British Showjumping has implemented a new rule for 2026 suspending riders suspected of concussion for 21 days. The measure applies if a rider is taken to hospital from a competition or if medics, officials or organisers suspect a head injury. Suspension details will be shared with other British Equestrian governing bodies.
Under the new British Showjumping (BS) concussion rule effective in 2026, any rider taken directly to hospital from a show or suspected of sustaining concussion by medics, officials or organisers faces a mandatory 21-day suspension from competition. This step aims to prevent riders from returning too soon, when a second brain injury could lead to catastrophic effects such as significant swelling, permanent disability or death. The National Health Service advises avoiding contact sports for at least three weeks after concussion, aligning with this policy. BS will notify other British Equestrian (BEF) member bodies of the suspension dates, but not medical details, to stop riders competing in other disciplines during the recovery period. Riders can request a shortened suspension by providing a hospital discharge sheet or a doctor’s report clearing them to compete. Iain Graham, BS chief executive, explained the rationale: “We’re not trying to spoil anyone’s fun but we need to help educate people – especially those responsible for young people in the sport – about the dangers of a second head injury in that time period.” He added, “You may feel you need to get back on and keep competing but the main thing is the long-term effects. The long term is one of the great things in our sport; you can keep competing till you’re 70+ at the top level so we have a long time to enjoy it and missing a couple of weeks of competition isn’t the end of the world.” The BEF is developing a secure system to share such suspension information among member bodies, expected to be operational soon. Graham noted, “We have to do all we can as a governing body to protect people in our sport,” highlighting growing awareness of head injury risks over the past 10 to 15 years.