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Study pinpoints risk factors for falls in eventing
Horses competing over longer courses and more starters at cross-country phase were highlighted as risk factors for falls.
Findings will help make the sport safer for horses and athletes.

A study by the University of Bristol has identified characteristics associated with an increased risk of falls in eventing.

Researchers found that horses competing at higher levels, horses competing over longer courses, more starters at the cross-country phase and less experienced athletes are all factors that might contribute to a fall. 

Writing in the Equine Veterinary Journal, the team recommends ways to reduce the chances of a fall, such as adjusting minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) to ensure horses and riders always compete at an appropriate level.

Bristol Veterinary School’s Dr Euan Bennet, explains: “Eventing is an exciting equestrian sport, but horses and riders sometimes get injured during competitions.

“We have gained a detailed understanding of the risk factors that make horses more likely to fall so that we can provide actionable advice to governing bodies on how to reduce the number of horse falls, and therefore injuries and fatalities among horses and riders.”

The study is the first of its kind in more than 20 years. Other factors highlighted by the paper as contributing factors to a fall include: 

  • horses that had previously made fewer starts at the level of their current event
  • male human athletes are at increased odds of experiencing a fall compared with female athletes
  • Younger athletes are at increased odds compared with older athletes.
     
Looking ahead, the team hopes the FEI will use the new evidence to implement evidence-based rules for eventing to protect the safety of athletes and horses without compromising on competitiveness.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.