Risk factors for lameness elimination in British endurance riding.

BACKGROUND

Horse welfare is a priority in the equine sport of endurance riding. Identification and reduction of risk factors associated with elimination and lameness have been the focus of research to date, however, this has centred on international competition. National federations recognise there is a need to consider risk factors for elimination at a more local level.

OBJECTIVES

Determine current risk factors associated with horse eliminations, specifically lameness eliminations within British endurance.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Endurance GB database, for open and advanced horses, competing in rides >64 km in the 2017 and 2018 competitive seasons. Variables were analysed via univariable models which informed subsequent multivariable binary logistic regression modelling. Two models were completed: (A) horse eliminated vs. not eliminated and (B) horse lame vs. not lame.

RESULTS

One thousand seven hundred and forty-seven competitive starts were analysed; 542 horses were eliminated. Lameness accounted for 56.1% (n = 304) of eliminations. Multivariable analysis identified decreased odds of lameness in graded rides compared with race rides (adjusted odds ratio, OR 0.6; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.4-0.8). There were increased odds of elimination (OR 4.7, CI 3.5-6.5) and increased odds of lameness (OR 1.9, CI 1.2-3.06) when competing in FEI competitions of 2* and above, compared to rides run under national rules. Horses and riders who had not competed as a combination previously had increased odds of elimination (OR 2.2, CI 1.5-3.02).

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Variables which can influence performance such as speed, environmental and topographical conditions were not recorded in the data set. Only two seasons of data were analysed.

CONCLUSIONS

Competitive history of horses, including the number of previous starts, previous eliminations and the category of ride entered are significant in establishing the likelihood of elimination and more specifically lameness elimination in British national endurance.