Youth horse-related injuries (2014-2024): a scoping review of epidemiological and disciplinary insights

Although horse riding is hazardous and injuries are common, young riders regularly engage in horse-related activities. To our knowledge, there have been no syntheses on youth horse-related injuries published during the past decade that employ a multi- and interdisciplinary research agenda (M-IDR) and that incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to (1) review studies on horse-related injuries among children and adolescents and (2) identify methodological and paradigmatic trends according to M-IDR. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist, we searched six databases (PubMed, SportDiscus, Scopus, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts and Web of Science) for studies on horse-related injuries among youth riders published between 1 January 2014 and 1 December 2024. The total sample included 1400 participants aged 0-17 years, of which 78.7% were girls. The main results present data on acute injuries in general and traumatic brain injury in particular. In terms of disciplinary insights, the study design and paradigmatic views predominantly reflect a positivistic worldview, employ quantitative methods and are consistent with previous literature reviews on equestrian sport injuries. Further studies are needed on the injuries that occur among young riders in equestrian sports. They should use an interpretivist approach to explore norms and attitudes towards injuries and risk-taking within the equestrian community, for example, how cultural predisposition influences safety equipment use among young equestrians in private stables.