To the Editor: The conclusion of Holland et al that horse-related injuries in children account for a considerable number of deaths and injury is unarguable.1 In New Zealand, hospitalisation rates for falls from horses and rugby injuries are comparable.2 Despite these disconcerting facts, the data on horse-riding injuries need to be put in a balanced perspective. The frequency of injuries in adult equestrian activity, Pony Club riding, occupational riding (including professional jockeys) and riding for leisure are quite different. Collective raw data are misleading.
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- 1 Spinecare Foundation, Ryde, NSW.
- 2 Department of Academic Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW.
- 3 John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW.
Correspondence: Andrewh3@chw.edu.au
- 1. Holland MA, Roy GT, GOH V, et al. Horse-related injuries in children. Med J Aust 2001; 175: 609-612.
- 2. Buckley SM, Chalmers DJ, Langley JD. Injuries in falls from horses. Aust J Public Health 1993; 17: 269-271.
- 3. Roe JP, Edmunds IA, Taylor TKF, et al. Equestrian spinal cord injuries in New South Wales 1976–96. J Bone Joint Surg 1998; 80 Suppl 11: 153.
- 4. Taylor TKF, Walter WL. Screening of children with Down syndrome for atlanto-axial (C1-2) instability: another contentious health question. Med J Aust 1996; 165: 448-450.
- 5. Holland AJA, Roy GT, Goh V, et al. Horse-related injuries in children. Med J Aust 2001; 175: 609-612.
- 6. Bixby-Hammett DM. Pediatric equestrian injuries. Pediatrics 1992; 89: 1173-1176.
- 7. Taylor TKF, Walter WL. Screening of children with Down syndrome for atlanto-axial (C1-2) instability: another contentious health question. Med J Aust 1996; 165: 448-450.
- 8. Biery MJ, Kauffman. The effects of therapeutic horseback riding on balance. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly 1989; 6: 221-229.
- 9. Brown RL, Brunn MA, Garcia VF. Cervical spine injuries in children: a review of 103 patients treated consecutively at a level 1 pediatric trauma centre. J Pediatr Surg 2001; 36: 1107-1114.
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