title: Concussion history and knowledge base in competitive equestrian athletes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Head injuries are responsible for the majority of serious equestrian sports injuries and deaths. Because of significant health risks to equestrians, education regarding the prevention of head and brain injuries is essential.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A significant number of riders have experienced a concussion, and few have knowledge of concussion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level 2.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-four riders competing, riding, or attending equestrian events at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, from January to April 2010 were surveyed. Measures of central tendency were utilized to evaluate response patterns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost half of equestrian riders (44%) experienced concussions during their careers. Those riders who suffered a brain injury were likely to return to riding without seeking medical clearance. Almost 40% of riders were never educated regarding concussions, while 15% received education from their trainers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Education of riders, parents, and horse trainers is needed to raise awareness of concussions and reduce the likelihood of subsequent injuries.
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
authors.forename: Heather N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Kuhl
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ritchie
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
authors.forename: Angela C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Taveira-Dick
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
authors.forename: Katie A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hoefling
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Russo
keywords: concussion; education; equestrian sports; head injuries