The national jockey injury study: An analysis of injuries to professional horse-racing jockeys

J. M. Press*, P. D. Davis, S. L. Wiesner, A. Heinemann, P. Semik, R. G. Addison

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

While there have been numerous reports in the literature of accidents in equestrian sports, no comprehensive study has been conducted to ascertain the nature and incidence of injuries incurred by professional horse-racing jockeys. A survey was conducted to determine the types of injuries to jockeys and racing-related health concerns, including weight reduction methods. The questionnaire was completed by 706 professional jockeys actively competing at United States racetracks between July and October 1990 about injuries they had sustained in their careers. More than 1,700 injuries were reported. Fractures (n = 1,113) accounted for 64% of the total. The most common cause of injury was becoming unseated, followed by the horse falling. Relationships between characteristics of jockeys and injuries were evaluated. There were significant numbers of serious injuries with prolonged periods of not riding. Recommendations for improving jockey safety are made.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)236-240
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995

Keywords

  • Equestrian sports
  • Horse-racing-related injuries
  • Jockeys

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The national jockey injury study: An analysis of injuries to professional horse-racing jockeys'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this