HISA Study Identifies Risk Factors for Fatal Proximal Forelimb Fractures

[Wandering Eyes]

Horses in early stages of training or those returning from an extended layoff may be at higher risk for fatal proximal forelimb fractures than previously recognized, according to an Equine Health Advisory released by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Monday. The advisory, which is based on data drawn from the HISA Portal, provides practical guidance for trainers and veterinarians on how to help prevent these catastrophic injuries.

The advisory's key findings include:

• Fatal proximal forelimb (humeral and scapular) fractures accounted for 15% of training fatalities reported to HISA by Regulatory Veterinarians in 2024.
• More than 40% of horses that experienced fatal proximal forelimb fractures that were reported to HISA had no recorded high-speed furlongs within the 60 days prior to the fracture occurring.
• On average, horses with these fractures logged only 12.3 high-speed furlongs in the 60 days prior to injury.
• Horses with humeral fractures averaged only 5.9 high-speed furlongs in that same timeframe.

“It is HISA's goal to substantially reduce the number of these fatalities beginning in 2025,” said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Equine Safety and Welfare. “Building awareness is the first step. This advisory reflects our commitment to data-driven safety and highlights the collective responsibility we have as an industry to intercede for at-risk horses before injuries occur. Our goal is to translate this growing body of information in our Portal into actionable guidance that can make our sport safer.”

The full advisory is available here. It has been distributed to all trainers and veterinarians registered in the HISA Portal and is also available on www.hisaus.org under the Resources section.

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