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Table of Contents
AMEA/SRF Convention 2002 Recap
AMEA/SRF Hall of Fame: Executive Director’s Awards 2002
Profiling Equestrians Injured in “At Home” Riding Accidents: Part III
United States Pony Club Accident Report 2001
Putting the Rubber to the Road: Incorporating Safety Information into Youth Horse Programs
What Stands Between a Child and an Accident
USA Equestrian Passes Mandatory ASTM/SEI Helmet Rule for Eventing
USA Equestrian and USET Agree to Joint Resolution of NGB Dispute
UVM Equine Students Pilot Equestrian First Aid and Safety Program
AMEA/SRF
CONVENTION 2002 RECAP
Extreme
weather in the Northeast delayed or prevented some members from
attending
Convention 2002 (December 5-6, 2002) in Cleveland, OH.
However, due to the partnership with the USEA Annual Meeting,
over 400
attendees had the opportunity to hear our safety message.
Good attendance at our presentations, many compliments from
attendees,
officials and media, and excellent discussion were an indication that
our
message was well received.
The
meeting started with a strategic planning session to examine and plan
for the
merging of AMEA and SRF. A Board
Meeting followed, to formalize the merger and to establish immediate
and
temporary plans. After the USEA
Board of Governors Welcome Reception, a small group attended the
AMEA/SRF
Banquet. Unfortunately, due to the
weather, many conference goers were late in arriving, and therefore
missed the
banquet and awards ceremony. Scheduling
conflicts would not allow us to reschedule the banquet later. Those awards recipients who were delayed,
received their
awards immediately following their presentations at the meeting.
Prior
to the merger of AMEA and SRF, the AMEA had already set it’s sights on
diversifying both membership and target audiences to include not only
medical
professionals, but equine professionals and equestrians.
Therefore, Friday’s schedule included experts speaking on
mapping, barn
safety, concussion research, legal issues, emergency preparedness and
rehabilitation from equestrian accidents. All
sessions were well attended, especially Tim Hadaway of British
Eventing’s
presentation on horse/rider fall research and frangible fencing.
Over 200 people attended Tim’s session, which inspired
productive
discussions with the folks that design event courses.
Finally, many speakers attended and contributed to USEA
Committee
meetings, especially those involving Instructors’ Certification,
Safety, Area
Chairs, and Course Design.
The
program was well received and the AMEA/SRF gained many new members and
donations
from the attendees and potential future sponsors.
The successful merger of the two organizations has started on
the right
foot. AMEA will continue to provide
and disseminate medical and scientific research to the sport
participants, while
the SRF brings a means to assist injured riders to the organization.
Future goals include broadening our reach to other equestrian
disciplines
in order to spread the message of safety and accident prevention to all
riders.
Special
thanks are extended to our sponsors: USEA Safety Committee, American
Equestrian
Insurance Group, Phoenix Performance Products, Aussie Rider, and the
Event Derby
Series. Without their generous
financial support, we could not have had such a successful convention.
Finally,
the USEA staff should be commended for going beyond the call of duty to
facilitate this joint meeting opportunity.
The coordination between USEA and the staff of the Marriott
Cleveland
Renaissance Hotel was superb. The
USEA’s support and partnership with AMEA/SRF further proves that the
message
of safety is being recognized and valued by national equestrian
organizations.
AMEA/SRF extends a sincere thank you to USEA for providing
leadership in
the safety arena.
We
hope to see you next year and look forward to suggestions of how to
improve our
program to benefit the sport.
Rusty
Lowe, EMT-P
Executive Director
AMEA/SRF
There are a few copies of the
Proceedings Manual for AMEA/SRF Convention 2002 available.
This manual, expertly put together and edited by Drs. Betsy
Greene and Doris Bixby-Hammett, contains information about our
organization, sponsors and a synopsis of each presentation. To purchase copies of the manual contact
the AMEA/SRF.
By Rusty Lowe, EMT-P, Executive Director, AMEA/SRF
A year ago, a tragedy brought a group of people together in a strange way. My new friend Wanda was riding Mozart on cross-country at a wonderful event in New Mexico. At the last fence, something went terribly wrong and they fell. I arrived while the event medical personnel were in route. Wanda was critically injured and not breathing. As we began to treat her, one bystander (a Nurse Anesthetist) offered to help. Other bystanders, including an Anesthesiologist and an Emergency Physician, also offered assistance. As EMS and non-medical bystanders worked together as a special team, Wanda was stabilized and was transported by helicopter to a trauma center.
That night many of us talked about what we could do to help equestrian sports. Wendy Wergeles and Jeffray Ryding had been talking for some time about an organization called the Safe Riders Foundation (SRF) that could help riders injured during equestrian sports. I reminded the group that the AMEA had been around for quite some time helping to prevent accidents through research and education. There was more discussion. Could there be an organization in the United States that could do both? We continued talking, and talking and talking…
Today that dream is a reality. After many volunteer hours and much work from both organizations, the American Medical Equestrian Association/Safe Riders Foundation has been formed. Our new organization exists to primarily prevent accidents by education and research. We also will stand ready to assist injured riders within all equestrian sports. Whether clinical, financial or emotional assistance is needed, we will try to provide. The sky is the limit with the proper support.
What kind of support is needed? First, networking and marketing of our organization is very important. Within equestrian sports, word of mouth spreads fast, so spread the word! AMEA/SRF is here to help. Second, financial support is very important. We have to be able to support our efforts with money from donations, corporate sponsors or trusts. Third, clinical support is necessary from physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or anyone in the business of rehabilitation that can offer donated or discounted assistance. Finally, yet importantly, anyone interested in helping with prevention or research to continue our long standing efforts should contact the AMEA/SRF.
As we take on these new challenges and directions with the merger, we are always looking for advice and assistance. Please contact us if you have constructive ideas. Within equestrian sports, we have always been good to help one another, and this is another way to keep this tradition alive. Please stay tuned to our newsletter, website and mail outs for further information.
Due to the efforts of a team that came together in a strange way, Wanda has fully recovered. I saw her again this summer, and was overwhelmed at her recovery after extensive (expensive) medical treatment and therapy. Sadly, Mozart died during his fall. As I watched him fall, I know he twisted, breaking his neck to keep from falling on his special friend. He gave his life to save hers. What a hero.
As we embark on our new endeavor, what are you willing to contribute? We are not asking that you give your life, as Mozart did. We are just asking for a little time, a little support or a little money. What are you willing to do for your special friends? Think about it.
I hope you have a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year.
Rusty Lowe, EMT-P
Executive Director
AMEA/SRF
Happy
New Year to one and all. Great changes are
in store for 2003. The newly merged
AMEA/SRF has a new name, new logo, and new
blood. All of this bodes well for
the safety of riders in the future. A
conference call is being arranged for the new Board of Directors to
continue to
chart our path. We need your input
and your energy to continue to move this organization forward.
Sign up, join up and tell your friends.
This is an opportunity to support a not for profit organization
meant to
meet the safety needs of riders in North America.
Research and education are still the keys to prevention, and
prevention
is the best treatment for rider injuries. The
“AMEA” part of the AMEA/SRF still has the same goals for education and
research, and SRF will add the element of rider support after the
injury or
accident has occurred.
I
was recently able to attend a lecture on mild traumatic brain injury
given by Dr
Grant Iverson of the University of British Columbia.
He has collaborated with Michael Collins and Lovell in
Pittsburgh on
brain injury research from a neuropsychological point of view.
The bad news is that changes occur with as little as 5 minutes
of mild
disorientation. A cascade of
metabolic changes occurs that does not peak for 24 to 72 hours, and is
worsened
by activity. The good news is that
the changes after 10 days to 3 months are virtually gone.
At one year, any remaining changes are more likely due to
depression or chronic pain, than to actual brain damage.
Remember, this is mild brain trauma, usually with no loss of
consciousness. The good news is that education, reassurance and
follow-up
availability markedly decreases the anxiety and consequences of the
injury.
People who know what to expect are less likely to panic or get
depressed
when they feel the usual non-specific head trauma symptoms.
They improve more rapidly with less long-term sequelae.
The AMEA /SRF deals with all types of rider injury but it all still boils down to, "You can't ice the brain." We have a good tool to prevent these injuries, the ASTM/SEI approved helmet, and we will continue our efforts to promote it. Other aspects of safety for riders requires research, education and support as well, but it is reassuring that research by the likes of Lovell, Iverson and Collins is going forward. Anyone doing injury research needs to be encouraged, and if you have ideas for research or education in rider safety please contact us. Your ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Happy
and safe trails,
Janet
M. Friesen, MD
President
AMEA/SRF
Pat
Comerford, Extension Horse Program Coordinator at Pennsylvania State
University,
was the 2002 Ayer-Hammett Award recipient.
Pat has provided leadership in the equine industry for youth
safety
programs through her involvement in the American Youth Horse Council
(AYHC) and
her extension responsibilities. She
makes the effort to research, find, and disseminate the most up-to-date
materials to her leaders and colleagues. Although
her primary focus area includes Equine/youth extension (4-H) programs,
she has
also had extensive involvement with equine adult extension programs and
with
undergraduate courses in equine studies. In
fact, until this past summer when Penn State hired an additional
Extension Horse
Specialist, Pat has single handedly met the needs of equine clientele
throughout
the state of Pennsylvania.
Pat
has succeeded in gaining respect of her peers, clientele and
administration due
to her strong integrity, leadership skills, and the ability to follow
projects
through to completion. Pat is
always extremely motivated, and very well organized.
It is not a coincidence that AYHC has become a prominent voice
in the
equine industry during Pat’s tenure in the President position.
In
addition to her all encompassing equine extension accomplishments, Pat
has been
involved with key activities that promote Equine Safety.
Pat took on an educational and leadership role that put people
first.
In doing so, she has successfully developed industry relations
and
extension programs that are local, state, regional, and national in
scope and
recognition. She has edited and
published the National Youth Horse Safety Manual for the American Youth
Horse
Council. Pat has been involved in
the development of a number of innovative programs with youth
horsemanship
educational programming that puts safety and youth first.
Pat is a team player. Her
leadership in the “Agricultural Safety” area has moved this educational
programming area from a hand full of extension agents to being a
national
initiative. Pat Comerford is an
excellent and qualified recipient for the 2002 Ayer-Hammett Award. Congratulations, Pat!
AMEA
HALL OF FAME: EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR’S AWARDS 2002
This was a remarkable year for the AMEA/SRF. What began as a year with an uncertain future of AMEA organizational direction, turned out to be a year of successes and miracles. One result of an evaluation process was the joining of two equine safety related organizations with parallel missions to form the new American Medical Equestrian Association/Safe Riders Foundation (AMEA/SRF). None of this could have happened without cooperation and teamwork, intestinal fortitude and imagination of many people involved with both organizations.
Many persons were instrumental in contribution to and strengthening of AMEA’s efforts to provide a valuable service to equestrian sports. The Executive Director’s Awards recognize the people and/or organizations that have contributed greatly to accomplishing the AMEA/SRF goals during the past year. The three recipients for 2002 are most deserving.
The recipients of the 2002 Executive Director’s Awards are:
The Equine Law and
Horsemanship
Safety Website Webmaster Robert Dawson:
The Equine Law and Horsemanship Safety web site (http://www.law.utexas.edu/dawson/) contains comprehensive resource materials on equine law and horsemanship safety. Both the legal and horsemanship materials are suitable for use by law students, lawyers, and the general public. The materials are updated each week with new law cases for horsemen within days after they have been decided by the courts and with other materials, as they become available1.
Robert (Bob) Dawson, JD holds the Bryant Chair in Law at the University of Texas School of Law, where he has taught for 35 years. He teaches criminal law, juvenile law, and he team-teaches (with his wife Jan) the only equine law course being taught in any American law school. Bob’s computer expertise allows him to keep his Equine Law and Horsemanship Safety and the American Association for Horsemanship Safety, Inc. (AAHS) websites up-to-date with current equine law issues, statutes, regulations, safety information, and court cases.
For several years, Bob has generously donated his time and efforts to convert the “AMEA News” issues to web format, and has provided a home for the AMEA News archives. Without Bob and AAHS, the AMEA/SRF could not have provided valuable safety information via the World Wide Web. For more information on AAHS, go to http://www.horsemanshipsafety.com/.
1Information taken from (http://www.law.utexas.edu/dawson/)
Dr. Doris Bixby-Hammett:
Anyone familiar with our organization recognizes Dr. Hammett’s name. There is no way to put in print all of her contributions to the AMEA/SRF. Doris was a founding member of the original AMEA and initially fulfilled the duties of Executive Director while she was a practicing pediatrician and an active rider. At some point and time, she also found time to raise a family. Doris has reviewed safety reports from all the major equestrian organizations and has contributed significantly to major equestrian-related injuries and prevention studies. She is a Safety Consultant for the United States Pony Club, an honorary Board Member of the Medical Equestrian Association of England and Consulting Editor for the AMEA/SRF News. As Director Emeritus, Doris continues to write articles, answer e-mails, and provide invaluable information and assistance to the board.
From the start of my career with the AMEA/SRF, Doris has provided me with valuable assistance with all aspects of my job.
Dr. Elizabeth Greene:
Elizabeth (Betsy) Greene, Ph.D. was recommended by Jan Dawson of AAHS as a potential Board Member who would help our organization move into the future. She has done just that. As Extension Equine Specialist for the University of Vermont, Betsy is involved in all areas of equestrian sports and is a good example to all with regards to safety.
Betsy is a key player in helping us to reach our goal of diversifying our organizational membership to reach laypersons as well as medical professionals. As Technical Editor of the AMEA/SRF News she has worked to make our quarterly publication appealing and understandable to all within the sport. She also was very instrumental in assistance with our recent merger and provided great assistance in coordinating and planning our convention. At the last minute, she was burning the midnight oil to complete our proceedings manual.
She is always willing to give advice, provide support and her sense of humor has helped me keep my sanity during difficult times.
Please join me in congratulating some individuals who have helped our organization thrive and move forward. I look forward to 2003’s awards to further recognize others who help AMEA/SRF achieve its mission. Teamwork and dedication has paid off and our sport will continue to benefit from the contribution of AMEA/SRF.
Rusty
Profiling Equestrians Injured In “At Home” Riding Accidents: Part III.
Susan
Anthony-Tolbert, Ph.D.
Gallaudet University
Introduction
In parts I and II (AMEA NEWS March and June 2002) of profiling equestrians injured at home, we have considered various factors associated with the accident including “feeling states” (depression, nervousness and anger), attributed cause(s) of the accident, safety practices both before and after the accident, and the nature of the physical injuries. In addition, gait and behavior of the horse at the time of the accident were reported. In Part III, we present data on the level of enjoyment experienced by riders subsequent to the accident. We also provide information on the choice of coping methods used by riders who experienced depression, nervousness, or anger because of the accident.
Results
Enjoyment Levels Following
an
Accident:
The majority (78%) of respondents reported that they enjoyed riding once they returned to the saddle, while only 9% felt that they enjoyed riding “a little or not at all” after the accident. Level of depression (rp (444) = -.324, p = .000) and nervousness (rp (438) = -.422, p= .000) that were present after the accident were significantly related to subsequent enjoyment of riding. A high level of depression or nervousness reported by a rider at the time of the accident corresponded with less enjoyment when riding was resumed. When respondents were asked to rate any changes in enjoyment level (either increases or decreases in enjoyment) since the accident, 49% indicated that it had remained the same. Sixteen percent felt that they were enjoying their riding and their horses more post accident than before. However, 35% reported less enjoyment after the accident.
Rider/Handler Coping
Methods:
Part I of this study reported that approximately 40% of the participants experienced slight to moderate feelings of depression and/or nervousness and/or anger within twenty-four hours of an accident. Approximately 29% reported that they were very depressed, 35% very nervous and 2% very angry immediately after an accident. Respondents were asked, “What did you do to alleviate these feelings?” Seventy percent of the participants reported their coping strategies. The table below gives strategies provided by at least 5% of respondents.
Riders’ Self Reported Coping
Strategies After An Accident
|
Coping Strategies Reported |
Percent of Respondents: |
||
|
Depression |
Nervousness |
Anger |
|
| Talking to self, spouse, friends and analyzing the accident and feelings. |
20 |
18 |
30 |
| Simply ride - just ride, ride and ride. |
16 |
15 |
15 |
| Receive therapy and meditation (cognitive, relaxation, sports psychology were therapies mentioned most often.) |
12 |
13 |
5 |
| Beg, Borrow, Buy and Celebrate the “Steady Eddy” type of horse. |
10 |
8 |
5 |
| Medication. |
6 |
5 |
5 |
| Take more lessons. |
5 |
5 |
4 |
| Change riding disciplines. |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| Change instructors. |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| Read horse magazines and books. |
5 |
5 |
8 |
| Simply hang out with horses. |
5 |
5 |
n/a |
| Accept that things happen and let it go! |
n/a |
n/a |
25 |
| Rest. |
6 |
5 |
n/a |
| Cry it out. |
n/a |
n/a |
5 |
| Take a vacation from horses and be pampered. |
5 |
n/a |
n/a |
| Exercise other than riding. |
n/a |
5 |
5 |
Summary and Conclusions
In traditional attribution studies, riders/handlers are presented with a list of internal and external causes from which to choose from to assign causality of the accident. Riders will more often blame external factors for the negative outcomes (their accidents). In the present study, because the accident involved a horse, the “personality of the horse” was often attributed as the cause of the accident. When given the opportunity to select possible causes and to add some of their own, equestrians were almost equally split in terms of selecting a single cause of the accident (54%) or selecting multiple causes (46%). For the “multiple cause” group, myriad factors are seen as influencing their accidents. For the “single cause” group, rider error was most frequently selected. However, this “internal” cause seemed to be viewed by the respondents as a rider error that could have happened to anyone, and was not viewed as an internal cause.
Some attributions may be more counterproductive than others. Blaming the accident on Divine Intervention, for example, may make those riders less open to better safety precautions, to more lessons, or to acquiring a safer horse, etc. On the other hand, riders that get so involved on blaming themselves and attributing the accident to internal causes may do well to use more of the “this could happen to anyone” attitude and get back on their horses. Observers tended to see the accidents as caused by factors internal to the rider, namely, rider ability and rider effort. Equestrians need to be mindful of this difference in perspective when we judge an equestrian accident. How we select from internal or external causes seem to be largely determined by whether we are in the saddle or standing on the rail.
Physically, the riders/handlers were able to return to the sport, on average, in 2.3 months. Psychologically, the after effects of riding accidents last longer {e.g. depression (4.67 months), nervousness (8.7 months) or anger (5.73 months)}. Five riders were completely healed physically, but have not ridden since the accident. Another nine percent (41 riders) did not enjoy their riding at all or very little after the accident.
The psychological after-effects from riding accidents need to be addressed. An interesting discovery found in examining the responses was that not one of these 35%, who felt decreased enjoyment in their riding post accident, mentioned access to a “Steady Eddy” type horse after the accident. Respondents who did (around 13% of the total sample) could not praise their equine rescuer enough. Some “Eddies” were already in the barn as retirees and lovingly endured weeks of “simply walking” to give their owners a renewed sense of confidence. Some “Eddies” came on loan from friends and instructors. Others were purchased on the advice of caring and supportive trainers, instructors and friends. The “Eddies” came in all shapes and sizes, from an ancient little Welsh ridden by an older lady, to a dead quiet, quarter-type Molly mule, to an 18-hand elderly Appaloosa Draft cross. The “Steady Eddy” horses did immeasurable help.
In addition, many riders expressed a need to talk about their accidents with someone who would understand and listen to them. Friends, riding buddies and/or sympathetic, supportive spouses were invaluable. However, sometimes respondents did not have access to such a person or they needed more “listening” and more support that a non-professional could provide. Riders who used therapists to help alleviate negative psychological states reported this to be beneficial. Likewise, respondents who used sport psychologists who were also equestrians, benefited greatly.
Equestrians need to rethink the old adage, “you fall off, get back on and don’t think about it.” Riders do need to think about it and do need to work through their feelings. They may need help in the form of a trained psychology professional to do so. This is certainly not true for every fall. For some falls that require medical intervention and rehabilitation, the possibility of psychological support should also be part of the treatment. With the undeniable medical expense of these equestrian accidents and with recent issues in the insurance industry, we, as equestrians, should police ourselves and insist on the highest standards of safety and equipment. The alternative might be to have some agency or insurance company limit riding or deny coverage!
Accidents are an inevitable part of life. To those of us who love horses, riding makes living more enjoyable. My purpose in doing this research was not to eliminate accidents. We all have a serious responsibility to minimize their frequency and severity and to know how to deal with their psychological consequences.
The buck, rear, bolt, spin, spook, and run out at a jump are part of the behavior of some horses. These can be a large part of the behavior of some horses. Occasionally, even the sweetest, best-trained, most consistent horse in the world can engage in any of these. These negative equine behaviors were associated with 60% of the mounted accidents reported. Respondents also reported well-known accident scenarios where the rider forgot to tighten a girth, the equipment failed, the saddle slipped, or the rider simply lost his/her balance and fell. However, other accidents or incidents that seemed less common and less well known include:
A) The Mounting Block Hazard:
When sand or dirt was left on the surface of the mounting block, several riders sustained injuries as they attempted to mount. Their slipping and sliding or the sound of the grit on the plastic-mounting block caused several horses to spook, spin or bolt. Others were injured because their hands were caught in the reins when the horse bolted from the sounds of the slipping and sliding. Others fell because the mounting block was not balanced and/or secured properly.
B) Too
Many Hands Can Spoil The Pie:
Several respondents reported that two people working around a horse should communicate clearly and often to each other. Several riders sustained injuries when they were working on their horses’ front feet or placing protective boots on the horse’s legs and the trainer or assistant tightened the girth. Several riders were working behind their horses, when a second person (at the horse’s head) disciplined the animal, adjusted a bridle abruptly, or decided to pull the horse’s mane.
C) Select Wise Trainers, Wise Instructors and Wise Barn Managers:
When selecting equine professionals (trainers, instructors, barn managers, grooms, barn personnel etc.), you should discuss and/or have in writing what you prefer done in an emergency. While it is very hard to legislate or guarantee common sense in an emergency situation, respondents indicated that a simple discussion “pre-accident” with their trainers or instructors or the managers/owners of their boarding facilities might have saved them hours of agony and reduced the risk of worse injury. Some horrible examples were:
Ø The instructor refused to call an ambulance for an injured rider whose galloping horse had fallen on her. The instructor decided that the injuries were not serious and proceeded to drive the injured rider (whose diagnosis was fractured ribs) to a hospital, and chose to stop for gas on the way.
Ø Several riders recounted incidences where they knew their backs were injured or their legs were broken, and informed their instructors. However, they were “required” to mount and to continue the lesson. Only after several more complaints on their parts was something done. Several were taken to the bathroom and helped into a warm tub, and in two cases riders were given a stiff drink of whiskey to “cure what ails” them. In both of these last cases, the riders had fractured their spines.
Ø Several riders mentioned accidents that might have been minimized had the staff or owners of the farm been more alert and more aware of simple safety precautions. One example involved a ladder that was left precariously resting against the wall of the barn on a very windy day. The respondent had severe medical consequences when it landed on both her and the horse she was leading.
Ø Several riders mentioned that they were mounting green horses when the owners of the boarding farms let their dogs out for a run. The farm owners seemed to have no idea of the potential dangers, and offered no assistance. Amazingly, as one rider was being pitched through the air, the farm owner yelled, “try not to upset the dogs.”
Ø Several riders had accidents involving loading and unloading their horses in a trailer. These persons emphasized the importance of asking only another horse person whom you know and respect, and if have seen his/her behavior around horses for assistance. The typical incident (and there were several of these reported) involved an assistant positioned at the head of the horse. He /she was supposedly helping with the loading of a difficult, reluctant, frightened horse with previously bad trailering experiences. Unfortunately, these assistants “disciplined” the horse either by “whacking it a good one” or screaming at it. The horse backed out of the trailer, bringing the unsecured ramp down on top of the owner and trampling the owner in the process. The injuries in these cases were some of the most horrific that were reported.
D) Bareback Pads Are Dangerous.
When their horses shied, spooked or spun, the bareback pads slipped and/or rotated under their bellies. In addition to the riders being thrown from the horse, the feeling of the pad under the horse’s belly caused them to panic. Riders were kicked in the head, face, or shoulders as the horses tried to kick or buck free from the pad.
E) Trying
Out A Horse For Purchase:
Accidents occurred when owners insisted that although the horse had never been ridden English (or Western), he wouldn’t mind! In another case, respondents were not told that the horse was blind. In a familiar ring, with great footing, the horse did relatively well. When the rider was granted permission to take it on the trail, things became ugly. One woman (she had asked for permission) attempted to jump the horse over a little log with disastrous consequences. As they waited for the ambulance, the owner mentioned that he guessed she now knew the horse had a vision problem.
Several riders suffered negative consequences when they were given an unbroken horse to try for potential purchase. Typically, riders called about a horse for sale and were interested in trying it out. The owner was not present, but had instructed someone else to show the horse to the prospective buyer, and the wrong horse was shown. For example, one friend of the owner could not remember “which one of the bays was trained to ride and which one was totally unbroken!” She guessed wrong. When another prospective buyer regained consciousness from being bucked off an unbroken two-year-old, the barn worker shrugged that all chestnuts look alike.
As indicated throughout the report, more work remains to be done on profiling both the attributed accident causes and emotions of injured equestrians. In addition, we need to be mindful that this data was retrospective in nature. Many sports psychologists prefer predictive studies or, at least, data collected “at the scene”. This is impossible to do with “at home” riding accidents. Large riding schools or programs, university courses, Pony Club, etc. may be able to do those kinds of studies. However, this research, although it was retrospective and self-reported, still offers some valid insights into equestrians’ attributions and emotions after a horse-related injury.
Susan Anthony-Tolbert, PhD is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Undergraduate Psychology Program at Gallaudet University located in Washington, DC. To contact the author, please e-mail her at susan.anthony@gallaudet.edu .
The
AMEA/SRF appreciates her time and effort with this extensive study and
article.
United
States Pony Club Accident Report 2001
Introduction
The
United States Pony Club (USPC) has reported accidents involving its
members to
the Safety Committee since 1979. Accidents are reported regardless of
whether or
not they result in injuries. Age, gender, rating, cause of accident,
site of the
accident, and if there is an injury, type of injury, body location, and
treatment is tabulated by the Safety Committee. The Safety Committee
uses this
information to give an annual report to the Board of Governors, and if
indicated, make recommendations aimed at providing the safest possible
experience for our children.
Findings
One
hundred accidents were reported during USPC activities in the year
2001, of
which 95 resulted in injuries. This represents a decrease from last
year’s
total of 110 accidents reported, but within the range of accident
reports from
prior years (81 in 1999, 130 in 1998, and 106 in 1997). However, since
36 of
these were reported at Nationals/Festival, it appears likely that
accidents were
under reported in 2001, especially when compared with the 130 reported
during
the previous Nationals/Festival year of 1998.
The
charts below compare the percentages of children in each category for
the years
1999 through 2001. The word "pony" is used loosely to refer to both
horses and ponies.
Percentage
of Accidents by Ratings*
| |
Percent |
||||
| Rating |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2001 w/o
Natls/Fest |
2001
Membership |
| Adult |
|
|
1 |
|
|
| UNR |
7 |
5 |
9 |
16 |
22 |
| D1 |
12 |
15 |
11 |
19 |
14 |
| D2 |
27 |
27 |
17 |
26 |
21 |
| D3 |
12 |
24 |
10 |
12 |
15 |
| C1 |
12 |
15 |
17 |
19 |
12 |
| C2 |
14 |
10 |
11 |
3 |
8 |
| C3 |
6 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
4 |
| B |
4 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
| H, HA, A |
0 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
| N/A |
5 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
*See
AMEA NEWS September 2001 for
definition of Ratings
Ratings
The
table above shows the percentage of each year’s accident reports for
the last
three years broken down by the ratings of pony clubbers (PCers)
involved in
accidents, along with the percentages of PCers ratings reflected in the
2001
USPC membership. Removing the
reports from Nationals/Festival and those without rating information
leads to
the percentages reported in the column labeled “2001
w/o Natls/Fest.” Comparing these
with figures from 1999 shows that the percentage of accidents involving
unrated
pony clubbers increased substantially, while the C2 percentage
decreased
substantially. Based on the table
values, our unrated and D-level PCers are a group that is particularly
vulnerable to injuries. The data
should serve as a reminder that care needs to be taken to assure that
they are
always in safe, secure situations, where they are suitably mounted, and
not
being pushed to do things before they are ready.
PCers in the D-C1 ratings (which account for over half
the
membership as group) consistently account for over sixty percent of the
reported
accidents.
Percentage
of Accidents by Age
| |
Percent |
|||
| Age |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2001
Membership |
| 5 & under |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 6 to 8 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
6 |
| 9 to 11 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
23 |
| 12 to 14 |
35 |
42 |
34 |
34 |
| 15 to 17 |
26 |
28 |
35 |
26 |
| 18 & over |
10 |
5 |
7 |
12 |
Age
The
table above shows the percentage of each year’s accident reports for
the last
three years broken down by the ages of PCers involved in accidents,
along with
the percentages of PC ages reflected in the 2001 USPC membership.
We are seeing most of our accidents in the 12-17 year age group.
As prior Accident Reports have noted, keeping the 12-17 group
safe
continues to be a challenge, as they are adolescents who are prone to
balking at
authority figures and are more likely to engage in risky behavior.
Percentage
of Accidents by Activity
| |
Percent |
||
| Age |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
| Unmounted |
|
|
24 |
| Cross Country |
22 |
17 |
21 |
| Jumping |
17 |
26 |
28 |
| Mounted Meeting |
17 |
26 |
24 |
| Games |
14 |
3 |
9 |
| Taking Lesson |
0 |
0 |
11 |
| Rally |
12 |
3 |
37 |
| Other |
17 |
25 |
8 |
Activity
Of
the 100 accident reports in 2001, 76 of them involved mounted
activities and of
these, 37% were from rallies (reflecting that 2001 was a
Nationals/Festival
year). The Unmounted and Rally
percentages are included in the above table, along with the percentages
for the
various mounted activities. Each
mounted percentage reflects the percentage that a particular activity
represents
of all the mounted activities; e.g., 21% of the mounted accidents
occurred
during cross-country. This was done
so that the percentages associated with the mounted activities could be
compared
across years. The “jumping”
activity excludes cross country jumping, while “mounted meeting”
excludes
all jumping, “games,” and “taking lesson” reports.
Although comparison between the years may be difficult due to
changes in
the way accident activities were tabulated, jumping fences remains the
highest
area of risk. In addition, jumping
injuries appear to be on the increase, constituting 39% of the mounted
accident
reports in 1999, 43% in 2000, and 49% (almost half!) in 2001. Accident reports involving games dropped
significantly from
1999 to 2000, while accident reports involving vaulting, dressage, etc.
(classified under “Other”) decreased significantly from 2000-2001.
Percentage
of Accidents by Location
| |
Percent |
||
| Location |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
| Arena/Ring |
37 |
53 |
27 |
| Outside Course |
40 |
26 |
42 |
| Saddling |
4 |
5 |
0 |
| Trail |
4 |
2 |
2 |
| Pasture |
11 |
5 |
0 |
| Stall |
0 |
0 |
8 |
| Grooming |
0 |
0 |
5 |
| Other |
6 |
8 |
16 |
Location
Reported
accidents (other than in 2000) were much more likely to occur on an
outside
course, with the area/ring the second most likely.
While we do not have the data to tell us whether mounted
activities were
more likely to be held outside or in rings, this statistic can
certainly remind
us of the greater risks posed when an activity is taking place outside
of the
confines of a ring. Accident causes
such as falling/slipping, bucking, and heat were all much more likely
to occur
outside than in a ring. Clearly,
those in charge of an outside activity must emphasize that such an
activity
requires that not only must the pony clubbers be competent enough to
maintain
control, but also mature enough to recognize and prevent heat-related
illnesses.
The incidence of pasture accidents dropped to 0, continuing the
trend
seen from 1999 to 2000, while stall and grooming accidents (categorized
as
“saddling” in 1999 and 2000) increased, as did “Other.”
The “other” category included accidents that occurred while
mounting/dismounting in the barn area, working in the trailer area, and
walking
to/from the barn. These percentages serve
as a reminder that accidents do
happen everywhere, and that both PCers and adults need to maintain a
focus on
circumstances on the ground that could lead to accidents away from
“where the
action is.”
Percentage
of Accidents by Causes
|
|
Percent |
|||||
|
Causes |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2001
Unmounted |
2001
Mounted |
2001
Jumping |
|
Pony refused jump |
17 |
8 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
|
Pony fell or stumbled |
17 |
9 |
11 |
0 |
11 |
5 |
|
Pony bucked/reared |
15 |
27 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
5 |
|
Pony kicked rider |
1 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
Pony stepped on rider |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Pony spooked or shied |
15 |
12 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
2 |
|
Pony overjumped |
5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Rider out of position or not in control |
19 |
24 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
8 |
|
Unrelated to riding |
2 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Equipment failure |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Other |
7 |
6 |
19 |
10 |
9 |
3 |
|
Unrelated to horse |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
N/A |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
4 |
Causes
The
table above presents the accident cause percentages for 1999 through
2001.
The two most frequent causes of accidents in 2000 were “pony
bucked/reared” and “rider out of position or not in control.”
It should be noted that these two causes, when combined with
“spooked
or shied” occurred more frequently when the PCer was riding on the flat
rather
than jumping (the total number of accidents on the flat and while
jumping were
roughly the same). This may be
because jumping is perceived as “higher risk” and therefore there is a
greater focus on safety. As the
data shows, riding on the flat is not an opportunity to relax and not
concentrate on being safe.
The
“Other” causes jumped from 6% to 19%. The
“Other” causes included accidents related to heat illness, insect
stings,
and one incredible incident where a horse tried to jump fence in a
paddock, and
broke a board which flew and hit a PCer in the abdomen.
Both “Equipment Failures” involved peacock stirrups with
sharp edges that cut PCers as they were dismounting, while the
“Unrelated to
horse” involved a case of heat illness and a dog bite at unmounted
meetings.
The “Pony kicked” percentage increased slightly, and included
the
usual suspects: kicked while waiting to jog, while bandaging, while
another
horse tried to kick PCer’s horse, and passing behind a horse.
Percentage
of Accidents by Area of Body Injured
| |
Percent |
||||
| Area of Body Injured |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2001
Unmounted |
2001
Mounted |
| Head |
14 |
12 |
19 |
0 |
20 |
| Face |
6 |
12 |
12 |
1 |
11 |
| Dental |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Neck |
7 |
6 |
8 |
1 |
7 |
| Dorsal/Lumber Spine |
6 |
13 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
| Chest/Ribs |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
| Collarbone |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Shoulder |
12 |
6 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
| Upper Arm |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Elbow |
4 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
| Forearm |
7 |
7 |
11 |
1 |
10 |
| Wrist/Hand/Fingers |
25 |
12 |
13 |
5 |
9 |
| Abdomen |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
| Pelvis/Hip |
12 |
12 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
| Buttock |
3 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
| Thigh |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Knee |
10 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
| Leg |
3 |
9 |
7 |
2 |
5 |
| Ankle/Foot/Toe |
6 |
10 |
13 |
7 |
6 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
4 |
| N/A |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
Area
of Body Injured
The
table above presents the body area affected percentages for 1999
through 2001.
There were a total of 95 injured PCers, but if more than one
body area
was injured, all injuries are included in these statistics.
Head injuries increased from 12% to 19%, all of which involved
mounted
activities and highlighting the need wear an ASTM/SEI, fitted, secured
helmet
when riding. Injuries involving the
back or pelvis both dropped 6%, while injuries to the forearm increased
by 4%.
The “Other Area” accidents included two groin injuries caused by
stirrups with sharp edges (dragged across the groin while dismounting)
mentioned
earlier under “equipment failure,” and general body aches following a
fall.
The two accidents
where the
affected body area was unknown both involved insect stings.
Injuries
involving the foot continued to increase. Our
PC members are required to wear approved footwear. Approved footwear
is a shoe that is
securely fastened, and covers the entire foot and ankle with a sturdy
material
(preferably leather). The
importance of wearing such footwear, whether mounted or unmounted is
emphasized
by the increasing percentage of foot injuries over the past two years.
Percentage
of Accidents by Type of Injury
| |
Percent |
||||
| Type of Injury |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2001
Unmounted |
2001
Mounted |
| Open Fracture |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Closed Fracture |
25 |
22 |
11 |
1 |
10 |
| Concussion/Unconscious |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Concussion/Conscious |
9 |
6 |
9 |
1 |
8 |
| Bruise/Abrasion |
33 |
39 |
44 |
11 |
33 |
| Sprain/Muscle Pull |
17 |
18 |
11 |
1 |
10 |
| Laceration/No sutures |
0 |
2 |
9 |
0 |
9 |
| Laceration/Sutures |
6 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Dislocation/Separation |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Internal Injuries |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| Shook Up |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
| Sunstroke/Heat Exhaustion |
3 |
0 |
10 |
5 |
5 |
| Insect Bite/Sting |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
8 |
1 |
6 |
Type
of Injury
The
table above presents the injury type percentages for 1999 through 2001.
Percentage sums may be more than 100, since more than one type
of injury
may be associated with some accidents. Fractures
decreased from 24% to 11%, while the percentage of sprains and muscle
pulls also
dropped substantially (from 18% to 11%).
Sunstroke
and heat exhaustion rose from 0% in 2000 (and 3% in 1999) to 10% in
2001.
Mitigating this somewhat, is the fact that all of these reports
came from
Nationals/Festival, held in the middle of summer in the challenging
climate of
Lexington, Kentucky. These low percentages
may suggest that regional/local
programs are doing a good job of educating their PCers about
heat-related risks,
as well as taking steps to minimize that risk (e.g., making sure PCers
are
hydrated, scheduling activities at cooler times of the day, etc.).
The sunstroke reports were evenly split between mounted and
unmounted
situations, highlighting again that PCers and adults need to be “risk
aware”
in all situations, not just riding.
The
association between injuries involving the head and the incidence of
concussion
was examined. While 20% of the
mounted injuries involved the head, only 38% of these injuries were
associated
with a concussion. We can assume
that the incidence of concussion would probably have been much higher
had the
PCers not been wearing ASTM/SEI helmets that stayed on during the
accident.
The
accident reports necessitated the creation of two new categories,
“Shook Up”
and “Insect Bite/Sting.” The
latter can range from being an annoyance to being life-threatening.
At Nationals/Festival, a PCer who was volunteering got stung by
a bee and
had an anaphylactic reaction. The
PCer was given epinephrine and Benadryl at the scene and transported by
ambulance to the emergency room, but as the accident report noted, “If
we had
not had an ambulance on the grounds with advanced life support supplies
within 5
minutes of him, we would have lost him.”
The “Other” category included puncture wounds from a dog bite,
loose
teeth, and fainting.
Percentage
of Accidents by Type of Treatment
|
Percent |
|||||
| Type of Treatment |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2001
Unmounted |
2001
Mounted |
| No Treatment |
30 |
31 |
25 |
1 |
24 |
| Treated on Grounds, returned to ride |
2 |
6 |
27 |
13 |
15 |
| Treated on Grounds, unable to return to ride |
4 |
1 |
15 |
2 |
13 |
| Taken to Hospital, able to return to ride |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
| Taken to Hospital/MD, Unable to return to ride |
52 |
48 |
29 |
5 |
24 |
| Hospitalized |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Left, did not return |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Expired |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Treatment
The
table above presents the treatment percentages for 1999 through 2001.
The accidents that did not involve treatment (25%) typically
involved
soreness and/or bruises. The PCers were examined and no treatment was
deemed
necessary. The percentage of PCers taken to a hospital or a doctor
dropped from
1999 to 2001, with a significant increase of PCers treated on the
grounds.
Reasons for this shift from hospital to grounds might be due to
the
increased presence of medical personnel at mounted activities, the fact
that
many more of the 2001 reports came from rallies where medical personnel
are
required, or that situations that could have led to a more serious
injury were
kept from escalating to that point (e.g., improved teaching, more
suitable
mounts). It should be noted that in
several of the reports, treatment
was provided by a parent who was also a trained medical professional
(e.g.,
nurse, EMT, physician). This
highlights that since most mounted activities take place without an EMT
present,
having an adult with at least some basic first aid training who can
respond to a
medical emergency may result in keeping the emergency from escalating
into a
life-threatening situation. An appropriate first-aid kit needs to be
available
at every mounted activity.
Conclusions/Recommendations
Robin
Baker,
PhD. Safety Committee. United States Pony Clubs, Inc.
6407 Whitney Road. Graham, NC 27253
The
United States Pony Club, 4041 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.
bookstore@ponyclub.org
Putting
the Rubber to the Road: Incorporating Safety Information into Youth
Horse
Programs
Pat
Comerford
2002 Ayer-Hammett Award Winner
Introduction
Safety
education is an integral component of many youth horse programs.
It is an ongoing challenge to develop lifelong safety practices
in youth
and adults, yet keep safety education interesting and fun.
A comprehensive 4-H Horse Safety Program was initiated in
Pennsylvania in
1996 to provide a greater emphasis on safety education, to promote
safety
awareness and practices, and to provide additional safety resources for
youth
and adults. This session will
provide an overview of the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Safety Program and
will
present methods of incorporating safety information into effective
programs.
Development
of a Safety Program
Constructive
input from program participants is vital for any youth program to be
effective.
Although this can be a time consuming process, it is critical to
the
long-term success and well being of the program.
Additionally, the program must be based on accurate, reliable
information
that is readily available to all program participants.
The Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Safety Program was developed with
input from
youth, parents, adult leaders and industry experts.
Program objectives, goals, and key needs of youth and adults
were
identified through meetings, surveys, and review of safety literature. The 4-H Horse Safety Committee was created to
develop the
program, to assess future needs, and to develop curriculum as needed to
meet
program objectives.
The
objectives of the
Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Safety Program are to:
*
Promote safety of youth while working with horses
*
Promote safety awareness and practices in youth, parents,
leaders, and
agents
*
Provide safety resources and activities for participants
*
Incorporate safety education within existing 4-H projects
*
Recognize youth and leaders for safety achievements
Safety
information from numerous sources was used in the development of the
program.
Information and program materials are developed, updated, and
distributed
on an ongoing basis. Sources of
information include the American Medical Equestrian Association (AMEA)1,
American Association of Horsemanship Safety (AAHS),2 Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)3,
United
States Pony Club (USPC)4, the American Youth Horse Council
(AYHC)5,
and numerous other safety texts and resources.
Methods
An
effective safety program must
be a comprehensive educational program that incorporates numerous
components to
promote safety and prevent injuries. A
comprehensive program is critical, since many parents of youth in 4-H
and other
horse programs have little or no first hand experience with horses. Additionally, some local leaders may have
limited equine
experience. Participants must be
aware of the inherent risks of equine activities and that proper
methods will
reduce associated risks.
Primary
components of the
program are:
Ø
"Safety
Resource Packets" which include safety resources for each county
Ø
Educational
programs for youth and adults
Ø
Safety
awards for youth, leaders and clubs
Educational
Programs
The
Horsemanship Skills Program is a key component of the safety program.
The Horsemanship Skills Program provides a planned progression
of skill
development and assessment. It
consists of four levels, from beginner to advanced levels.
Youth learn safety, handling, and horsemanship skills through
various
activities and methods. These
include personal lessons and practice, clinics, seminars, camps, and
demonstrations. Teams of trained
volunteer examiners evaluate the youth for mastery of the skills.
Youth in levels one and two are evaluated at the local level.
Youth in levels three and four are evaluated at a district or
state
level.
Other
safety educational programs and activities include:
·
National,
regional and state leader forums
·
In-service
and continuing education for Penn State faculty and staff
·
County,
regional and state meetings, clinics and seminars
·
Routine
barn checks for 4-H members
Cooperative
safety programming with other universities and organizations is
encouraged to
maximize resources and promote involvement of industry professionals in
4-H
safety programs.
The
Pennsylvania Equine Council (PEC) cooperates to conduct local and
regional barn
fire safety programs for farm managers, fire fighters, emergency
personnel,
parents and youth. The PEC also
conducts horse trailer safety programs with an emphasis on injury
preventative
methods and emergency response. Several
counties conduct clinics, seminars, camps, etc. in cooperation with
various
local, regional and national safety organizations.
Safety
Awards
Youth
and adult leaders should be recognized for their efforts in promoting
safety.
An attractive awards program will encourage continued safety
practices
and promote ongoing safety awareness and education.
There are currently two categories for both youth and adults in
the
safety awards program. These
include awards for both individuals and club or county programs.
Awards are presented at the State 4-H Horse Forum and currently
include
plaques and complimentary awards to attend state events or clinics.
There are future plans to solicit sponsors to expand the awards
to
include scholarships, tack or equipment, awards to sponsor attendance
at
national leadership symposium, and/or cash awards.
Pennsylvania
4-H leaders have received national recognition through the AYHC
National Youth
Horse Leader of the Year Awards. These
leaders have been instrumental in promoting safety, horsemanship, and
positive
life skills in youth. Additionally,
the 4-H Horse Program Development Committee supports travel of
extension
professionals and volunteers to attend the annual AYHC National Youth
Horse
Leaders Symposium. This is another
effective means to encourage continued involvement and recognize
efforts of
those people who actively promote safety education.
Program
Evaluation and Impact
Several
tools are available to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety program
and
identify revisions that may be needed. The
Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program Advisory and Development Committees
conduct
annual reviews of the 4-H Horse Program. These
committees provide recommendations to the Safety Committee for program
revisions
or additions. Changes are made as
warranted and as resources permit.
Data
is collected at the local level to measure the progress of youth in the
Horsemanship Skills Program. Data
is also collected at the local level to document completion of project
requirements related to safety practices, and to document effectiveness
of
specific safety activities. Plans
are to summarize the data by county and record total impact at the
state level.
Plans are being considered to collect data at the local level to
document
the changes through pre-use and post-use values for youth using the 4-H
Horse
Safety Standards and Checklist.
Nationally,
AYHC is conducting a multi-state study to assess the impact of youth
horse
programs on development of horsemanship and life skills in youth. The study will involve a variety of youth
organizations and
university researchers. Although
not specifically targeted to safety programs, this study will provide
valuable
data for documenting impact of youth horse programs, and will provide a
template
for further studies.
Conclusion
Effective
safety programs should be fun, challenging and provide practical,
readily
accessible information for leaders and
youth.
Key components of effective safety programming are development
of a
strong foundation of horsemanship and safety skills, use of current
safety
resources, and recognition of accomplishments of youth and leaders.
The effectiveness of the program should be routinely and
objectively
evaluated, and adjustments in the program should be made as needed.
Cooperation among different safety organizations is vital to
provide
useable, accurate information and maximize resources.
Key
words:
Safety, education, safety standards, safety resources,
horsemanship
skills
References:
1.
American Medical Equestrian Association – newsletter and personal
communication
Birmingham,
AL
35213-0848
866-441-2632
www.ameaonline.org e-mail:
amea@charter.net
2.
American Association for Horsemanship Safety, Inc. – newsletter and
personal
communication
Fentress,
TX 78622-0039 512-488-2220
1-800-383-3843 fax: 512-488-2319
http://www.law.utexas.edu/dawson
email: jzdawson@aol.com
3.
Certified Horsemanship Association – newsletter, horsemanship manuals,
and
personal communication
Tyler, TX
75703-3612
800-399-0138 or 903-509-2473 fax:
903-509-2474
http://www.cha-ahse.org
e-mail: horsesafety@aol.com
4.
United States Pony Clubs, Inc. – USPC manuals, safety studies, and
personal
communication
Lexington, KY 40511 859-254-7669
fax: 859-233-4652 www.ponyclub.org
e-mail: uspc@ponyclub.org
5.
American Youth Horse Council – safety manual, and personal communication
Pueblo West, CO 81007 800-879-2942
or 719-547-7677 www.ayhc.com
e-mail: AYHC@mindspring.com
WHAT
STANDS BETWEEN A CHILD AND AN ACCIDENT?
Parents that are unfamiliar with the inherent risks of riding working with horses may not be aware of the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior and actions at an equine facility. They may assume that their child is being supervised and taught in a safe and professional manner. It may only be after a serious incident occurs that they find out exactly how unsafe a situation in which their child was placed. For example, one activity that is often taken for granted as being “safe” but has caused many unnecessary injuries is lungeing, and one can often observe extremely frightening examples of lungeing at any horse show grounds.
For some reason, safe lungeing practice is taken for granted by many trainers and instructors at all levels, from university riding programs to recreational riders. Professionals allow inexperienced and unprepared children to put a horse through its paces at the end of a thirty-foot lunge line, often with no more than an ill-fitting halter. Ask any horseman about the dangers of lungeing and he will surely tell you about rope burns and dragging. “Wear gloves, hold the line in folds, not loops, and watch the tail of the lunge line.” Yet, we expect a child to have the coordination, foresight, quick decision-making ability and maturity to handle him/herself, the lunge line, and a fractious horse when something goes wrong.
Unfortunately, the child is not always in control, as evidenced by two lungeing court cases that I have worked on. In both cases, children were allowed to lunge with inadequate instruction, and due to poor judgment of the “professionals,” both children will suffer the effects of this carelessness for the rest of their lives. Several years ago, a Florida trainer was dragged to death when her horse ran through parked farm equipment with her caught in the lunge line and dragging behind. Examples of this kind of traumatic situation made me realize that lungeing really is one of the most dangerous activities we perform with a horse. The scope of potential injuries is enormous, however, in my experience most lungeing accidents involve head injuries. This is not very surprising when you consider the opportunities for a horse on a lunge line to turn and kick, as well as “dragging” incidents, where the victims head is the closest thing to the bucking, kicking or running hindquarters of the horse. With this in mind, it makes absolute sense to wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet while lungeing your horse. Organizations such as the U.S. Dressage Federation and the U.S. Pony Club require the use of helmets for this dangerous activity.
We have thousands of children that want to ride and work with horses, but their parents do not ride. As a result, the parents may find a barn by looking up “stable” in the Yellow Pages or taking their child where “all the other children” ride. If a new, uninformed parent asks the parent of a riding child if the riding program is safe, what is the parent going to say about the place where he takes his own child? What is needed is an educated professional, with practical understanding about the dangers of unsafe riding programs. To keep these young riders as safe as possible requires vigilance, skill, and sound counseling at each possible point of contact. Finally, if we (knowledgeable and competent professionals in the equine industry) can create and widely distribute resources that provide background information and “the right questions to ask” for uninformed parents, we will be contributing immensely to the safety of our youth.
For an excellent, systematic
resource
on lungeing, please refer to: USPC
Guide to Longeing and Ground Training
An
intensive guide with information taken from all three levels of the
USPC Manuals
of Horsemanship, with a significant number of added drawings, this
booklet is
designed to provide a solid foundation in longeing and ground training.
Available from: http://store.yahoo.com/uspcbooks/uspcmanuals.html
Jan Dawson is an attorney and President of the American Association for Horsemanship Safety. She is the author of Teaching Safe Horsemanship, and through AAHS, has conducted many clinics teaching safe riding by the Secure Seat (sm) method. Jan and her husband, Dr. Bob Dawson (a law professor at the University of Texas) are long time friends of the AMEA and are responsible for maintaining our web site and provide valuable support. For more information about AAHS, please clinic on the “Return to AAHS Home Page” link on the AMEA web site.
USA EQUESTRIAN PASSES MANDATORY ASTM/SEI HELMET RULE FOR EVENTING
Beginning January 1, 2003, competitors at all levels of eventing, from beginner novice through advanced, must wear properly fitting protective headgear, passing or surpassing current applicable ASTM/SEI standards with harness secured while jumping any obstacle. The rule, Article 1712.1, can be viewed in its entirety on USA Equestrian's website at http://www.equestrian.org/2003RuleBook/rule-xvii.pdf. To view the up-to-date list of ASTM/SEI certified helmets, go to http://www.ameaonline.org/HelmetSafety.html and click on the link provided.
The AMEA congratulates the USEA Safety Committee for their contribution to the incorporation of this worthwhile rule. This proactive rule will minimize injuries and save lives. USEA’s Safety Committee members have used AMEA/SRF research and statistics to educate the eventing world regarding the need for this rule. Special recognition should be given to Dru Malavase for her influence and expertise as Chair for many years of the ASTM Equestrian Helmet Committee. Finally, gratitude is extended to all manufacturers of certified helmets, with the hope that they will continue to develop new and innovative options for increasing the safety of our riders.
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USA EQUESTRIAN AND USET AGREE TO JOINT RESOLUTION OF NGB DISPUTE |
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February 1, 2003 A new era for equestrian sports began on Saturday, February 1, 2003, when the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Membership and Credentials Committee received a plan jointly proposed by USA Equestrian (USAE) and the United States Equestrian Team (USET) to create a new NGB for the sport incorporating the strengths of each organization. The joint agreement resolves the question of governance of the sport and ends an agonizing period of dispute with a solution that all parties heartily endorse. The new plan became a reality when signed by USAE President Alan Balch, Vice President David O’Connor and Treasurer Kathy Meyer and by USET Chairman Frank Lloyd, President Armand Leone and Secretary Eric Straus. It calls for the formation of a new corporate entity to assume all the current functions of USAE and USET with the main fundraising efforts handled by two new supporting organizations. As part of the agreement, Balch agreed to resign as a Trustee of the USET, to instruct his attorneys to take immediate steps with the USET to resolve the litigation Balch v. USET in a manner acceptable to both parties, and that he will not seek to serve as an officer or director of the new NGB until after the election cycle for 2005. The USET agreed to nominate David O’Connor as a Trustee to its Board and all parties agreed that O’Connor will be responsible to communicate and coordinate all international matters between USAE, USET and the USOC during the interim period prior to the establishment of the new NGB. The new NGB will be governed by a Board of Directors not to exceed 54 members. Officers will include a President; Vice President–International High Performance; Vice President–International–National FEI Affiliates; Vice President–National Affiliates; Vice President—Finance & Administration; Secretary and Treasurer. The new NGB will be led by a paid Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A six member CEO Search Committee, with three individuals appointed by USAE and three by the USET, will begin immediately to seek a suitable individual for the CEO position. The CEO is to be in place prior to commencing operations of the new NGB. USET Chairman of the Board, Frank V. Lloyd and David J. O’Connor, USAE Vice President stated, “We are particularly delighted for the athletes, coaches, staffs and the entire sport of equestrian; and look forward to the renewed enthusiasm and support to make this country the top equestrian nation in the world.” The full content of the new NGB plan outline will be available on the USAE website at www.equestrian.org and on the USET website at www.uset.org. |
| Executive Director’s Note: The AMEA/SRF applauds the efforts of USA Equestrian and USET in brining an end to this dispute. We look forward to a promising relationship with the new NGB. |
UVM
Equine Students Pilot Equestrian First Aid and Safety Program
Rusty Lowe (AMEA’s Executive Director) made a trip to the University of Vermont to work with Dr. Greene’s Horse Barn Cooperative Class in late October. Rusty and Betsy collaborated with the local American Red Cross instructor to add a “horse twist” to standard First Aid and CPR certification courses. Immediately following the Red Cross training, Rusty discussed preplanning for emergencies at equine facilities and events. Additionally, students had to apply their new knowledge to a “pseudo-real-life” scenario, where the first aid instructor was “found” unconscious and tangled up in a jump. Students did some troubleshooting on how to remove the jump pole from under the victim and then practiced the log roll (they only “did more damage” on the first try!). This was a pilot program for the development of First Aid certification specifically geared toward the equestrian, and for the first time, allowed all UVM horse barn members to become certified in First Aid and CPR as a part of their UVM Barn Cooperative experience.