Rotational falls

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An example of a rotational fall Imre Petnehazy 1932.jpg
An example of a rotational fall

Rotational falls occur when a horse falls in such a manner as to somersault before landing on its back. It is of particular concern in the sport of eventing, especially in the cross-country phase of the competition. These falls can cause grave injuries and in the past have resulted in fatalities; such fatalities have spiked in recent years, prompting investigations and movements worldwide to increase the safety for participants.

Contents

Eventing is a three-phase competition consisting of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Riders worldwide compete in eventing, up to an Olympic level.

What is a rotational fall

Falls of the rider from the horse are common and can occur at any point in time, from training to the middle of a competition. Horse riding is described as a "hazardous pastime", [1] with a high level of injuries and in some cases, death. One large contributor to these fatality statistics is that of a rotational fall. "Between May 1997 and September 2007 25 rider deaths occurred around the world in the sport of Eventing", [2] 18 of these fatalities resulted from rotational falls.

A rotational fall is defined as when the "horse forward somersaults in the air before landing on its back.” [3] This often occurs as a result of the horse hitting the fence with its front legs while jumping. The possibility of a fall occurring can be increased by a variety of factors including; condition of ground, experience of rider, experience of horse, type of jump, undertaking of course prior to fall and/or position on the scoreboard. [3]

Prevalence in the sport of eventing

The cross-country portion of an eventing competition, the primary venue at which rotational falls are an issue in equestrian sport. 585 Jonathon Hagon on S.Makanally.jpg
The cross-country portion of an eventing competition, the primary venue at which rotational falls are an issue in equestrian sport.

The cross country phase of eventing presents a course of obstacles that the horse and rider must navigate through to the finish line, these obstacles are solid and unforgiving (photos below show examples of jumps on a course). The jumps being solid "demands that a rider approach the jump at exactly the right speed, take off from the right angle and spot". Rotational falls are most likely to occur during cross country as the fall occurs when the "horse hits a solid fence either with its chest or upper forelegs". [4] This becomes increasingly likely the higher the jumps get. [4] Although historically, rotational falls were possible in the show jumping phase as rails used to be fixed to the wings that held them, in modern times the jumps are designed with cups holding the rails, allowing them to roll out and fall down if struck by the horse.

Background and case studies

All sports and activities present unique risks (ranging from small to large scale possibilities) to the individual or team participating in them. Eventing is no different, it is considered a "high-risk equestrian sport". [3] Injuries to both horse and rider as a result of competition in Eventing have occurred throughout history and across the world, it is "a sport in which the vast majority of rider injuries are minor and insignificant, but in which the possibility of catastrophic results always exist". [5]

Statistics

Although Eventing as a sport dates to 1902, it wasn't until 1999 that concerns of horse and rider safety emerged. [3] That year, there were five rider fatalities as a result of falls in the United Kingdom alone, four out of these five riders had a rotational fall by their horse leading to their death. [6] [5] As a result of these fatalities, in April 2000 the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) conducted "The International Eventing Safety Committee Report" [6] and recommended creating an FEI Annual Report [6] to cover a variety of subjects. Between 1997 and 2008, "at least 37 eventing riders have died as a result of injuries incurred while competing in the cross-country phase of eventing". [5] At least 25 of these deaths were as a result of a rotational fall. These deaths ranged in location (concentrations of deaths in the United States and United Kingdom) and level of competition (pony club, national or international competition). [5] However, some "top competitors, coaches and course designers argue that the sport's death and injury toll is most likely related to an influx of new riders to the sport", [7] suggesting a lack of experience increases the likelihood of suffering a fall.

The FEI conducted a statistic report on Eventing Risk Management, presenting statistics on competitions, starters, falls and injuries between 2006 and 2016. In 2006 there were a total of 13,660 starters, with 789 falls, of these falls 51 were classified as rotational horse falls and 12 were considered to result in the rider suffering serious injuries. [6] However, ten years later in 2016 there has been a significant increase (of 6261 riders) in starters to 19,921 riders, of these there were 1064 falls. [6] However, despite an increase in both competitors and overall falls only 30 of these were classified as rotational falls, and 5 riders were considered to result in the rider suffering serious injuries. [6] Comparing these rotational fall statistics across a ten-year expanse convey a clear decrease in rotational falls and rotational falls resulting in serious injury.

Improving rider safety

Horse riding is considered a dangerous sport. However, "while equestrian sports are considered to have a certain degree of risk associated with them, there are ways to make them safer". [8] Safety measures continue to be introduced to reduce these risks; these measures revolve around both the rider, the horse and course design.

Helmets

A selection of riding helmets Cap 20160521 140115364 HDR.jpg
A selection of riding helmets

The rules of competition as guided by the FEI and individually enforced by countries around the world with their own bodies drafting standards for riders state that all riders are required to wear "an accredited safety helmet during cross country competition". [9] These standards are reviewed and updated regularly by both the FEI and individual countries. For example, Equestrian Australia have introduced a new regulation, Helmet Tagging. This will "enable officials to more easily identify those helmets complying with standards", [10] all helmets must have a coloured tag on them visible to officials which conveys the helmet has been checked and complies to current standards.

Body protectors

This rider is wearing a protective vest [Di 45Hui Quan Ri Ben Zong He Ma Shu Da Hui 2015] nokurosukantoriJing Ji debotowoFei Yue suruakushiyon.JPG
This rider is wearing a protective vest

Body protectors are pieces of equipment used by riders in many different types of riding; one particular type is the cross country phase of eventing. A body protector traditionally "is a foam filled vest to be worn over clothes". [11] It is designed to protect the upper body (ribs and spine) from serious injury if a fall occurs. The regulation of body protectors had been discussed by the National Eventing Committee (NEC) many times, however, "only by the end of 2006 did the NEC decide that body protectors would be compulsory". [9] Between 2000 and 2006 a study was conducted on body protectors in which riders were asked 'Were you wearing a back protector?', over 90% of riders "indicated that they were wearing one, despite there being no regulation of requiring this". [9]

In 2009 a new type of body protector was introduced, inflatable vests. The design is of "a gas canister, connected by a cord to the horse's saddle, is discharged when the cord is pulled during a fall, inflating the jacket in a fraction of a second". [12] This design has the potential to reduce the chance of fatality as a result of a rotational fall due to its design aiming to disperse the force of an impact "and reduce compression of the chest". [12]

Greasing horse's legs

Greased legs Selena O'HANLON (CAN) - FOXWOOD HIGH (14935349580).jpg
Greased legs

Although there are less protective measures available for horses, one key technique used by riders to increase the safety of the course for the horse is greasing legs. Riders place grease on "a horse's front and hind legs to prevent trauma from the brush jumps, and if they hit an obstacle, they'll slide off it a little bit more". [13] This particularly assists in the prevention of rotational falls as it encourages the legs, even if they hit the jump to slide over, as opposed to be caught or left behind causing a possible trip or rotational fall.[ citation needed ]

Improving course safety

Narcyz Witczak-Witaczynski - Skoki przez przeszkody na terenie koszar przy ulicy 29 Listopada w -Warszawie (107-36-8).jpg
CHI Geneve 2013 - 20131214 - Pius Schwizer et Clever Lady 4.jpg
If the top pole of the fence (left) was solid and not breakaway, this error would result in a rotational fall. When the fence breaks away (right), horses are more able to get their legs back under them and not fall.

The cross country course itself poses the largest risks to the horse and rider for experiencing a rotational fall, this is due to the uniquely solid nature of jumps on a cross country course (as opposed to collapsible fences on a show jumping course). Over the years there have been many discussions regarding methods and technologies available to improve the safety of a fence and the "breakability" [14] of a fence is at the centre of discussions. An "extreme version of maximising breakability would be just putting show jumps in a field", [14] however that has been criticised as it defeats the purpose of the challenge of the cross country phase as uniquely different from show jumping. Two key technological advances have been adopted improve the safety in the cross country phase of eventing to minimise the possibility of a rotational fall.

Frangible pins and mim clips

Closeup of a frangible pin Kelsall Hill Horse Trials - frangible pin - geograph.org.uk - 4454332.jpg
Closeup of a frangible pin
MIM clip on cross-country fence MIM clip on cross-country fence - geograph.org.uk - 5812360.jpg
MIM clip on cross-country fence

Frangible pins and mim clips are "pins and hinges that break and swing down if a horse hits it, reducing the chances of a fall for both rider and horse". [15] However, as this technology is relatively new they are still learning the 'in field' mechanisms of the pins and clips, "the important thing to remember is that a device is just a mechanical object that will do certain things under certain circumstances according to its design". [14] Statistics on the use of frangible pins demonstrate that "angles and impact factor in" [14] to the technical process of a pin or clip breaking allowing the jump to fall. The devices ensure that although "horse falls cannot be completely avoided... the use of frangible devices allows the fence to drop on contact therefore preventing a horse from falling". [16] The horse is more likely to trip and regain an upright position, as opposed to performing a full rotation. In commenting on the introduction of frangible pins to Australia in the Equestrian Australia 'Making Eventing Safer Fund', "dual Olympic medallist, course designer and coach Stuart Tinney" said "it's very exciting to be able to introduce more safer fences to Eventing". [16]

List of rotational falls resulting in fatalities

Australia
Belarus
France
Germany
Portugal
United Kingdom
United States

See also

Related Research Articles

Show jumping is a part of a group of English riding equestrian events that also includes eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers. Sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events. Sometimes, show jumping is but one division of a very large, all-breed competition that includes a very wide variety of disciplines. Jumping classes may be governed by various national horse show sanctioning organizations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation or the British Showjumping Association. International competitions are governed by the rules of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eventing</span> Equestrian triathlon

Eventing is an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combine and compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test that required mastery of several types of riding. The competition may be run as a one-day event (ODE), where all three events are completed in one day or a three-day event (3DE), which is more commonly now run over four days, with dressage on the first two days, followed by cross-country the next day and then show jumping in reverse order on the final day. Eventing was previously known as Combined Training, and the name persists in many smaller organizations. The term "Combined Training" is sometimes confused with the term "Combined Test", which refers to a combination of just two of the phases, most commonly dressage and show jumping.

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Equestrianism, commonly known as horse riding or horseback riding, includes the disciplines of riding, driving, and vaulting. This broad description includes the use of horses for practical working purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cross-country riding</span> Competitive horse-riding discipline

Cross country equestrian jumping forms one of the three phases of the sport of eventing; it may also be a competition in its own right, known as hunter trials or simply "cross-country", although these tend to be lower-level, local competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Badminton Horse Trials</span> Annual equestrian event in England

The Badminton Horse Trials is a five-day event, one of only seven annual Concours Complet International (CCI) Five Star events as classified by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). It takes place in May each year in the park of Badminton House, the seat of the Duke of Beaufort in South Gloucestershire, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burghley Horse Trials</span> Annual event in England

The Defender Burghley Horse Trials is an annual three-day event held at Burghley House near Stamford, Lincolnshire, England, currently in early September. Defender Burghley Horse Trials is classified by the FEI as one of the seven leading three-day events in the world. It has competition at CCI5*-L level. The prize for first place is currently £110,000. Prize money is given down to 20th place.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kentucky Three-Day Event</span> Eventing competition

The Kentucky Three-Day Event, currently the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event due to sponsorship, is an eventing competition held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Land Rover Kentucky is a CCI5*-L eventing competition. Five stars is the highest level of competition in the sport, the same level of competition as Eventing at the Olympics and the World Equestrian Games. The event is sponsored by Land Rover. Prize money of $400,000 is distributed among the top placings with $110,000 as well as a Rolex watch awarded to the first place horse and rider. The winning rider also gets a 12-month lease of a Land Rover

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is the organization responsible for organizing, promoting and adjudicating equestrian eventing in the United States. Formerly known as the United States Combined Training Association, the USEA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Equestrian events at the 1912 Summer Olympics</span> Equestrian at the Olympics

The equestrian program at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, included five medal events. There were individual competitions in dressage, eventing, and show jumping. Team scores were also gathered and medals awarded for teams in the eventing and jumping competitions. Equestrian had been absent from the Olympic program since the 1900 Summer Olympics, making the 1912 Games the second time the sport was featured. Ten nations competed: Belgium, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the USA. Only Sweden and Germany were able to supply a full team for all three disciplines, with several countries having several riders and horses used in two or even all three disciplines. A total of 88 entries ran in the three events, with 62 riders and 70 horses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Equestrian events at the 1936 Summer Olympics</span> Equestrian at the Olympics

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Equestrian events at the Summer Olympics</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luhmühlen Horse Trials</span> Annual equestrian eventing competition in Luhmühlen, Salzhausen, Germany

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References

  1. ↑ Paix, B. R. (1 February 1999). "Rider injury rates and emergency medical services at equestrian events". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 33 (1): 46–48. doi:10.1136/bjsm.33.1.46. ISSN   0306-3674. PMC   1756135 . PMID   10027058.
  2. ↑ O'Brien, Denzil; Cripps, Raymond A. (2008). Safety for Horses and Riders in Eventing: The SHARE Database. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. ISBN   978-1-74151-616-6.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Murray, J. K.; Singer, E. R.; Morgan, K. L.; Proudman, C. J.; French, N. P. (2006). "The risk of a horse-and-rider partnership falling on the crosscountry phase of eventing competitions". Equine Veterinary Journal. 38 (2): 158–163. doi: 10.2746/042516406776563314 . ISSN   2042-3306. PMID   16536386.
  4. 1 2 "What is a Rotational Fall". PonyBox.com. 9 June 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Eventing in crisis? | Horsetalk - articles on riding and safety with horses". www.horsetalk.co.nz. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "The International Eventing Safety Committee Report" (PDF). Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). April 2000. p. 1. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  7. ↑ Thomas, Katie (9 April 2008). "Equestrians' Deaths Spread Unease in Sport" (PDF). The New York Times. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  8. ↑ Andres, Sarah A; Bushau-Sprinkle, Adrienne M; Brier, Michael E; Seger, Yvette R (16 November 2018). "Effects of body protection vests and experience levels in prevention of equestrian injuries". BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 4 (1): e000426. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000426. ISSN   2055-7647. PMC   6267465 . PMID   30555716.
  9. 1 2 3 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 2008, Safety for Horses and Riders in Eventing (The SHARE database), RIRDC, no. 08/027, Adelaide.
  10. ↑ "Changes to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Rules in Eventing". www.horsedeals.com.au. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  11. ↑ "Body Protectors | Horse Riding Body Protection | Equestrian Safety Vest | Horse Riding Should Guard | level 3 safety| tackshack.com.au". Tack Shack. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  12. 1 2 Mark Andrews (29 June 2019). "Air vests and body protectors compared in eventing falls study". Horsetalk.co.nz. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  13. ↑ "Take It From the Eventers: How to Manage Your Horse Before, During, and After Intensive Competition". NOËLLE FLOYD. 17 August 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Thier, John. "Frangible Pins and Eventing Safety - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary". eventingnation.com. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  15. ↑ N., a. (10 April 2018). "Is Frangible the Future?". Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  16. 1 2 "Frangible devices to be standard at Australian events | An Eventful Life". www.an-eventful-life.com.au. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  17. 1 2 Coroner's Court Of New South Wales 2019, Inquest into the death of Olivia Inglis, Lidcombe.
  18. ↑ Wakatama, Giselle (6 March 2016). "Teenager killed in horse eventing championship in Hunter Valley". ABC News. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  19. 1 2 Coroner's Court Of New South Wales 2019, Inquest into the death of Caitlyn Fischer, Lidcombe.
  20. ↑ "Teen dies after falling from horse in Sydney equestrian event". ABC News. 30 April 2016. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  21. ↑ "Black weekend for Australian eventing after loss of two horses". 17 May 2021.
  22. ↑ "Statement regarding Naracoorte Horse Trials Event".
  23. ↑ Threlkeld, Leslie. "Nikita Sotskov Dies in Rotational Fall at Ratomka Minsk CIC3* - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary". eventingnation.com. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  24. ↑ Allen, Shelby. "Maxime Debost Dies in Rotational Fall at Châteaubriant CCI* - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary". eventingnation.com. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  25. ↑ Autry, Jenni. "Benjamin Winter Killed in Rotational Fall at Luhmühlen - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary". eventingnation.com. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  26. ↑ Autry, Jenni. "French Eventer Killed in Rotational Fall at Barroca D'Alva - Eventing Nation - Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary". eventingnation.com. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  27. ↑ "Equestrianism: Inquiry to focus on safety in eventing after leading". The Independent. 6 September 2004. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  28. ↑ Logan, Chris (4 September 2004). "The horrific moment that a horse crushes its rider in the water jump at Burghley". Daily Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235 . Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  29. ↑ "New Zealand rider Tom Gadsby killed at Cheshire eventing competition". The Guardian. Press Association. 19 August 2013. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  30. ↑ "Teen rider crushed to death by own pony". BBC News. 23 September 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  31. ↑ Ward, Victoria (23 September 2019). "Teenage equestrian star 'crushed' by her pony, inquest hears". The Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235 . Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  32. ↑ Kamille (15 May 2016). "British Eventer Philippa Humphreys Dead Following Rotational Fall at Jersey Fresh International". Horse Network. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  33. ↑ Elder, Lucy (12 July 2019). "Teenage rider and her horse die after cross-country training accident". Horse & Hound. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  34. ↑ Pallotto, Bret (11 July 2019). "Park Forest Middle School student and horse killed in 'freak accident'". Centre Daily Times. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
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