Fatalities related to AERC rides in 2007 as presented at the Hot Topics session at the AERC Convention 02/29/2008 in Reno, NV

The ride year 2007 saw eight reported fatalities at or after AERC rides. This year, as in the four preceding years, the sample size is too small to allow substantial trends to develop. We are hopeful that combined, the five years of data will provide AERC with information that will help us to understand and circumvent some of these losses in the future.

Of the eight deaths, three were accidents that caused fatal trauma. There were five colic type incidents reported (colic being general belly pain). Of the five, three were determined, upon necropsy, to be caused by gastric torsion, while one other was identified as a gastric rupture. The other two colic fatalities were not subject to necropsy and are listed simply as unspecified colic. Among the cases of colic, two were entered in 100 mile rides and were stricken during the ride, while one was a 35 miler and one 50, also presenting signs before the finish of the ride. One colic death did not become symptomatic until hours after the completion of the ride. More details regarding all these deaths will be listed in the individual reports issued by the Welfare of the Horse committee in the coming months.

All of the riders involved with fatalities in 2007 were relatively experienced with substantial AERC miles to their credit. In past years we have seen riders of all levels of experience that have lost horses. This could be a fluke of circumstance, or it could be that the new rider information and education that has been presented in the last several years has caused newer riders to be more cautious and alert to changes in their horse's behavior. Experienced riders sometimes rely on a false confidence in outside factors such as proper feed, electrolyte protocol, a brief vet exam, or past experience to assure them that their horse is fit to continue. Past bouts with illness in horses that recovered may also lend itself to allowing a condition to continue or worsen when it would be more prudent to stop and seek immediate treatment. This committee would like to stress that we have found in our investigations that any change in a horse's health or attitude could signal a problem that can quickly spiral downward. Diligent observation and veterinary intervention is of the utmost importance in the survival of a colicing horse who may be compromised by exercise. Erring on the side of caution could circumvent a lifetime of second guessing and 'what ifs'

The veterinary committee has available, a refund up to $300 to any rider who loses a horse and has a necropsy performed. While it is understandable that such a procedure at an emotional time can be difficult to an owner, it is crucial to the understanding of why and how these horses die, and could help to prevent such losses in the future.

The Welfare of the Horse committee wishes express our heartfelt condolences to those riders who have experienced the loss of their equine partner, and our pledge that we will continue to investigate and learn from these losses in the hope of preventing further fatalities.