Injuries Related to Equestrian Sports: The Case of Javelin (Jereed) in Kars

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: EK-1, 72 - 77, 20.10.2025

Talha Karahan , Levent Şahin , Ulaş Karaoğlu , Mümin Karahan

Abstract

Aim: Individuals engaged in equestrian sports are susceptible to injuries resulting from falling off a horse, being kicked by a horse, or other horse-related contact situations. This study aimed to examine injury cases associated with the javelin (jereed) game played on horseback and to compare our findings with those of previous studies conducted in this field.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted prospectively over a three-month period during which equestrian jereed activities were most frequent. Patients who experienced injuries due to falling from a horse, being kicked by a horse, horse collisions, being crushed beneath a horse, or injuries caused by the jereed stick were included in the study. Data on patients’ age, type of injury, injury location, and medical interventions performed were recorded.
Results: The study was completed with a total of 51 patients, the majority of whom were young individuals. According to the mechanism of trauma, the most common injuries (52.9%) were associated with falling from a horse. Regarding injury location, the upper extremities were the most frequently affected area, accounting for 33.3% of cases. In terms of medical procedures, wound debridement with dressing and splint applications were the most common interventions. Approximately one-third of the patients were hospitalized, while the remaining two-thirds were discharged after receiving treatment.
Conclusion: In the jereed game, life-threatening injuries may occur. Therefore, we believe that the use of protective equipment by riders and receiving proper training on injury prevention and management can significantly reduce the occurrence of such injuries.

Keywords

equestrian sports , jereed , injury

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