• Amy R Jones, Alastair Smith, and Grant Christey.
• Te Puna Oranga, Waikato Hospital, Pembroke Street, Hamilton.
• N. Z. Med. J. 2018 Oct 5; 131 (1483): 50-58.

AimTo examine the pattern and outcomes of equine-related injuries for hospitalised patients in the Midland Region of New Zealand over a five-year period.MethodA retrospective review of all patients admitted to hospitals within the Midland region of New Zealand with an injury date 1 January 2012-31 December 2016, as a direct result of equine-related trauma.ResultsSeven hundred and one patients were admitted due to equine-related injuries, 6.6% were major trauma events (Injury Severity Scale >12), with nearly half of all injuries (47.3%) to the extremities. Mean age was 36 years (median 38 years), and 69% were females. The most common mechanisms of injury were falls from horse (70.6%), kicked (12.7%) and knocked (6.7%) by the horse. Males were more likely to have a non-fall injury. Average length of stay (all patients) was 3.4 days, and half of all patients required surgery. All patients survived. At Waikato Hospital, the largest district hospital in the region, the average inpatient cost was NZ$7,805/patient.ConclusionThe study has identified the demography, injury types, risk factors and outcomes for equine-related injuries in the Midland Region of New Zealand. Indications are that the severity of such injuries may be less than previously reported. However, the volumes and costs of injury represent a significant burden on the health system, individuals and communities. More detailed understanding of causative factors will allow targeting of prevention strategies to address high-risk activities and demographic groups.

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