Equestrian activities associated with bullfighting, particularly bull runs, represent a high-risk environment for horses. Among the various traumatic injuries that can occur, bull horn injuries are a major cause of morbidity due to their frequency, anatomical location, and clinical severity.
This retrospective study analyzes 50 clinical cases recorded between 2022 and 2025 in the Guareña region, province of Zamora. The variables recorded included breed, sex, type of event, anatomical location, treatment, severity, and clinical outcome.
The most affected areas were the gluteal region (54 %) and the abdomen (30 %), while the remaining 16% of injuries involved the chest and back. Eighty percent of cases required minor surgery, and 6 % of the horses did not survive due to evisceration. The average recovery time was 30 days, depending on the depth and location of the wounds.
These results suggest that bull horn injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in horses used in bullfighting events. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of establishing emergency protocols and promoting the use of protective equipment for horses.
