Characterization of Raid Hípico Uruguayo Competencies by Ride Type: Causes of Death and Risk Factors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the RHU competencies according to the distance (short vs. long), causes of deaths, and associated risk factors. The studied population comprised 16,856 horses that participated in RHU rides from 2007 to 2018. During the entire period, there were 99 fatalities. The percentage of inexperienced horses and those who completed the ride was greater in short races than in long races. In both types of rides, more horses died during than after the ride, and inexperienced horses were more likely to be dead than horses with prior experience in the sport. Short rides were associated with increased risk of sudden death, while long rides were associated with increased risk of death due to metabolic alterations.