A cross-sectional survey of injuries in sport horses in New Zealand

Abstract

Aim: To provide preliminary qualitative and quantitative data on the type of injuries sustained by a population of sport horses used for showjumping and dressage in New Zealand. Methods: Via a cross-sectional survey data was compiled at four key competitions in the lower North Island of New Zealand, during February and March 2014. The questionnaire consisted of 22 open or closed questions on horse information, management information and sport injuries information. Results: Of the 96 participants; 67 were showjumping horses and 29 were dressage horses. The majority of horses were medium-upper level performers, on average 9 years old and in the current rider’s ownership for 28 months. The horses were trained for 45 minutes 6 days a week on a sand or sand mix arena. There were only 26 horses that were unable to train for ≥ 7 days. This was mostly associated with lameness and diagnosed by a veterinarian (16/29), with a median time off of 26 days. Conclusions: The management of horses in this study was similar to previous reports within the literature. The prevalence of horses being unable to train for ≥ 7 days was low in dressage and showjumping horses. There was one significant difference in the age horses started competing in dressage horses related to inability to train. Other differences were not significant.