Head Injuries in the Equestrian Sports

In brief: Head injuries are the most frequent and most severe of all injuries in equestrian sports. It has been estimated that head injuries make up approximately 20% of all horse-related injuries. They can be prevented or their severity can be reduced by wearing properly fitted and secured headgear. A good helmet must be secured from loss, protect the head from the impact or compression of a fall, and resist penetration. The author recommends that the medical community continue to work to make the most protective riding helmet acceptable to the equestrian community.