Rider’s ocular accident underscores importance of protective eyewear

Horse Racing
horse racing

Amid non-stop negotiations surrounding the need to implement better safety and wellness standards for riders, it seems one sector that may require another look is ocular health.

Considering the fact that riders are exposed to the elements and surrounded by powerful equine partners, there is a plethora of ocular risks. Just recently, this was underscored by one rider’s accident. In late 2024, rider Helen Gordon suffered from a sliced eye after a piece of debris, believed to be flint, was accidentally kicked up into her eye by the horse ahead of her. This is despite the rider and her companion being at what they said was a safe distance from each other, at a decent gallop. Per doctors, the damage was so severe that they initially thought she had been kicked directly by a horse.

Given that the UK has an estimated three million horse riders of varying ages and ability levels, it’s thus important to reiterate and practise proper eye protective standards. One of the best ways to do this is with the right eyewear.

How riders are protecting their eyes

Currently, it’s industry standard for riders to wear goggles during serious training sessions and race days. Made from impact- and shatter-proof materials, these goggles are designed to protect the eyes from fast-moving objects that may enter the eyes. Usually, these come with straps that can be worn securely around the head and helmet.

However, brands like UVEX also offer them in wraparound styles for less intensive equestrian endeavours. That said, since this eyewear is subject to above-average wear and tear, it’s also made with precise standards so that it doesn’t accidentally cause injury. This is similar to the safety glasses prescribed to high-risk workers. For instance, construction workers use regulated eyewear that is designed not to splinter in such a way that it pierces the user and they provides enough coverage for protection.

Aside from this, it’s not uncommon to see riders use other forms of eyewear during less taxing activities. The most important of these are sunglasses, which are critical tools against UV radiation. Since most courses are open, the sun can penetrate the eyes easily, causing problems like ocular burns, cataracts, and even melanoma over time. Because clear vision is invaluable to riders, you may also find that some opt for prescription sunglasses. Iconic brand Ray-Ban has shades that provide the user vision protection and correction. While they may look like regular shades on the outside, their lenses are fitted with specific eye prescriptions, so users do not need to keep switching between eyeglasses and sunglasses. For riders, this is a time-efficient boon that lets them better take stock of their responsibilities.

What more the racing industry can do

Having said this, horse racing leaders still have a lot to do to ensure that riders’ eyes are safeguarded fully. As it is, there has been much talk about long-standing gaps that leave certain critical aspects of rider wellbeing at risk. For instance, just late last year, the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) highlighted how many racecourses still lack adequate facilities for female riders. Notably, this means that female riders don’t have their own dedicated spaces for changing, showering, and the like. Such discrepancies are not just a mark against the industry’s progress and diversity but also a risk for health and safety, given the lack of care for the unique needs of female riders.

Going back to eye care, while it’s normal for riders to wear the aforementioned eyewear, their use is not as diligently recommended. As such, there are many riders who do not use said eyewear properly. Some even choose to forego them, especially since not all courses require riders to use them. To address this, it would go a long way if more officials, coaches, and course operators helped spread not only awareness but also diligence in terms of how the right eyewear matters.

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