New research backed by Riders Minds exposes significant knowledge gaps in concussion recognition and diagnosis for female riders in horse sports, with prolonged recovery often due to misdiagnosis and riders ignoring symptoms. This comes amid recent policy changes like British Showjumping's 21-day suspension rule.
Researcher Amelia Collins, supported by mental health charity Riders Minds, interviewed female riders and found widespread lack of education on concussion symptoms and its nature as a serious brain injury. A Riders Minds spokesperson noted: “Findings show that prolonged concussion recovery is not only physical but psychological, social and identity-related.” Riders reported cognitive and emotional effects like poor concentration, low mood, and mental fatigue—often mistaken for stress or anxiety by medics—leading to delayed treatment and extended recovery. Many underestimated symptoms, continued riding or working, and worsened their condition; one rider took two years and nine months to recover after pushing through unrecognized symptoms. As both coach and rider, Ms Collins observed: “I’ve seen first-hand how concussion symptoms are minimised. Riders push through, unaware of long-lasting brain injury effects.” These insights align with recent equestrian policy responses, such as British Showjumping's (BS) new 21-day suspension for suspected concussions (see related article in this series), shared with British Equestrian (BEF) bodies. Riders can shorten it with medical clearance. British Dressage and British Riding Clubs follow similar protocols requiring 14 symptom-free days plus confirmation. The BEF is building a centralised suspension system and provides concussion guidance.