For many years, many riders have almost flirted with the fact that “nothing stops a real horse person”. Broken bones in the body, pain of an undefinable nature or a sick headache are nothing to argue about.
For a long time it was a way of thinking that new riders were also brought up in. I was one of those who quickly embraced it.
One evening I fell off my horse during a training session. The pain in one arm was immediate, it is possible that I both swore and cursed the state of things, but the next day it was a matter of course for me to go to school despite little sleep. In the afternoon, however, I realized – albeit reluctantly – that I needed a pain reliever. Since there were still school nurses at that time, I went to her.
She didn’t give me a tablet. Instead, she sent me to the hospital for X-rays. It turned out that I had broken my arm in three places.
Personally, I was quite pleased that I waited so long that I only missed one lesson.
After Peder Fredricson fell off his horse during last year’s competition at the Stadium – and injured his neck – safety became his focus. Since then, he has, among other things, developed a safety vest. Photo: Pi Frisk
This the macho attitude – which has been equally prevalent among men and women in equestrian sports – has also had another slightly softer side.
The built-in reflex of riders to put themselves second has been because the horse’s well-being always comes first.
It may be hard to believe when most of the recent years have been about shortcomings in horse welfare. Of course, the shortcomings must be highlighted, criticized and questioned, but nevertheless, this is not what everyday life looks like for the majority of riders, regardless of what level they are at.
The fact that the horse comes first is the positive side of this attitude, and nothing that anyone really wants to change. However, it may still be appropriate to remind that there must be limits even there.
On the negative side, in recent years, a slow movement of hope has taken place.
Germany’s Sophie Hinners, who won the World Cup sub-competition in Verona, wore a safety vest above her riding jacket. Photo: Roberto Tommasini/TT
Actually started already in the summer of 2018 when the International Equestrian Federation FEI decided that from June 1 all cases of concussions at international competitions would be reported to the rider’s national federation.
The following year, the Swedish Equestrian Federation introduced the so-called brain ladder – with steps that must be taken after a concussion before it is okay to start riding again – which had already existed in, among other things, ice hockey for many years.
Two changes that showed it was time to retire the phrase “it’s just back on the horse”.
Another creeping change that has become apparent during the opening rounds of the World Cup Jumping is that more and more top riders have started using safety vests. It is far from all yet, but slowly but surely they have increased in number.
One of those who now wears the vest is the Olympic bronze medalist in team Jerome Guery from Belgium. When he fell off his horse during the World Cup competitions in Verona, his vest – they can be compared to an airbag – immediately deployed.
Because even the best rider falls off his horse from time to time, and today this type of vest is both safe and easy to use. Moreover, nowadays they are so nicely made that it often almost looks like part of the riding jacket.
The safety vests have developed a lot in recent years both when it comes to its flexibility and its appearance. Belgian Olivier Philippaert’s vest is almost hard for the eye to notice at first. Photo: Mickael Chavet/TT
These steps gives hope. Just like when they banned the dressage hat and made helmets mandatory. Or when manufacturers spend time developing ever better safety stirrups – many accidents happen when the rider’s foot gets stuck in the stirrup when they fall off – and when the development of ever safer riding helmets continues.
But perhaps most of all, hearing riders say that they have become better at listening to their own bodies, and instead of going to another competition when something feels wrong, they rest.
This may sound obvious to many, but changing a culture is not easy and takes time. Now it is finally on the right track.
Having said that, the riders of the future will also be made of hardwood. They must be when dealing with 700 kilos of horse. But today a real horse person is hard and wise instead of hard and stupid.
The Iron Will of Equestrian Riders: Toughness or Just Plain Stubbornness?
So, here we are—riders who will quite literally get back in the saddle despite being just one fracture away from an insurance payout. Yes, that’s right! As the article puts it, “nothing stops a real horse person.” I mean, if you’ve ever seen a person with a broken arm insist that “it’s just a scratch!”—well, you know we’re dealing with a special breed here. It’s commitment! Or perhaps a touch of madness? One might say it’s all about that equestrian ethos: “If I can still breathe, I’m riding!” Ah, the delicate balance of bravery and stupidity!
The personal anecdote of a young rider falling off their horse, letting out a few choice expletives, and then heading to school the next day with a broken arm is a perfect example of how ingrained this macho attitude is in the equestrian world. Not to mention—bravo to the school nurse for spotting the problem. I mean, how many of us would actually listen to a “medical professional” when we could just rely on sheer willpower? The arm might be in three pieces, but at least you only missed one lesson! Now that’s what I call time management!
Now, let’s dive deeper into the really fascinating aspect of equestrian culture—the unwavering prioritization of the horse over the rider. It’s a beautiful sentiment, really! “Oh, the horse’s well-being comes first!” Yet, while everyone is clambering to save horses from flying hooves and poor riding practices, occasionally, I’m left wondering: who’s watching out for the humans, huh? If only human riders had the same safety features as their equine counterparts—perhaps an inflatable body suit that self-deploys upon panic… but I digress!
There’s been progress, folks! The article points out that since 2018, the International Equestrian Federation requires reporting concussions. Finally, a sign that—hold on to your saddles—perhaps we’re moving towards a world where it’s okay to accept defeat by the horse, rather than shrugging it off as just another Friday night with Mr. Ed. And who knew that the Swedish Equestrian Federation was talking about a “brain ladder”? That’s a dramatic rebranding of the old “fall-off-a-horse-and-get-up” method! What’s next, a brain gym?
Moreover, some brave souls are even donning safety vests nowadays. We’re talking airbag-like contraptions that deploy faster than a horse’s reaction to a spider! For instance, Belgian Olympic bronze medalist Jerome Guery was saved from serious injury while participating in the World Cup competitions. Although one could argue that being thrown off your horse should come with a complimentary crash test dummy… but again, that’s just me!
The evolution of safety equipment is impressive, to say the least. These vests are now so sleek and stylish, they might just fool you into thinking they’re part of the riding jacket! Talk about a fashion statement! “Oh, this? Just my new safety gear. It matches my riding boots perfectly!”
While we’ve seen advancements in helmets and stirrups over the years, let’s give a round of applause to the riders who’ve decided to listen to their bodies. It’s a radical concept: resting when something feels “off.” If only we could apply this wisdom to other areas of life, like—dare I say it—fifth helpings at Thanksgiving!
Finally, the time has come to retire the phrase “it’s just back on the horse.” Let’s embrace a new mantra for our modern riders: “Be wise, not just tough.” After all, we’re shaping up a new generation of horse folk who understand the balance between courage and common sense—because one day, leviathans of the saddle, you’ll be leaning down to pet your equine friend without having to wrestle a broken bone!
For many years, equestrians have been deeply entrenched in the belief that “nothing stops a real horse person”. Broken bones, excruciating pains of myriad origins, or relentless headaches are simply hurdles to be overcome rather than excuses to bow out.
For a long time, this mentality has been ingrained in the culture for newcomers in the riding community. I was one of those who quickly adopted this mindset, seeing it as a testament to my dedication.
One evening during a rigorous training session, I unexpectedly fell from my horse. The sharp and immediate pain in my arm was unmistakable. I may have vented my frustrations through expletives, but the very next day, despite my lack of sleep and lingering pain, I dutifully attended school. It was an ingrained sense of responsibility that compelled me forward. However, by the afternoon, I begrudgingly came to the realization that I needed a pain reliever. Fortunately, during that time, we still had school nurses available.
She didn’t simply hand me a painkiller; instead, she insisted I go to the hospital for X-rays. To my dismay, the results revealed that my arm was fractured in three distinct places.
Personally, I found solace in the fact that I had only missed one lesson due to my injury, a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
After Peder Fredricson endured a fall from his horse during last year’s competition at the Stadium, resulting in a neck injury, he shifted his focus toward safety. His personal experience spurred him to develop a safety vest, showcasing a pivotal change in the mindset surrounding rider safety. Photo: Pi Frisk
This prevailing macho attitude—shared equally among both male and female participants in equestrian sports—has also fostered a more compassionate side.
The ingrained tendency among riders to prioritize their own well-being secondary to their horse’s welfare is an undeniable facet of equestrian culture. It might seem jarring, especially considering that recent years have highlighted various shortcomings in horse welfare. Although it is essential to address and critique these issues, they do not define the everyday experiences of the majority of riders, regardless of their level of expertise.
The notion that the horse’s well-being comes first is, undoubtedly, a commendable aspect of this mentality, one that very few wish to see altered. However, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective, reminding ourselves that even within this framework, there must be limits.
Conversely, a growing movement advocating for change has emerged subtly over the past few years.
This momentum can be traced back to the summer of 2018 when the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) enacted a crucial policy mandating the reporting of all concussions at international competitions to the respective national federations of riders.
The following year, the Swedish Equestrian Federation implemented the brain ladder—a series of steps required after a concussion to ensure a safe return to riding—which had already been established in other sports, including ice hockey, for many years.
These progressive changes signify a shift away from the outdated mantra of “it’s just back on the horse”.
Another noteworthy transformation that surfaced during the initial rounds of the World Cup Jumping event is the increasing number of elite riders opting to don safety vests. While their adoption is not yet universal, the trend is steadily gaining traction.
Among those embracing this change is Belgium’s Jerome Guery, an Olympic bronze medalist in team events. Following his fall during the World Cup competitions in Verona, his innovative vest—comparable to an airbag—deployed instantaneously, underscoring the garment’s effectiveness in protecting riders.
Even the most skilled riders occasionally face falls, but today’s safety vests are designed to be both reliable and user-friendly. What’s more, their sleek designs often make them appear as an integral part of the riding jacket.
The evolution of safety vests in recent years reflects significant advancements in both flexibility and aesthetics. The vest worn by Belgian rider Olivier Philippaert is so subtly crafted that it is nearly imperceptible at first glance. Photo: Mickael Chavet/TT
These steps inspire hope for a safer future in the sport. Much like the transition from dressage hats to mandatory helmets, or the innovative development of safety stirrups—designed to prevent riders’ feet from becoming trapped during falls—the ongoing refinement of riding helmets signifies progress.
Yet perhaps most encouraging is the increasing willingness of riders to listen to their bodies, recognizing the importance of rest rather than pushing through when something feels amiss.
This may seem elementary, but instigating a cultural shift is inherently challenging and oftentimes requires significant time. Now, at last, we can sense that progress is being made in a positive direction.
It should be acknowledged, however, that future riders will still need to possess the resilience akin to hardwood—an essential trait when managing the weight and unpredictability of a 700-kilo horse. Nevertheless, today’s definition of a true horse person emphasizes strength tempered by wisdom rather than mere stubbornness.
How is the evolving culture of equestrianism impacting perceptions of rider responsibility and mental well-being?
While competing, he has become a leading advocate for rider safety. His experiences have demonstrated the importance of prioritizing safety in equestrian sports, helping to inspire others to take similar precautions.
As the culture surrounding equestrianism begins to evolve, we are witnessing a remarkable shift in perspectives regarding rider safety, responsibility, and the importance of mental and physical well-being. Riders are slowly moving towards a blend of toughness and wisdom, embracing innovative safety techniques while acknowledging their limits, something that will undoubtedly benefit the sport on various levels.
the equestrian world is at a crossroads. The traditional mindset that “nothing stops a real horse person” is being challenged by emerging practices that value both rider and horse welfare. With policies like concussion reporting and the adoption of safety vests, the future paints a hopeful picture for equestrians everywhere. Riders today will continue to embody resilience and tenacity, but as we look forward, let’s hope they also bring with them an understanding of when it’s okay to put safety first, making the sport not just about the ride, but about the people who ride.
As we embrace this new era in equestrianism, it’s essential to remember that wisdom in our choices is just as commendable as the courage we display in the saddle. Here’s to the impending evolution of the sport—may it be one that celebrates both hardwood toughness and the grace of informed decision-making!
