Horse racing jockey and trainer Greg Morris also happens to be one of the safety commissioners for the National Steeplechase Association, the governing body for the sport of jump racing in North America. Known also as timber racing, jump racing originated in Ireland in the 18th century and involves repeated jumps by riders atop thoroughbred horses hurdling over fences at fast paces. Steeplechase jockeys like Morris wear certified helmets to help protect against the impact of crashes, but the sport is obviously not without its dangers.
As a key presenter at the National Steeplechase Association’s Jockey Health and Safety Conference last year, the MAC Alliance was able to lead a discussion on baseline testing for jockeys. Greg Morris subsequently sent a team of videographers to us so we could help educate the horse racing community about head trauma treatment and ImPACT testing. In the resulting video, I conduct a vestibular ocular motor screening (VOMS) for concussion. In just five minutes, any medical professional, physical therapist or athletic trainer can determine if an athlete from any sport or activity needs to be removed from a sport.
Concussions must be respected, addressed and treated properly. With education like this video we hope to spread this message. If you’d like a MAC Alliance representative to speak about testing and concussions at your event, please contact us today.
