Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Fence-level risk factors for falls during the cross-country phase (2008-2018).

Authors: Bennet Euan David, Cameron-Whytock Heather, Parkin Tim D H

Journal: Equine veterinary journal

DOI: 10.1111/evj.13863 PubMed: 35842735Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Cross-Country Falls in FEI Eventing Understanding which fence characteristics increase fall risk during cross-country is essential for course designers, event organisers, and the veterinary professionals supporting horses competing at international level. Between 2008 and 2018, researchers analysed FEI eventing data to identify specific fence-level risk factors contributing to falls across the sport, examining how course design and individual obstacle features influenced safety outcomes. The analysis revealed particular fence types, heights, and construction features carried significantly elevated fall risks—findings that provide evidence-based guidance for safer course design without compromising the technical demands of the sport. For farriers, physiotherapists, and veterinarians working with event horses, recognising these high-risk fence characteristics helps frame pre-competition conditioning and injury-prevention strategies; course designers and officials now have quantified data to inform safer fence specifications and placement decisions. These insights represent a crucial bridge between sports medicine practice and course design, offering the equestrian community an opportunity to reduce catastrophic injuries whilst maintaining eventing's integrity as a demanding three-phase discipline.

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Practical Takeaways

•Course designers and safety officials should prioritize fence design modifications based on identified risk factors to reduce fall incidence
•Understanding specific fence-related hazards enables better risk mitigation strategies for event safety
•Falls during cross-country present significant injury risk; prevention through course design optimization is critical

Key Findings

•Study identified fence-level risk factors contributing to falls during FEI eventing cross-country phases from 2008-2018
•Cross-country course and fence design are crucial contributory factors to safety outcomes for horses and riders
•Falls during cross-country eventing can result in serious or fatal injuries for both equine athletes and human competitors

Conditions Studied

falls during cross-country eventingequestrian injuriesfence-related accidents

Related References

Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Risk factors for horse falls and unseated riders during the cross-country phase (2008-2018).

Bennet Euan D, Cameron-Whytock Heather, Parkin Tim D H(2022)Equine veterinary journal

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Murray J K, Singer E R, Morgan K L, Proudman C J, French N P(2005)Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)

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The risk of a horse-and-rider partnership falling on the cross-country phase of eventing competitions.

Murray J K, Singer E R, Morgan K L, Proudman C J, French N P(2006)Equine veterinary journal

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