Horse jumping is a competitive equestrian sport where participants attempt to clear a series of obstacles at a high speed. The sport can be extremely strenuous on the horse and rider, with a high risk of injury. Horse jumpers are at risk for injuries in both the upper and lower extremities, as well as the spine due to the risk of falling from a height. Jumping events are broken up into three levels -- hunt, field and stadium, with the last two being the most likely venues for injury. Here is a breakdown of the most common injuries seen in both types of events.
Lower extremity injuries
Lower extremity injuries are the most common injuries seen in jumping events, accounting for up to 70% of all injuries. These injuries are frequently sustained through a fall from height or collision with another horse during the course of the event. The most common lower extremity injuries include pelvic and sciatic nerve injuries. The pelvis is a very mobile joint and can be easily jarred out of alignment through a large fall. This can lead to a strain or tear of the surrounding ligaments or muscles. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that branches off from the lumbar spine and runs down the back of the leg. This nerve can become damaged if it is compressed during a fall or collision, resulting in pain and weakness in the leg. Both of these injuries are considered serious and require prompt attention.
Upper extremity injuries
The upper extremity is the second most common area for injury in jumping events, accounting for between 15% and 20% of all injuries. The majority of upper extremity injuries seen in jumping events are related to overstriding, where the rider rides with their horse’s forehand too close to the ground. Over-striding puts excessive strain on the muscles in the upper arm and shoulder, often resulting in a strain or tear of the muscles. It is important to remember that horse anatomy is very different than human anatomy, and the amount of force required to be effective in the horse world will often be much higher than in human sports. The risk of injury increases greatly if the rider is not sufficiently trained in jumping, or if the horse is not bred for the sport.
Hip and spine injuries
Hip and spine injuries are the least common in jumping events, but should still be kept in mind. The spine is a very sensitive area in horse sports and can become injured through a variety of mechanisms. The horse’s spine is very flexible and can quickly bend and snap back into place, but when it is injured it can cause significant pain and discomfort. The spine is often injured by a fall from height or a collision with another horse, but can also be injured by a sudden acceleration or deceleration of the horse. The most common spine injuries include vertebral fractures and disc injuries. The same mechanisms that cause a spine injury to the horse can also cause a spine injury to the rider. Riders should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a spine injury and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of them.
Summary
Jumping events can cause serious injuries to the horse and rider. The most common injuries seen in jumping events are lower extremity injuries, upper extremity injuries and spine injuries. Horse jumpers should be particularly careful of overstriding, which puts excessive strain on the muscles in the upper extremity. All horse sports require a high level of skill and can be extremely strenuous on the rider and horse. In order to reduce the risk of injury, horse jumpers should be appropriately equipped for the sport, be well rested, warm up properly before jumping, and listen to their veterinarian’s advice on what they can do to avoid injury.