A CAP on dressage penalties could make eventing safer – as findings from one of the sport’s biggest ever studies identifies 16 risk factors for cross-country horse falls.

The study, “Towards a safer sport: risk factors for cross-country horse falls at British Eventing competition”, was carried out by researchers from the University of Central Lancashire and the University of Nottingham Trent, with funding from Myerscough College.

The aim was to determine risk factors associated with horse falls by analysing data from 749,534 British Eventing (BE) cross-country starts from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2015. Of these starts, 2,633 horse falls were recorded, 3.5 falls per 1,000 starts and 16 risk factors were identified.

The findings included that male riders were associated with a greater odds of a fall than females, and older riders were less likely to have a fall than younger ones. Horses who started in the previous 15 to 21 days were less likely to fall than horses whose last start had been in the previous one to 14 days, and the risk of horse falls increased through higher levels of competition. Mares were more likely to have a fall than geldings, and ponies more likely to fall than horses between 15.3hh and 16.2hh.

Lead researcher Heather Cameron-Whytock, who has evented, told H&H the more “statistically significant” risk factor identified was the level of competition.

“This means it had the most profound effect on risk of falling. We know the jumps get bigger and more technical, they have to be going faster and the courses are longer, so it’s a matter of fact the higher levels are more challenging, so we would expect to see a higher risk of falls there,” she said.

“Our general recommendation on this is that minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) need to be carefully monitored and reviewed, which we know they are as they change regularly.”

It was also identified that combinations that scored a higher number of penalties in dressage were more likely to have a horse fall than those who scored a lower number. Based on this, the researchers suggested introducing a penalty cap to eliminate combinations who score 70 or more in the dressage.

“We found for every 10 additional dressage penalties, the risk of falls increased,” said Dr Cameron-Whytock. “When we explored this further, we saw that combinations that get 70 or more penalties are almost four times more likely to have a fall than combinations that score less than 70.

“Introducing a cap could be beneficial. Although it’s very rare to score 70 or more, it does happen and it’s in the data. These individuals are so much more at risk, so it’s worth trying to do something about that.”

Dr Cameron-Whytock added that it is unlikely to ever find “one thing” that will eliminate falls, but it is about making the sport safer where possible.

“If we can keep finding 1% reductions, that could be one rider not paralysed, or not sustaining a serious injury, and surely that makes it worth it,” she said.

BE national safety officer and technical adviser Jonathan Clissold has worked with Dr Cameron-Whytock on other eventing safety projects, and told H&H that this study comes up with “a lot of very interesting points” that support and justify the MERs in place.

“After comparing with the most recent data, BE will consider compulsory retirement for dressage penalties of 70 or more. The dressage requirement to gain an MER has been reduced this year from 50 penalty marks to 45,” he said.

Mr Clissold added that further analysis of the number of runs and the period between these “could be interesting”.

“The introduction of ‘continuing performance requirements’ since this data set has gone a long way to help address the points raised in this paper about poor performance increasing the risk of a fall,” he said.

BE chief executive Helen West told H&H she found the study “fascinating and extremely informative”.

“It is so good to be able to validate ‘gut instinct’ with solid, scientific findings,” she said. “The findings around gender and age affecting self-efficacy were striking and this highlights one of the extraordinary aspects of our sport, whereby we see riders continuing to participate at top-level into advanced age, even at professional level.

“There is no doubt that older event riders harness extensive experience that equips them with well-developed coping mechanisms and makes them less susceptible to external pressures and expectations placed upon them, enabling them to focus their performance and skill to completing the cross-country accurately and safely.”

Ms West added that the finding – that riders who had a fall during their previous start were more likely to fall again – supports findings from the “extensive work” equestrian data analysts EquiRatings has done with BE.

“This likely indicates that these individuals were competing at a level above their skill and therefore were at a heightened risk. This further highlights the importance of continually reviewing MERs,” she said.

“It is my belief that additional research is needed to enable further recommendations to be made in relation to MERs and their effectiveness for maximising safety, especially at the elite end of the sport. This is something that BE is continually monitoring as part of our risk-management strategy.”

You might also be interested in:

Eventing risk profiles could help reduce cross-country falls

Rotational falls in eventing at all-time low – but more work ‘still to do’

Risk profiles for cross-country courses could be on the cards thanks to new research

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A 19-year-old has died in an eventing accident in Australia.

A statement from the event organisers released this morning (Saturday, 30 April) read: “It is with the deepest regret that we announce Miss Caitlyn Fischer suffered a fatal accident while competing at the cross-country competition of the Sydney International Horse Trials at 10:40am on Saturday 30 April 2016.

“Caitlyn, aged 19 from Bairnsdale, Victoria, was riding the horse Ralphie in the one-star competition when the accident occurred at fence two.

“Caitlyn was provided urgent medical attention by the on-course paramedic and doctor but unfortunately was unable to be revived.

“Caitlyn’s horse Ralphie is in a stable condition and remains under the observation of veterinarians.”

Caitlyn had previously ridden Ralphie, her own 12-year-old part-thoroughbred gelding, in six CIC*s. They completed all of them apart from the first, in which they were eliminated for a rider fall, and had finished seventh at the level twice, including on their last international run at Camden, New South Wales. The pair were contesting the CCI* on this occasion.

Equestrian Australia chairwoman Judy Fasher said, “On behalf of the whole sport I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Caitlyn’s parents Ailsa Carr and Mark Fischer and her family. The thoughts and prayers of horse people all over the country are with Caitlyn’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Judy added during the press conference that Equestrian Australia had immediately launched its own investigation into the accident and that the organising committee and officials would be supporting the police investigation. She also said that Wayne Roycroft would be conducting the investigation on behalf of the FEI.

The rest of the event was cancelled. Before the accident, the CIC* competitors had already done their cross-country, as had most of the CCI* field, with CIC2*, CCI2*, CCI3*, CIC3* classes still to run, plus some national classes.

Related articles:

• Event riders react to falls analysis
• Riders pay tribute to Olivia Inglis in viral campaign
• Olivia Inglis’ accident confirmed as rotational fall

This is the second fatal eventing accident to happen in Australia in as many months. Olivia Inglis, 17, was killed on 6 March in a rotational fall at Scone Horse Trials while competing in a national two-star (CNC2*) competition. Her horse, Coriolanus, was initially thought to have only minor injuries, but was later put down after it was revealed he had suffered a displaced fracture in his neck.

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Could eventing’s picturesque keyhole fences become a relic of the past, as riders, trainers and course-designers debate their value — and risk?

William Fox-Pitt’s serious horse fall at the famous Hibou de Lion at the young horse World Championships two months ago has brought this spectacular type of fence into the spotlight. And back in 1997, Irish rider Samuel Moore was killed in a fall at a keyhole at Blenheim.

But it’s not just about this little hole, through which horses burst so impressively; riders are questioning whether some horses — however brave and well trained — simply never jump safely over a fence with something overhead.

The fence at which Andrew Nicholson suffered neck fractures earlier this year had a banner above; two years ago Harry Meade broke both his arms at another roofed fence. Harry has had just two falls in the past six seasons, both at roofed fences, which he says were “definitely the cause”.

“Fences with roofs have a unique characteristic that can make some horses react differently, totally irrespective of how brave or careful they are, and how well you have presented them,” he told H&H. “The majority don’t mind them, but some horses will duck whatever happens.”

Pushing the guidelines

The Hibou, a table within an owl hole (pictured, above) in the seven-year-old class designed by Pierre Michelet at Le Lion, jumped poorly all day this year.

Although it caused only a handful of refusals, there were two horse falls, and several horses left legs.

The winner, Laura Collett, had a refusal on her first horse, and said the fence’s position “made it more influential than normal”.

“It blended in with the trees, and the steep slope on the landing side made horses more cautious,” she said.

Janou Bleekman, the other rider beside William whose horse fell, agreed that the siting of the fence made it difficult to read.

“It was coming down a hill — so tricky on a tired horse at the end of a course — and was camouflaged,” she said. “It was also a wide fence, like diving through a thick tunnel. As it was all brown, maybe horses thought the fence was brush, not solid.”

In fact, this flouts FEI guidelines on “hole fences”, which state that “any surface that can be touched by the horse must always be soft”. British Eventing suggests “at least 25cm brush above the solid part of a keyhole fence”.

The fact that this fence was wide, too, is noteworthy. Guidelines suggest “no more than 50% of the maximum width for the class should be used at keyholes”, and this table was within limits. However, renowned course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith, who is undertaking a review of all course- designing guidelines, is against any spread at all on keyhole fences.

“All course-designers are aware of the guidelines as they stand,” he told H&H.

“We have to take into account the sun, the spread — if any, ideally none in my opinion — the minimum size of the hole, the solid part of the fence, which must be low, the general siting, and how, when and if they are used.”

The Le Lion team told H&H that the “Hibou is an iconic fence that has had a good history”.

“The fence has been used since 1998, meaning some 1,700 horses have jumped it, and Jean-Michel Foucher [Le Lion director] cannot remember any other serious fall,” said 2015 technical delegate Andrew Fell.

“It is moved around and has previously been jumped in this location. The ground jury walked the course and foresaw no problems, and no rider reps made any comments. At this stage Jean-Michel and Pierre Michelet have made no decisions about its future.”

Ducking and diving

Keyholes have been scrutinised due to William’s injury, but six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green told H&H that injuries to three top riders at fences with something overhead had “centred” her thoughts.

“I think it’s time they went,” she said. “What bothers me is that it isn’t a training issue — some horses duck, some don’t. It’s as if some horses can’t see them properly, so I don’t feel they are a fair test of trust. It goes against their flight initiative and the way they see.”

Vet Andy Matthews said a horse’s near 360° vision affects the way they tackle these fences.

“Horses are an evolved prey species, highly tuned to ambush predators, who have no enthusiasm at all for entering ‘the lair of the cave bear’,” he said.

American trainer Cathy Wieschhoff, who has ridden at Burghley, said she does not feel they are “an appropriate question”.

“Skinnies and corners test accuracy, but jumping blind with a roof overhead and the sides closing in? I’m not sure where you’d find that question in the military adaptation of the sport,” she said.

Harry added that while you can ride other fences with extra positivity, how a horse tackles roofed fences is out of your control.

And whereas most fences can be practised in a manner of guises with forgiving poles, a keyhole is impractical and expensive.

So what does the future hold? Mike would not be drawn on exactly which fences he’s analysing, but hinted that “some of the guidelines could become rules”.

Keyholes make a stunning photo, but potentially one that won’t be adorning programmes forever.

Jumping through fire

If a police horse, often with less athletic ability than an eventer, can jump through a blazing hoop, why do we see problems with eventers and key holes?

Craig Richards, sergeant of the mounted branch of the Metropolitan Police, detailed a training schedule that would not be feasible for an eventer required to assess a new fence at speed. Police horses practise repeatedly over exactly the same fence, often with a lead.

“We start over narrow blue boxes that the hoops sit on, then add wings, so it’s very gradual,” he says. “Once you introduce the hoops, they’ve jumped those blue boxes many times, and we’ll always give a lead to less confident horses. I’d certainly never jump a horse through one who had never done it before.”

Should they stay or go?

Harry Meade: “I’m reluctant to say anything should be banned, but these fences shouldn’t be overused or gimmicky.”

Laura Collett: “I don’t think keyholes need to be reviewed but where they are placed needs to be thought about from the horses’ point of view.”

Clarissa Bleekman: “It’s a hard balance: the easier you make a course, the faster riders go. You can’t keep making fences safer forever.”

Lucinda Green: “I have concerns about fences with any kind of roof.”

Cathy Wieschhoff: “Claustrophobia is a factor with keyholes and I don’t think that’s an appropriate question.”

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Cross-country falls are more likely to occur at four-star and championship events, and to involve less experienced riders, according to recent statistics.

An eventing audit report was undertaken by Charles Barnett, formerly of Aintree and Ascot racecourses, and findings were presented at the FEI general assembly last week (13 November).

The data analysed was from 1,180 falls from 76,638 cross-country starts between July 2010 and December 2014.

The information was taken from horse registrations, rider registrations, technical delegates and fence judges.

“The idea was to track trends and to make suggestions about gathering data,” said Charles.

“There is no single, easy fix to prevent falls. There are a number of factors that can help reduce falls and we will make some recommendations [see below].

“Eventing is a risk sport. We will never be able to eradicate accidents, so we must have a robust plan to deal with the view from the public if they do occur.”

The number of falls is greater at a higher level, and they generally feature less experience riders.

“Better riders are half as likely to fall as non-categorised riders,” said Charles. “Are we allowing riders who are not proficient enough to take part in three- and four-star events?” he asked.

“You are 3.5% more likely to see a fall at four-star or championships than at one-star. Is it because the competition tougher at championships so riders go to the limit? Or is it the effect of riding on a team?”

‘Surprise’ of frangible result

Types of fences were also discussed — with open corners causing fewer falls than closed, while falls were greater when the obstacle involved water. Downhill jumps were also problematic.

However, footing was one area that was not looked at.

Analysis also showed that there was an increased risk of a fall at fences with frangible pins.

“Frangibles were designed to reduce falls, so the fact they threw up more was surprising, but this needs looking into further. It seems odd to us that breakable fences had more falls,” said Charles.

British Eventing (BE)’s Jonathan Clissold told H&H: “Of the 105 falls at frangible elements, 4% were somersault falls.

“This is considerably fewer than the 11% that occurred at non-frangible fences, which suggests that frangible fences are providing some safety benefit to riders.

“However, due to the small sample size of falls at frangible elements, caution should be taken when interpreting this result.”

New Zealand eventer Bruce Haskell added: “If there’s been a fall but the frangible prevented rotation and saved someone’s life then it’s done its job.”

Putting action in place

Eventing committee chair and course-designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa said it is “important to have an outside view”.

“Many of the conclusions are not surprising, but confirm the commitment to limiting the risk. Many suggestions we are already implementing and many more we will take on board for the future,” he added.

However, Bruce Haskell warned that you need to be “very careful” when interpreting statistics.

“I’m concerned it doesn’t take into account lesser nations,” he said. “However, having concrete results will make course-designers more aware and should make the sport safer — if it impacts how they design courses and, in turn, how courses are tackled by riders.”

Charles Barnett added that more analysis was to be undertaken.

Recommendations from Charles Barnett

• There is a strong argument to restrict the top events to the best riders
• Standardise entry requirements around the world to make analysis easier
• Consider having another category of rider, or a rider licence to have greater control of competition and testing

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Andrew Nicholson is “walking unaided” following surgery on his neck earlier this week (10 August).

The Kiwi rider suffered a neck injury during a heavy fall at the Festival of British Eventing on Sunday (9 August).

His family today (Friday, 14 August) said that Andrew is “making good progress” following the operation.

Andrew fell with Cillnabradden Evo in the CIC3* at the event at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire. The horse was unhurt in the fall.

The six-times Olympic event rider was taken to hospital in Swindon immediately. However, he was then transferred to the John Radcliffe in Oxfordshire for surgery.

“Andrew is indebted to Mr Jeremy Reynolds, Consultant Spinal Surgeon, and the rest of his surgical team at the John Radcliffe hospital, for their incredible skill in his treatment,” read a statement from his family today (Friday 14 August).

“He would also like to thank the nurses in the trauma unit for the fantastic care he has received.

“Andrew is continuing to make good progress after surgery and is able to walk unaided.”

It continued that he is looking forward to returning home to continue his recovery, but there is no indication when exactly that will be.

“He would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and goodwill, which have been much appreciated,” added the statement.

He had surgery on Monday, which “went well” and he was “comfortable with a full range of movement”.

Andrew fell with Cillnabradden Evo in the CIC3* at the event at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire. The horse was unhurt in the fall.

The six-times Olympic event rider was taken to hospital in Swindon immediately. However, he was then transferred to the John Radcliffe in Oxfordshire for surgery.

Andrew has been competing Cillnabradden Evo, who is by Creeevagh Ferro Ex Siebe and out of Willow Garden, since March 2014.

With Andrew, the gelding won the advanced at Weston Park in April and most recently finished fifth in the open intermediate at Cholmondeley Castle.

The pair also won the Amlin Plus eventers’ challenge at Hickstead.

A spokesman for the family could not confirm how long his recovery was expected to be.

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An eventing fan was taken to hospital at the weekend after being hit by a loose horse at The Festival of British Eventing.

The visitor was at Gatcombe Park, Glos, on Sunday (9 August) when the accident happened during the CIC3* competition.

“A spectator was transferred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment and monitoring, after unfortunately being knocked down by a loose horse during the cross-country phase of the event,” a spokesman for the event told H&H.

“The horse fell during the final stages of the cross-country and continued without the rider.”

The horse was 2014 Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh, ridden by Sam Griffiths (not pictured). One bystander described it as a “horrible incident”.

The Australian rider and the 12-year-old mare were both unhurt in the fall.

“The British Open Championships was so nearly ours but then poor Brocks had her first cross-country fault of her career and we both ate dirt,” Sam wrote on his website.

“Luckily we’re both ok. Just so gutted.”

No further details are available about the spectator at present, though reports suggest the woman fractured a collarbone and some ribs.

Sam told H&H: “I have been liaising with the organisers at The Festival who are in touch with the injured spectator and I wish her a very speedy recovery.”

This is the second incident in as many months.

In July a 10-year-old girl injured her ankle when struck by a loose horse at Barbury Horse Trials.

The child was watching the CIC2* cross-country when Jeanette Brakewell was unseated at the water.

Lets Dance then ran loose, jumped the string and collided with the girl who was sitting on the ground.

She had a lucky escape and suffered bad bruising.

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An eventer was knocked unconscious after a near miss with a falling branch while competing.

The accident happened at British Eventing’s (BE) Smiths Lawn Horse Trials in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, on Monday (10 August).

Southerly Roberts was riding her own nine-year-old mare, Fizz IV, in the cross-country at the time of the accident.

The pair were competing in a novice section and had ridden a 36.8 penalty dressage and showjumped clear before starting the cross-country.

The combination were heading up a long, uphill gallop between the fourth and third-last fences on the course when a branch fell.

Southerly said the last thing she remembers was a noise and the branch falling before waking up in an ambulance strapped to a spinal board.

“I heard this noise and this branch, it felt like a tree, fell,” she told H&H. “I don’t actually remember it landing.”

She added she assumes the branch fell just ahead of her rather than on top of her and the horse.

A friend saw the 17.1hh bay, by Carnaval Pleasure, heading back towards the showjumping warm-up without her.

Large skid marks from the mare were found in front of the branch.

Southerly, who works for Sophie Allison Livery in Hook, Hampshire, was taken to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey with head injuries and a broken rib.

The horse was not injured.

She was kept in overnight and was discharged from hospital yesterday (Tuesday 11 August) and is recovering at home.

“It was completely freaky – when do you ever see trees falling?” Southerly added.

A BE spokeswoman said: “We understand that Southerly has now been released from hospital.

“It appears that a branch fell in front of her horse between fences on the cross-country, resulting in the rider falling from the horse.”

She is expected to be off work for two weeks and BE’s rules mean it will be three weeks before she can return to affiliated eventing.

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An event rider remains in a critical condition in hospital two weeks after suffering a suspected heart attack at Moreton Morrell Horse Trials (7 May).

Chantal Siddle was competing in a novice section at the Warwickshire event and had completed the dressage and showjumping phases.

She fell on the cross-country course at around 12pm and was resuscitated by event paramedics.

She was then anaesthetised before being flown by air ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

“There were some paramedics and two doctors on the scene when we arrived at the scene,” said a spokesman from West Midlands Ambulance.

“It was a female in her 30s who was in cardiac arrest. CPR had already started when we got there with the paramedics and the doctor.

“They managed to resuscitate her. Due to the serious nature of her condition she was anaesthetised before being air lifted to hospital by Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.”

Moreton Morrell Horse Trials event organiser Wayne Rodwell explained that Mrs Siddle fell between fences.

“We think it was a heart attack — we’re waiting for more information, ” he said.

A statement on the rider’s Facebook page on Tuesday (19 May) stated that she was still in hospital.

“Chantal remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital. Thank you so much for all your continued messages of support,” the post read.

Chantal and her husband Mark run Siddle Equine Service, a livery yard in Shropshire which produces sport horses as well as providing training, veterinary care and facility hire.

Moreton Morrell was Chantal’s first novice of the season with Kodaline, having completed three BE100s this year.

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A leading figure in eventing safety has called for the sport to take a more proactive approach in approving and implementing new deformable cross-country fence technology.

The recent deaths of Benjamin Winter at Luhmühlen and Jordan McDonald at Nunney (14 June) reignited the discussion as to whether more cross-country fences should be collapsible.

HorseandHound.co.uk published a sequence of photographs (one pictured top, taken by Richard Marwood/rfmequinephotos.com) showing Mary King escaping a potentially serious fall at Bramham last month (5-8 June) when a frangible pin was triggered, which has fuelled the debate further.

Andy Griffiths, chairman of the International Event Officials Club, says that although steps have been made to reduce and eliminate the risk of rotational falls in the past few years, the sport’s governing bodies, especially the FEI, need to make the process of testing and approving new technology more user-friendly.

“When we have the technology to make a variety of fences collapsible it seems ludicrous that it is not being used more widely,” he said.

He is also calling for the FEI to follow British Eventing (BE) and the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) lead and make the use of approved frangible technology compulsory on post-and-rails-type fences at international events.

Types of pins and clips

Currently, the BE frangible pin and the MIM safety clip and pin, manufactured by the Swedish company New Era, are the two leading technologies. The frangible pin works only on post-and-rails type fences, but the MIM clip (pictured below right) can be used on other obstacles, including tables.

Its inventor, Mats Bjornetun, told H&H: “The clip is different [from the pin] in that it responds to the horizontal impact of a load hitting a fence, which is what happens in a rotational fall. The fence can also be rebuilt in a matter of seconds, which would mean minimal hold-ups on the course.”

The MIM clip has been widely used by course-designers on all sorts of different fences in national competitions in America and Australia. But although the technology is used on FEI courses for post-and-rail-type fences — it was employed in Aachen last weekend — it has not yet been approved for table fences or other such solid obstacles because it has not met the FEI standard for the minimum strength of frangible/deformable cross-country fences introduced last year. Neither has it been approved for use in the UK in any form because it does not meet BE’s own standards, which require it to collapse under a prescribed vertical force.

BE’s safety officer Jonathan Clissold said BE has supplied New Era with its requirements. “So far the company has declined to put its products forward for BE testing,” he said. Similarly, the FEI says that a request for certification has not been submitted by the company for the use of its products on structures such as tables.

The barrier, said Andy Griffiths, is expense. “It typically costs around £10,000 to test a new mechanism. The money has to come from somewhere,” he said. “So far New Era has funded its own research, but that cannot carry on indefinitely.”

Should all fences be collapsible?

The question many in the sport are asking is whether a solid obstacle should give way when a horse hits it.

Various attempts have been made in the past 15 years to design solid fences that collapse or crumble on heavy impact. In 1999, a polypropylene log that could be moulded and shaped to mimic different types of material, but crumble when hit with serious force, was trialled. Neither this, nor its more technologically advanced successors, has really taken off, and now cannot be used under the new FEI testing criteria.

A foam log called the Prolog was trialled at Glanusk, Wales in 2010. It broke three times — possibly preventing a rotational fall on one occasion — but took about 20min to rebuild. A similar obstacle was used in Kentucky. William Fox-Pitt remembers jumping it in 2010. “For some reason it didn’t jump at all well. I’m not sure why; it looked quite unnatural — maybe horses didn’t read or respect it properly,” he said. Nevertheless, William cautiously welcomes the development of similar concepts. “Anything that might improve safety should be encouraged, but there is a fine line between embracing new technology and changing the nature of the sport,” he said.

Bruce Haskell, chairman of the Event Riders’ Association (ERA), agrees. “Fences such as logs and tables [where Jordan and Benjamin fell] are jumped successfully hundreds of thousands of times every year,” he said. “We need to be careful to be proactive rather than reactive [to recent events]. We need to be looking at how we can make the sport safer from every angle.”

BE’s Jonathan Clissold said: “The solution has to be a combination of factors, including better education of course-designers and riders.”

FEI should lead the way

Bruce and William both agree with Andy Griffiths that making the use of deformable technology compulsory at FEI competitions should be high on the sport’s safety agenda. William said he believed it was “something than needed looking into”.

Andy Griffiths wrote an open letter to the FEI last year asking: “If the two leading countries [Great Britain and America] in the eventing world are implementing this rule [that makes frangible technology on post-and-rails type fences compulsory] then should the FEI not be doing the same and leading the way?”

The FEI replied that it “is of the view that all types of traditional fixed cross-country fences can still be jumped within an accepted and acceptable level of risk”.

Catrin Norinder, FEI director of eventing, added: “The FEI is continuing investment in its eventing risk management policy and action plan, which covers every aspect of competing. “There are a number of national federations currently undertaking studies on wider research into devices.”

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on 24 July 2014

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Former UK-based Kiwi eventer Joe Meyer is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after “an involuntary dismount while mounting a young horse” last Tuesday (15 April).

He has been diagnosed with a separated pelvis, with some cartilage and ligament damage.

“Could have been worse, but feeling like I’ve been hit by a train this am!” the 2008 Olympic rider tweeted the day of the accident.

Joe, who is now based in Florida, has been campaigning the exciting stallion, South Paw, and his veteran partner Sanskrit (pictured above), this spring.

He is still “too sore” to travel to this week’s Rolex Kentucky CCI4*, even as a spectator — an event at which he often competes.

He is covered by PRO Event Riders insurance plan.

Separated pelvis is often known as “saddle horn” injury in the US — where it is most commonly seen in rodeo riders landing badly on the saddle after being thrown out of it.

In a study in the US, 90% of riders with the injury were back riding within a year, although there are many associated complications. Extensive physiotherapy is required, and sometimes surgery.

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Eventer Andreas Ostholt’s top horse, the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding Franco Jeas, has been put down after a fall in the CCI*** at Blenheim (12-15 September).

Franco Jeas fell at the Ariat Europe Dew Pond and splintered his shoulder.

During surgery to remove the chippings it was felt the injury was too severe for recovery to be possible and Franco Jeas was euthanised.

He had been with Andreas for eight years.

Andreas and Franco Jeas won Luhm ¼hlen CIC*** in 2011 and were shortlisted for the German Olympic team for London.

A spokesman for Andreas said: “He was supremely talented horse but was not always the easiest to manage.

“His beautiful successes and less fortunate moments made this a special partnership. It will be very difficult for Andreas to get over this loss,” he added.

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Pippa Funnell withdrew from Burghley and will not compete at Blenheim after injuring her ribs in a fall at Haras du Pin (22-26 August).

“It’s really annoying, especially after all the cancellations of the summer,” said Pippa, adding that she hoped to be back in the saddle for Osberton late this month and Boekelo in October.

“I’ve got plenty of things to do, like teaching. I have been sensible for a couple of weeks and hope to back in the saddle in a week.”

But her husband William told H&H that scans on Tuesday had revealed that Pippa had “popped” a rib out of the cartilage – a very painful injury that could need six or seven weeks’ rest rather than the four or five prescribed for a broken rib.

She may also have broken a “floating rib”.

Pippa fell from Or Noir De La Loge on the cross-country in the World Cup class at the French event.

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All riders and horses who fell or were unseated in the Olympic cross-country phase at Greenwich are fine this morning, Olympic spokesman Julian Seaman has told Horse & Hound.

Although Canadian Hawley Bennet-Awad is in hospital with concussion and a sacral fracture.

Fifteen riders were disqualified on the course: one (Brazilian Serguei Fofanoff and Barbara) for having three refusals, there were three horse falls – including Clayton Fredericks and Bendigo – and the rest were unseated riders.

And it’s bad news for the Canadians his morning.

Hawley, who fell at fence three riding Gin & Juice, is still in hospital and Michelle Mueller’s horse Amistad has been withdrawn from the Olympics and will be retired from competition, despite finishing.

“Hawley suffered a concussion, which is improving significantly,” said Mike Gallagher, president of Equine Canada.

“She also suffered a stable sacral fracture and was transported to hospital by ambulance and admitted for observation and pain management. We will continue to monitor her progress.”

And Michelle said: “After conferring with the Canadian team vet, Amistad will be withdrawn from the Olympic competition due to a torn tendon and will be retired from competing.”

Michelle and Amistad completed the Olympic course with one stop and 43.2 time-penalties.

Horse Sport Ireland has also given an update of the condition of Camilla Speirs’ horse Portersize Just a Jif, who was one of the fallers on the cross-country.

“The horse sustained some bruising to his ribs and chest during the fall. He has been under observation at the Olympic Venue Veterinary Clinic during the night and this morning was comfortable,” said team vet Marcus Swail.

“He is moving to another veterinary clinic off site today for a few more days of observation just to make absolutely sure that he’s fine.”

He said Camilla is also fine after the fall.

Don’t miss H&H’s full report of the Olympic eventing, in the issue on sale FRIDAY 3 August – 23-page special report, with comments from Ruth Edge, Pippa Funnell and Mark Phillips, pictures of every cross-country fence, stunning photos and full analysis.

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Two weeks after his fall in Saumur, Clayton Fredericks won and was also placed second at Renswoude CCI*** in Holland (10 June).

The Australian eventer was in hospital for more than a week after a fall on the cross-country course at Saumur CCI*** in France on 19 May.

His horse Be My Guest, “Lottie”, trod on his stomach.

But he hopes his win at Renswoude will assure him a place at the Olympics.

Clayton said: “Bendigo, who won, felt amazing and was the fastest on the cross-country course where no one got the time.

“I was quite anxious about the cross-country as the three horses in front of me did not make it past the fourth fence, a huge ditch and hedge into the woods.

“However, Walter [Walterstown Don who came second] the first of my rides sailed through to huge roar from the spectators.

“I hope this will now stand me in good position for a crack at an individual medal in London.”

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Clayton Fredericks is recovering in hospital following a fall on the cross-country at Saumur CCI*** in France on Saturday.

The Australian event rider was riding Be My Guest (“Lottie”) when the accident happened.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance for tests, then was moved to another hospital at Angers and stayed in overnight for observation.

Clayton took to his Facebook page to reassure friends and fans who were worried about him.

“I’m absolutely fine, frustrated to be lying here in hospital,” he said.

“It is just cautionary as it appears Lottie stepped right on my stomach.

“I will be scanned in a few days and hopefully on my way back and to London [Olympics] preparations!” he added.

Clayton’s wife, Lucinda, who was competing at Little Downham, Cambs at the weekend posted on their website:

“He needs a few quiet days and hopefully will come home early next week.”

“Lottie is ok, too,” she added.

Fellow Australian Christopher Burton impressed the Olympic selectors with a 1-2 at Saumur. He won with the less experienced of his two horses, Haruzac, while Holstein Park Leilani was second.

New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson was third with Viscount George, while Mark Todd qualified his second string, NZB Grass Valley for the Olympics with a seventh place finish. His top horse, last year’s Badminton winner NZB Land Vision was ruled out of the Games with the recurrence of an old tendon injury earlier this month.

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Ruth Mathieson, the event rider who broke her back in a fall at Nurstead Court Horse Trials earlier this year (news, 16 May), is at home again in Surrey — after telling doctors that she wanted to be discharged.

Ms Mathieson, who has competed up to two-star, damaged her spinal cord in the accident.

She is unable to walk at the moment, but her long-term prognosis is not clear.

“I’m very determined,” she told H&H. “Most people with my level of injury are in rehab for a year, but I said to the doctors, ‘I’m going at the end of August’ and they said, ‘OK, we’ll find a way to make it happen’.”

Ms Mathieson spent four months in the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville, Bucks.

Her fall happened when her eight year-old mare, Ameya, hit the second part of a combination of hanging roll tops half-way round the novice course on 30 April.

“She chipped in a short stride and fell over the fence,” said Ruth.

“I’d done all the safety training, but the fall was so quick, I had no time to tuck and roll. I landed smack, straight on my head.”

At the time of the accident, Ms Mathieson had taken a career break from her job as a management consultant to event her three horses.

One of them — the experienced Ollie Artois — was leased to her by eventer Gemma Tattersall.

Ms Tattersall, one of several friends who have been inspired to do something to help, is swimming the length of the English Channel — more than 1,400 lengths of her local 25-metre pool — to raise funds for spinal research.

She told H&H: “It was a really big shock for that to happen to someone I knew. Ruth’s positivity is amazing, she is such a strong person.”

The level of interest, much of it from complete strangers, has prompted Ms Mathieson to set up a charitable trust called Eos.

The trust — named after a Greek goddess, meaning “hope for a new day” — will also promote safety training for riders.

Ms Mathieson added: “Even though I’m in this situation, there are always great things you can do and achieve. AP McCoy sent me a signed picture of his Grand National win when I was in hospital. It said, ‘Don’t ever give up’.”

The trustees of Eos hope to be ready to take donations within the next month.

For further details, please email Lisa Dodd: eos_@hotmail.co.uk.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (15 September, 2011)

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Ruth Mathieson, the eventer hospitalised after a freak fall at Nurstead Court Horse Trials last month, has updated H&H on her condition.

Ruth, 38, has been transferred to Stoke Mandeville and, after four weeks in intensive care, is now in the hospital’s world-renowned spinal unit. She is having physiotherapy and tweeting regularly to keep her many supporters up to date with her progress.

She said: “Every day I’m feeling stronger and taking small steps forward. I would like to thank my family and friends and all those in the equestrian world for all their messages of support and care.

“These messages have inspired me every day on the road to recovery. There have been many wonderful offers of support and we are currently thinking of the best way in which this can be done.”

Just before her accident, Ruth, who has competed up to two-star level, had taken a career break to concentrate on eventing full-time.

Her long-term prognosis is not yet clear.

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Event rider Ruth Mathieson is in intensive care with a spinal injury following a freak fall at Nurstead Court Horse Trials in Kent on 30 April.

Ruth, 38, had been competing in a novice section when she fell from her eight-year-old mare Ameya at a combination of hanging roll-tops two-thirds of the way around the course.

Eyewitnesses say that the horse hit the second part of the combination hard and, although it landed on the other side of the fence, the force caused Ruth to fall forwards and sideways.

“It wasn’t a rotational fall — the horse didn’t land on her,” Nurstead’s joint-organiser Ginny Walliker told H&H.

It is understood that Ruth was wearing a body protector but not an air vest.

The fence had been resited from last year, but was deemed relatively straightforward and had not caused any other significant problems during the day.

The event was held up for an hour on the Saturday while Ruth was airlifted to King’s College Hospital, London. From there she was transferred to a specialist spinal injuries unit where her progress is being closely monitored.

Ruth recently decided to take a career break from a full-time marketing job to concentrate on eventing.

She is based at Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre in Reigate and has competed up to CCI** level.

Ruth’s long-term prognosis is still unclear, but her brother Alan said: “We are all extremely grateful and humbled by the messages of support Ruth has received over the past few days. She is a fighter and she has an amazing bunch of friends, which will no doubt stand her in great stead over the coming months.”

British Eventing’s training and safety co-ordinator Carolyn Simm said: “We have not received official confirmation of Ruth’s current condition, but will be following her progress.”

Ruth’s family has said that a support fund may be established in due course to help provide her with the future care she might need.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (12 May, 2011)

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Seventeen-year-old eventer, Chloe Briffa, who suffered a severe fall at Mattingley Horse Trials (31 July), returned to school part-time on Thursday.

Chloe, from Horsham, West Sussex, was put into a medically induced coma by doctors at Southampton hospital to allow swelling on her brain to subside.

The teenager fell from her horse Paddington Bear IX in the showjumping phase of a BE80T class.

She awoke from the coma on 9 August.

Her father Mark told H&H: “Chloe is progressing well. She left hospital three weeks ago and was able to return to school part-time last week.”

He said Chloe has been told she cannot ride for six months and must not compete for a year.

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Eventing World Champion and Olympic team gold medallist Jean Teulère has been sidelined for two months after an accident while cross-country schooling a fortnight ago at Verrie, a schooling and competition venue in France.

The Frenchman broke his pelvis and fractured a vertebra when the horse rolled on him after a fall at a coffin combination.

Meanwhile Shane Rose, Australian winner of the Adelaide four-star three-day event in 2004, is recovering after an accident left him with severe facial injuries.

Rose was long reining a racehorse at home in New South Wales when the horse kicked out, knocking him briefly unconscious. He was put into a medically induced coma to stabilise him and control the swelling. He underwent a tracheotomy and facial reconstruction.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 March ’05)

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Northumberland-based eventer, David Herron, who suffered head injuries in an accident last season at Burgie when his ride, Jet Skier, collapsed and died beneath him, is making a good recovery and is determined to return to the competition circuit.

“I’m a lot better, but my reaction times are slower,” said David, whose goal is to do a pre-novice class next year.

David went into a coma after the accident in June 2003, but he gradually regained consciousness and made excellent progress at Newcastle’s hunter’s Moor Rehabilitation Centre.

Since returning home, David has been riding Jack, a 14.2hh pony, who lives at the yard of Jet Skier’s owner, Sally Enderby. He also sees a personal trainer once a week and goes walking every day.

“I really want to get back to eventing,” he said. “It’s so frustrating not being able to jump, although I did jump Jack the other day. I was delighted that I still knew when he was going to take off. The skills are still there; it’s a bit like having a long holiday. I’m looking at this as a stop-gap.”

Daphne and Michael Jeans, who own David’s yard at Tranwell, near Morpeth, have kept the yard going as a livery yard during David’s recovery.

The costs of David’s rehabilitation are being met by the support group, Friends of David. Set up by friends, fellow riders and some people who David had never met last July, in just six months, £20,000 has been raised through donations and events.

• This news story was originally published in Eventing magazine — The international magazine for the sport of horse trials. For more eventing news, plus a free map and guide to all the 2004 eventing fixtures, don’t miss the March issue of Eventing, ON SALE NOW. Click here to subscribe and enjoy Eventing delivered to your door every month.

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