Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

HSI Chairman Says the Risk of Rotational Falls in Eventing has to be Further Addressed

PATRICK Wall, Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland, spoke out today (Tuesday) after the fatal accident that led to an English horse trials event being cancelled at the weekend.

He said: “The tragic death of the experienced rider, 26 year old Tom Gadsby from New Zealand, in a one star competition at Somerford Park at the weekend has once more highlighted the danger of certain types of falls.

“This incident should precipitate a fundamental rethink on course design, as we know the cause and the consequences of these accidents.

“Event rider fatalities are largely associated with rotational falls over upright fences where the horse lands on a prone rider. The changes that have been made are disappointing in their efficacy and more creativity is needed if further serious injuries and fatalities are to be prevented.

“Knockable elements, frangible pins and collapse-on-impact materials  in fence construction are improvements but more can be done. It is not acceptable that people are killed participating in the sport they love when all preventive initiatives have not been exhausted.

“Research has shown that the addition of an apron to give the horse a ground line is one simple initiative that can reduce the risk of these type of falls. In addition several other initiatives to ameliorate the probability of falls associated with serious injuries have to be trialled.

“Simply arguing that it is a high risk sport is wrong and all preventative initiatives need to be exhausted before we reach the acceptable level of risk. Additional safety measures are a small price to pay to save a life and prevent further tragedies,” he concluded.

Barnmice News Story Brought to You By:

The Morning Feed - Retired Racehorse Approved

The Morning Feed connects you with quality, sound,
career ready retired racehorses from all across North America.