In 2025, Riders Minds supported researcher Amelia Collins in recruiting participants for an interview study exploring the lived recovery experiences of female riders. The study highlighted significant gaps in education around concussion, both in recognising symptoms and understanding the severity of this brain injury, with misdiagnoses by medical professionals leading to delayed care and prolonged recovery.
The findings revealed that recovery from concussion is not only physical but also psychological, social, and identity-related. Many riders reported cognitive and emotional changes—such as poor concentration, low mood, and mental fatigue—that were often unrecognised as concussion-related and sometimes misattributed to stress or anxiety. This delay in recognition meant riders often received inappropriate care at first, extending recovery time.
A lack of concussion awareness also meant many riders underestimated their symptoms, continuing to ride or work despite injury, unintentionally prolonging recovery. Less visible or delayed symptoms—including migraines, sensory overload, and extreme fatigue—were often not linked to concussion, leaving riders and staff unaware of the need for intervention.
Equestrian culture, which often values resilience and “pushing through,” further contributed to riders downplaying their symptoms. Others were dismissed, misdiagnosed, or treated for psychological issues instead of receiving concussion-specific care, and in some cases, significant injuries were overlooked entirely.
The research also emphasised that cognitive and emotional symptoms are frequently not recognised as part of concussion. Riders reported that doctors sometimes attributed these symptoms to anxiety, stress, or work pressures, delaying access to proper care.
This lack of early recognition led to confusion, frustration, and unnecessarily prolonged recoveries. Many riders admitted underestimating the seriousness of their symptoms, continuing daily activities while unaware of the risks.
Physical sensations such as numbness, pain, pins and needles, extreme fatigue, and sensory overload were often experienced in isolation rather than understood as interconnected effects of brain injury. This misinterpretation often delayed access to care, complicating recovery further.
Key Recommendations for Livery Yards and Equestrian Settings
The study highlights the urgent need for livery yards and equestrian facilities to have clear processes in place to protect everyone on site. This includes:
- First-aid trained staff and managers: Ensuring that personnel are trained to respond effectively to head injuries and other accidents.
- Clear procedures following accidents: Guidelines for assessing injuries, removing riders from activity if needed, and referring promptly to medical professionals.
- Education on concussion: Training riders, staff, and visitors to recognise physical, cognitive, and emotional signs of concussion, including delayed symptoms.
- Supportive culture: Encouraging riders to report injuries without stigma or pressure to “tough it out,” and integrating mental health awareness into post-injury care.
By embedding these practices, livery yards can minimise the risks of prolonged recovery, protect the wellbeing of riders, and create a safer, more informed equestrian environment.
Riders Minds Mental Health Expert Sylvia Bruce commented, “We are talking about concussion—a brain injury, not just a bump on the head. Many experiences highlight the need for joined-up, consistent approaches to all aspects of concussion. Simple measures, such as trained staff and clear accident procedures, can make a significant difference in rider safety and recovery.”
Mental health and wellbeing charity Riders Minds continues to support research and provide resources, including a free post-concussion mental health checker as part of their Head First Campaign: https://ridersminds.org/head-first-checker. For support, live chat is available at https://ridersminds.org/, or call the helpline on 0800 088 2073, or text 07480 488 103. All services are free, confidential, and accessible 24/7.