We all know that riding horses comes with its risks. Falls and accidents are an unfortunate reality of our sport, and they can happen anywhere – when you’re out on a hack, schooling at home or competing at an event. Because of the height of a horse and the potential for accidents involving speed and force (jumping and galloping), riding increases the risk of head injury.  That’s why it’s so important that riders, grooms and owners are aware of the potential for a concussion and know the symptoms. By learning how to recognise the symptoms of a concussion, you can help look out for others and ensure they get any medical attention they need to keep their brain in the best possible shape.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. It’s important to note that someone doesn’t have to hit their head hard – or at all – to suffer a concussion. Even a seemingly minor fall that results in  whiplash motion can result in a concussion, and symptoms can sometimes appear hours or even days after the accident.

Key symptoms of concussion to look for

If you suspect someone that you’re with could have suffered a concussion, here are some of the symptoms to look out for. And remember, some may appear hours or days after the accident or injury has taken place, so make sure people who’ve suffered whiplash or a head injury aren’t left on their own.

• Headache: this might present as a dull ache all the way through to a more intense throbbing sensation.
• Dizziness or balance problems: the person may feel lightheaded and/or find it difficult to keep their balance when they are standing still or walking.
• Nausea or vomiting: feeling sick or being sick, either immediately after the accident or sometime later, is a well-known symptom of concussion.
• Confusion or disorientation: the person might seem restless or ‘out of it’, unsure of where they are or unable to recall the details of what happened to them.
• Blurred or double vision: this is another more commonly known symptom – the person is struggling to focus visually, with things appearing out of focus, or seeing double.
• Sensitivity to light or noise: people suffering from a concussion may find bright lights too intense or be bothered by loud noises.
• Fatigue: concussion can make people feel unusually tired or lethargic, even after they’ve spent hours or days resting.
• Emotional changes: the person might be experiencing sudden mood swings, becoming easily upset or irritable or feeling anxious without reason.

What to do if you suspect someone has a concussion:

Firstly, they must stop riding. If there’s any chance the person has a concussion, it’s important that they get out of the saddle and someone else sorts their horse out for them while they rest.

If the person was knocked out, is experiencing behavioural changes, slurred speech or has vomited due to a head injury, they need to visit A&E as soon as possible. If their symptoms are milder, call the NHS non-urgent line to ask for advice. Even if their symptoms don’t seem too bad, it’s better to err on the side of caution!

Finally, they need to rest and recover. Rest is crucial, and the rider should only return to the saddle when their symptoms have gone. Even mild symptoms can take two weeks to go away, so don’t rush it! Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you or someone else has had a fall, been kicked or fallen over on the yard, take a moment to assess the situation, watch for symptoms and don’t hesitate to seek help.