USA: A HISA STUDY DEMONSTRATES THAT THE HORSES BACK IN TRAINING ARE MORE AT RISK FOR FATAL FRACTURES

According to a study by the US Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) published by TDN News, horses, particularly when galloping, in the early stages of training or returning from a long period of rest, may be at greater risk of fatal front limb fractures than previously recognised. The HISA website therefore provides practical guidance to trainers and veterinarians on how to prevent these injuries, which often lead to the euthanasia of the horse.
Here are some of the findings reported in the study:
‘Fatal fractures of the proximal front limbs (humeral and scapular) accounted for 15% of training deaths reported to HISA by regulatory veterinarians in 2024.’
‘Over 40% of horses that suffered fatal fractures of the proximal front limbs and were reported to HISA had not recorded any high-speed furlongs (fractions of approximately 200 metres, ed.) in the 60 days prior to the fracture.’
‘On average, horses with these fractures raced only 12.3 furlongs at high speed in the 60 days prior to injury.’
‘During the same time period, horses with humeral fractures raced an average of only 5.9 furlongs at high speed.’

Dr Jenifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Equine Safety and Welfare, said: ‘HISA's goal is to substantially reduce the number of deaths from this type of injury by 2025. Raising awareness is the first step. Our goal is to translate this growing body of information into practical guidelines that can make our sport safer.’