Musculoskeletal Injury and Illness Patterns in British Eventing Horses: A Descriptive Study.
Authors: Tranquille Carolyne A, Chojnacka Kate, Murray Rachel C
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Musculoskeletal Injury and Illness Patterns in British Eventing Horses Nearly half of British eventing horses experience musculoskeletal problems during their careers, with a quarter sustaining injuries within any six-month window—a prevalence that underscores the physical demands placed on event horses across all three disciplines. Researchers analysed 1,677 responses to a targeted online survey of registered British eventers, identifying patterns in injury location, circumstance and recovery time that reveal distinct risk profiles across different structures. Foot pathology dominated the injury landscape (421 cases), followed closely by joint (382) and soft-tissue injuries, though gastric ulceration and skin conditions featured prominently among non-orthopaedic problems; notably, deep digital flexor tendon injuries resulted in the longest rehabilitation periods (>12 months), whilst sole bruising and abscesses resolved rapidly (<2 weeks). Injury context varied considerably—hoof and soft-tissue damage occurred most often during competition, whilst suspensory ligament and bone injuries emerged more commonly during training, and foot abscesses at rest. For farriers, veterinarians and allied equine professionals, these data provide an evidence-based framework for risk stratification and targeted injury prevention strategies, enabling more proactive management of the structures and circumstances that pose greatest threat to competing event horses.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Nearly half of eventing horses experience musculoskeletal problems; focus preventive strategies on the foot and joint structures as priority areas for your population
- •Injury prevention strategies should differ by context: educate riders about competition-related hoof/tendon injuries and training-related ligament/stifle injuries
- •Recovery time varies dramatically by injury type (2 weeks to >12 months); set realistic owner expectations and tailor rehabilitation protocols accordingly
Key Findings
- •49.4% of British eventing horses reported previous lameness or musculoskeletal problems, with 26% occurring in the previous six months
- •Foot problems (421 cases) and joint injuries (382 cases) were the most frequently reported musculoskeletal conditions
- •Hoof sole/muscle/tendon injuries occurred most frequently in competition, while suspensory ligament/splint bone/stifle injuries were more common in training
- •DDFT injuries required the longest recovery time (>12 months), while tarsal/sole bruising/abscess required shortest (<2 weeks)