The following guidance is intended to provide information on how to recognise concussion, and how concussion should be managed, from the time of injury through to a safe return to equestrian activity. While this document contains general medical information, it doesn’t constitute medical advice and should not be relied on as such. This guidance is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner or healthcare provider. While helmets save lives, concussions can still occur and can threaten the long-term health of participants. At all levels of equestrian activity, a participant must be immediately stood down from riding and any potentially strenuous mental and physical activities if they are suspected to have a concussion.

Concussion is an injury to the brain resulting in a disturbance of brain function. It can be caused by a direct blow to the head, but can also occur when a blow to another part of the body results in rapid movement of the head, such as whiplash type injuries. Loss of consciousness does not always occur – in fact, it occurs in less than 10% of concussions. Concussions can happen to participants at any age. However, children and adolescents (18 and under): • are more susceptible to brain injury • on average take longer than adults to recover – usually four weeks compared to two weeks • have more significant memory and mental processing issues • are more susceptible to rare and dangerous neurological complications, including death caused by a single or second impact. A history of previous concussion increases the risk of further concussions, from which it may also take longer to recover.