Is enough being done to keep riders safe after injury at competitions?

Due to the nature of equestrian sports accidents are a common occurrence in the competition and leisure riding environment alike. Although rules are put in place by equestrian organisations, it is often asked whether enough is being done to keep riders safe after an injury has happened?

Show jumper, Charlotte Arnold recently had to be taken to hospital during a competition after her horse kicked her at Waterford Equestrian Centre.

Charlotte said: "She walloped me full on the head, I went flying - I turned three somersaults in the air."

The kick resulted in Charlotte receiving six staples to her head, but she still went on to compete the following day. Still in a delicate state, she won the last of this year’s scope qualifying classes, having to squeeze her riding hat over the bandage.

"I wasn't concussed, but if you are, I think you should be stood down." said Charlotte, responding to claims that organisations such as British Show Jumping and British Dressage should follow the rules of eventing and racing to keep risk to the minimum.

However, it has been argued that each situation should be judged on the seriousness of the individual injury. Dr Suzannah Hoult from Medical Equestrian Association added that, in her opinion, rules regarding assessment of riders should be looked at by the governing bodies and if a rider has received a head injury they should receive an appropriate suspension.

Just putting a riding hat on and getting back on the horse is not necessarily a safe option.