Cross-country eventing risks laid bare in latest research

horsetalk.co.nz

The riskiest cross-country fence types in top-level eventing have been identified by researchers, who suggest the most challenging obstacles should be placed near the start of courses.

Cross-country falls in eventing can be particularly hazardous, resulting in serious or fatal injuries for the horse and rider. The nature of cross-country courses, including fence design, are crucial in the safety equation for the discipline.

Euan Bennet and his fellow researchers, in a study to be published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, said rotational falls are of particular concern.

“Despite the sport’s long history, it was not until 1999 that safety in eventing achieved global attention, when five athlete fatalities in the United Kingdom that year prompted major reviews of safety,” they said.