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A The following article is an important
synopsis of a recent FEI Eventing Safety forum which took place in
January. This was clearly an international effort, with the best
minds in the sport in attendance. Safety of the horse and rider has
been of utmost concern in the sport over the past 10 years, or so.
There have been a number of tragic deaths which have occurred in the
cross country phase of the sport. These tragedies have taken place
in many different countries and at various competitive levels of the
sport. Many will be familiar with the devastating injury suffered
by Christopher Reeves while competing at a lower level event in
Virginia. More recently in 2007, you will read that there was an
unprecedented nine deaths in the sport internationally. Perhaps
what is more concerning about the results of 2007 is that this
follows a very intense period of research and implementation of new
rules and safety measures in to the sport in order to reduce the
risk to the horse and rider. Sadly, we have seen that the nature of
the sport is one that will always encompass some risk - as riders,
coaches, parents, organizers and officials, we need to do everything
that we can to maintain high standards of safety within the sport,
all the while recognizing - not ignoring - the inherent risks.
This symposium seems to have analyzed every possible angle of the
safety issue. Some of these issues pertain more specifically to
course designers and organizers. Some of these issues seem a world
away from the grassroots of eventing that we are more likely to see
locally. But are they really that remote?
In my opinion, we need to ensure that all riders in the sport are
suitably athletic to compete at the level of their interest. They
need to be mounted on a suitable horse that has been appropriately
trained to answer the presented questions. And then very
importantly, the combination needs to be managed by a suitable coach
with a well-developed understanding of the sport. Just as one would
never expect to see a hockey or basketball team without a coach, so
too should it seem foolish that a rider would compete in this sport
without one.
We are fortunate in New Brunswick to have three events with safe and
well-built cross country fences. Much time and effort goes in to
preparing these fences as well as the footing that underlies the
courses. Riders must ensure that they are competing at an
appropriate level for their abilities and experience - if there is
some question between two levels, riders would be wise to choose the
lower level for just one more good - safe - run. The event sites in
New Brunswick will be in place for many years - there will always be
another chance to move up to the next level. Moreover riders need
to demonstrate good judgement when riding, especially as it relates
to speed.
As a physician, I am constantly aware of the risks of the sport - a
matter of physics really: 1200 pound horse, 18-20 miles per hour,
fixed obstacles, undulating terrain. We continue to upgrade the
medical staff present at events and clinics at Foshay Farms. We
often have several physicians and advanced care paramedics on the
grounds when these events take place. In 2007, there were two
significant injuries - one occurred in a horse's stall, and the
other while cantering in a field with no jump involved.
Fortunately, both of these riders recovered without issue. I add
this simply a reminder that with humans and horses there is no
really 'low risk' activity.
I do think that it is important for participants in the sport - at
all levels - to be aware of the safety concerns that do exist. And
in the end, remember that no amount of safety installations will
protect against bad judgement.
Let us look forward to an exciting - and safe - 2008!
Rob Stevenson
Rob Stevenson
FEI EVENTING SAFETY FORUM JANUARY 2008
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