To the Editor: The conclusion of Holland et al that horse-related injuries in children account for a considerable number of deaths and injury is unarguable.1 In New Zealand, hospitalisation rates for falls from horses and rugby injuries are comparable.2 Despite these disconcerting facts, the data on horse-riding injuries need to be put in a balanced perspective. The frequency of injuries in adult equestrian activity, Pony Club riding, occupational riding (including professional jockeys) and riding for leisure are quite different. Collective raw data are misleading.
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- 1 Spinecare Foundation, Ryde, NSW.
- 2 Department of Academic Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW.
- 3 John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW.
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