Science provides the evidence to make Eventing safer, say researchers

horsetalk.co.nz

Four evidence-based recommendations have the potential to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities in Eventing’s cross-country phase, according to researchers.

Their recommendations centre around a re-evaluation of qualification criteria, the use of risk profiling, a disqualification limit on dressage scores, and a complete review of course and fence design.

The proposals are put forward by Euan Bennet, Tim Parkin and Heather Cameron-Whytock, who have had three high-profile scientific papers published in recent years in the Equine Veterinary Journal on Eventing safety in the cross-country phase.

The researchers identified risk factors consistent with those reported previously, and also discovered new ones that are modifiable by sport governing bodies.

“It is now more important than ever that equestrian sport engages seriously with the ethics of risk management, as discussions about equestrian sports’ social licence to operate have become more frequent and prominent in recent years,” they noted.