Variation in equine management factors between riding schools with high vs. low insurance claims for orthopaedic injury: A field study

Schools differed in management strategies and these influence injury rate and longevity. For horses in the LUIO schools a significantly longer time period had elapsed since acquisition and they had higher (but not statistically significant) mean ages. The employment of experienced managers and highly qualified chief instructors had a protective effect against orthopaedic injury in both LUIO and HUIO types of school. LUIO schools were significantly more likely to have at least 11 weeks of introductory work for new horses and were more likely to be under private management. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.