When we think of sports-related concussions, horse racing might not be the first activity that comes to mind. Nonetheless, concussions are a growing concern in equestrian sports, especially in horse racing. Jockeys face a high risk of concussion – higher than the risk faced by American football players.
In this blog, we will delve into the prevalence and associated risks of concussions among jockeys, safety measures, global protocols, and challenges of implementing concussion protocols in equine sports.
Concussions are prevalent in equestrian sports, particularly in racing. Various research studies spotlight the extent of concussions among jockeys in horse racing:
Excitingly, research initiatives such as the Equestrian Athlete Initiative at the University of Kentucky are actively contributing to this evolving body of research.
It is important to note that the current research may underestimate the true prevalence, given the continued issue of underreporting of concussions in horse racing. The prior mentality of getting injured in horse racing has been to tough it out and “get back in the saddle.” Additionally, professional jockeys may be resistant to report concussions, as they will be out of work/wages if pulled off the track. But with increased awareness and more research on the long-term consequences of concussion, the culture is shifting towards prioritizing athlete safety.
The job of being a professional jockey in the horse racing industry was deemed a high-risk occupation by the Department of Health and Human Services in the US (5).
Horse racing poses unique challenges for jockeys, who ride at high speeds and are often in close proximity to other riders. For jockeys, the risks of concussions are heightened due to the unpredictable nature of racing. There is high potential for falls and collisions. For example, research shows that elite jockeys can expect to fall every 502 rides in Thoroughbred races and every 318 rides in Quarter Horse races (6). The risk of returning to racing before full recovery and medical clearance is also a concern, as it might lead to second impact syndrome.
Further, jockeys with multiple concussions are more at risk for reduced functioning (7), as well as depression and work-related stress (8). Female jockeys were more significantly impacted by multiple concussions compared to males.
The horse racing tracks also face risks if proper protocols for concussion management aren’t in place. These risks include anything from potential legal consequences to public relations challenges.
Let’s explore ways to mitigate these risks in the following sections.
Safety measures in horse racing are paramount. The horse racing industry has been adopting several measures to prevent and manage concussions effectively:
Internationally, the equestrian community is recognizing the importance of robust concussion protocols.
In the US, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 has authorized a private self-regulatory organization, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), to oversee the health and safety of jockeys and horses. This act includes regulations on concussion management for state racing commissions and racetracks. The HISA website provides a concussion protocol template for racetracks. And researchers published a proposed return-to-ride protocol specifically for thoroughbred jockeys in the US system (11).
In the UK, the British Equestrian (BEF) released the first unified concussion guidelines in 2023 tailored specifically for the equestrian industry. They propose a “return to ride” protocol that is easy to follow and can be used by anyone affected by concussion in the industry.
In Canada, groups like Ontario Equestrian have published concussion policy and return to riding guidelines. And more and more horse racing groups around the globe are doing the same.
In regards to youth and non-elite riders, the CDC provides an educational sheet for coaches and trainers in the equestrian industry. And the UK Government published these thorough concussion guidelines for non-elite athletes in 2023.
Even with the global progress mentioned above, the world of horse racing lags behind other sports when it comes to implementing and enforcing concussion protocols. Challenges include the decentralized nature of the horse racing industry, varying regulations across regions and countries, and the need for cooperation among stakeholders. Effective concussion management necessitates a unified approach that encompasses education, communication, and resources.
The HEADCHECK Jockey Health System was piloted in 2019 by a small group of racetracks with a shared vision for revolutionizing medical care in horse racing. Since then, HEADCHECK has transformed our products to optimally cater to the injury reporting and management needs of the horse racing community.
The HEADCHECK Jockey Health System offers an industry-specific electronic injury-tracking system with a focus on optimizing concussion safety and care at racetracks. The all-in-one injury tracking system is secure and HIPAA compliant and works with HISA’s existing structure and protocol. It will protect jockeys from mismanaged injuries and ease communication among racetracks. Medical staff, stewards, contractors, and other authorized individuals can track jockey eligibility no matter where the jockey races.
To learn more about the HEADCHECK Jockey Health System, contact us today!
The world of horse racing is at a turning point in addressing concussions among jockeys. By recognizing the risks, prioritizing safety measures, staying informed about the latest research, and working together to establish and implement effective protocols, the industry is taking positive steps toward ensuring the health and well-being of its athletes.