Riders are being invited to take part in a research survey investigating falls, injuries and the use of body protectors and air jackets.
The research, being carried out by Animalweb in collaboration with Hartpury University and the University of Lancashire, aims to build a clearer picture of how protective equipment may relate to the risk and severity of injury following a fall.
Falls are an accepted risk across equestrian sport and leisure riding, while body protectors are compulsory in some disciplines and widely used by riders outside competition. Air jackets have also become increasingly popular, either worn alone or in combination with a body protector.
However, there is still relatively limited information examining how riders use this protective equipment and how its use relates to falls and injuries in real-world riding situations.
The survey is asking riders about falls they have experienced within the past 12 months, including the circumstances surrounding the fall, any injuries sustained and the protective equipment they were wearing at the time.
The research team includes Dr David Marlin, Dr Jane Williams of Hartpury University, Dr Heather Cameron-Whytock of the University of Lancashire and Dr Carmen Cummiskey of FOMO.
The anonymous survey takes approximately seven minutes to complete and does not collect identifiable personal data. Riders will also have the option to provide an email address separately to enter a free prize draw to win a body protector and riding helmet worth more than £400.
Researchers intend to present the findings at a relevant conference, submit the work for publication in an appropriate academic journal and share the results more widely with riders and the equestrian industry.
The more riders who take part, including those who have experienced falls with and without injury, the more useful the resulting data could be in helping researchers better understand falls, injuries and the role of protective equipment.
Riders are now being encouraged to take part and share their experiences.
