Athlete Health & Safety
Welcome to the Horse Sport Ireland information page, dedicated to key health and safety matters for human Athletes in equestrian sport.
With these pages Horse Sport Ireland hopes to raise awareness and bring clarity on issues which concern everyone involved in equestrian sport at any competition level. In particular, we strongly recommend that everyone involved in our sport takes the time to read the information on Concussion published in these pages, and familiarize themselves with the Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT), keeping in mind that where concussion is even suspected expert advice must be sought. The information and guidelines on Athlete Health & Safety on this website are the best advice and best practice available at the present time. An Athlete’s medical condition or injury may vary and he/she should always consult his/her own doctor or visit a Hospital Accident & Emergency Department if he/she has concerns about medical conditions or injuries.
These pages will be updated from time to time with new topics and/or additional information for the exisiting ones where relevant. If you have queries please feel free to send us an email.
Useful Links
The Medical Equestrian Association of Ireland have produced a document on Concussion. The document gives a brief synopsis of Concussion, recognising concussions, the signs and symptoms, Management of concussion at an event and by the athlete, sideline assessment questions, care of a concussed athlete for 24 hours after the injury and guidelines on rehabilitation and return to riding for an athlete following concussion/head injury.The document can be downloaded in the Concussion section above.
BE “Concussion Smart” and have Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s new Concussion App at your fingertips. The app is designed to help coaches, team physicians, parents and other qualified healthcare professionals recognise and respond to a concussed player following a knock to the head. The app is currently only available on Apple and will be launched on Google Play for Android phones at a later date.
Sport Ireland National Anti-Doping Programme acts to protect Ireland’s sporting integrity against the threat of doping. visit the Sport Ireland website for further information. Sport Ireland Website