Frequency of Limb Injuries Between Thoroughbred and Arabian Horses

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between race horse breed and the frequency of limb injuries through the time of training and racing. The study population consisted of 4042 Thoroughbred and 2553 Arabian horses raced at Warsaw race Track, from 2000 to 2008. Among these horses, 94 Thoroughbreds and 32 Arabians had different limb injuries. Based on the achieved results, it is possible to conclude that limb injuries are significantly more common in Thoroughbred race horses than in Arabians. Male horses of both breeds were at significantly higher risk of limb injuries. It was also shown that front legs were injured more often than hind ones in both studied breeds.