Demographics, Training Practices, and Injuries in Lower Level Event Horses in the United States

Eventing is a popular riding discipline in which horse and rider complete three phases of competition. The objective of this study was to collect data detailing the demographics, training practices, and injuries of event horses in the United States. Information was obtained by owner or trainer completion of a web-based survey. The survey was sent to members of the United States Eventing Association. Respondents received follow-up surveys once a month for 6 months. A total of 296 responses were initially obtained. At least one follow-up response was obtained for 251 cases. Response rate to subsequent surveys ranged from 30% to 63% each month, with an average of 45% response rate to follow-up surveys. The most common breed represented was Thoroughbred (44.6% of the study sample). Respondents competed horses primarily at lower levels: beginner novice (28.2%), novice (32.3%), and training (23.7%), but there were respondents from all levels of competition. Of those surveys that had at least one follow-up survey completed (253), a total of 72 horses (28.1%) were reported to have sustained a lameness or injury during the 6-month study period. The most common reported injuries or causes of lameness were soft tissue injuries, joint pathologies, foot/hoof pathologies, and muscle strain or damage. A variety of breeds were represented, but the Thoroughbred was the most common breed. No associations between variables we examined and incidence of injury or lameness were found in this sample.