THE NATIONAL JOCKEY INJURY STUDY - AN ANALYSIS OF INJURIES TO PROFESSIONAL HORSE-RACING JOCKEYS

While there have been numerous reports in the literature of accidents in equestrian sports, no comprehensive study has been conducted to asc ertain the nature and incidence of injuries incurred by professional h orse-racing jockeys. A survey was conducted to determine the types of injuries to jockeys and racing-related health concerns, including weig ht reduction methods. The questionnaire was completed by 706 professio nal jockeys actively competing at United States racetracks between Jul y and October 1990 about injuries they had sustained in their careers. More than 1,700 injuries were reported. Fractures (n = 1,113) account ed for 64% of the total. The most common cause of injury was becoming unseated, followed by the horse falling. Relationships between charact eristics of jockeys and injuries were evaluated. There were significan t numbers of serious injuries with prolonged periods of not riding. Re commendations for improving jockey safety are made.