incidents (56.5%) occurred during program-related work experience placements. Although injury rates and severity were modest, a proactive approach to injury prevention and reporting is recommended for students required to handle horses as part of their education. Student accident and injury data should be monitored to ensure effective evaluation of risk-reduction initiatives. The risk and nature of university student horse-related injury (HRI) was studied. Of 260 students, 22 (8.5%) reported HRI (27 incidents). Including multiple injuries, reports described involvement of the foot or ankle (nine of 32 injures), upper leg or knee (eight of 32), and hands (three of 32). Trampling (30.4%) and being kicked (30.4%) accounted for most HRI. The injuries were usually bruising (91.3%) or an open wound (17.4%). Most (60.9%) injuries were untreated; professional medical treatment was not sought for the rest. Most incidents (56.5%) occurred during program-related off-campus work experiences. A proactive approach to injury prevention is recommended for students handling horses.
Highlights
Horses are powerful and frequently unpredictable animals, capable of moving at high speeds and of generating great force with a single kick [1,2]
Formal qualifications held by the staff ranged from Australian equine industry certification in equine handling and training, to graduation from an Animal Science (AnSci) or veterinary degree program
All sessions involving horses required students to read and understand standard operating procedures for basic handling and restraint, and the veterinary technical procedures developed for the learning activities
Summary
Horses are powerful and frequently unpredictable animals, capable of moving at high speeds and of generating great force with a single kick [1,2]. Of the serious injuries reported, 29% were directly equine associated [2], of which 70% occurred despite safety precautions that were claimed to have been in place, indicating that the latter may have been insufficient or incorrectly applied [5]. Such findings are not unique to Australian veterinarians, and studies in other countries have found similar concerning statistics [8,9]. Students were approached and directly invited to participate in the paper-based survey within the daily class schedule This occurred over a 29-day sampling period. At the conclusion of the initial survey participation request period, a final attempt was made to acquire results from non-responding students by emailing the survey to each of the cohorts with a description of the study to be undertaken
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
