Fatalities Associated with American Endurance Ride Conference Sanctioned Endurance Rides (2002–2013)

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IntroductionFatalities are recognized as a consequence of prolonged endurance exercise but data documenting incidence and causes is limited.MethodsNumbers of horse starts and fatalities were obtained from the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) website (www.aerc.org) and further details about fatalities were obtained from horse owners and attending veterinarians. Annual incidence rates were calculated and odds ratios for region and ride length were determined.ResultsFrom 2002–2013 there were 252,738 horse starts in AERC sanctioned rides and 67 fatalities attributable to the demands of endurance exercise were documented. 46/67 horses were eliminated while 21 successfully completed the ride and were deemed fit to continue. Thirteen horses died while euthanasia was performed in the remaining 54 instances, and 51% had necropsy examinations performed. 81% of the fatalities developed acute abdominal pain and necropsy findings included gastric rupture in 12%. Fatalities were also related to financial constraints as 28% of riders declined fluid therapy, referral to surgical facilities, and/or surgery when recommended. Horses competing in the Central and Midwest regions appeared at lesser risk, while those in the Southwest and Northeast regions appeared at greater risk, but low numbers of fatalities precluded reaching statistical significance. In contrast, the risk of fatality was 2 (1 fatality per 3,711 starts) and 12 (1 fatality per 648 starts) times more likely for participation in 80 and 160 km rides, as compared to competition in Limited Distance (40 to 56 km) rides (1 fatality per 8,057 starts).ConclusionsOverall fatality rates were low; however, risk increased with ride distance. Acute abdominal pain was the most common clinical presentation.Ethical Animal ResearchThis retrospective study used data available on the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) website and additional documents provided by the AERC. Sources of funding: none. Competing interests: Dr. Balch is a member of AERC Veterinary Committee, Research Committee, and Board of Directors and Dr. Schott is a member of the AERC Research Committee.