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Education

VIDEO: How Rider Injuries Differ by Gender with Roy Burek

Mar 07, 2018

The 2017 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention may have come and gone, but thanks to our friends at Ride On Video you will have the chance to relive the action as we share videos of the different sessions! 

Roy Burek from Charles Owen gave a presentation at the 2017 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention on the differences in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) between men and women. On the whole, women tend to suffer from increased symptoms and recover more slowly compared to men when they are in similar accidents based on data, but the cause of this isn’t known. There are several possible causes, including structural differences, societal differences, and hormonal influences. Burek provided a detailed explanation of what happens to the brain when a person sustains a TBI and provided several examples of studies that supported the assertion that gender influences cause men and women to react differently. He closed by mentioning potential new treatment options that are being examined.

Burek has over 30 years of personal experience in the safety industry. His grandfather founded Charles Owen in 1911, and the company has since established itself as the gold standard for international equestrian safety. Since taking the reins at Charles Owen, Burek has been dynamic in leading industry research and setting new standards for safety technology. Burek has been recognized by ASTM and the British Horse Society for his contributions to safety research, and he has served on the European Standards Committee and co-chaired the task group that sets ASTM standards. Roy’s passion for research has led to groundbreaking discoveries regarding the variables that determine the severity of a fall and in concussion reduction. He has led Charles Owen to think outside the box in order to construct new materials and more accurate standards for helmets and body protectors. Burek accepted the position of Honorary Visiting Professor at the School of Engineering at Cardiff University which has allowed him to continue to share his wealth of knowledge with the riders who benefit directly from Charles Owen’s commitment to keeping them safe.

About the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting and Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The convention is made possible through the support of sponsors: Adequan, Devoucoux, Nutrena, Charles Owen, SmartPak, Rebecca Farm, Mountain Horse, Merck Animal Health, Standlee Hay, Auburn Laboratories, Eventing Training Online, DG Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, Point Two, Professional’s Choice, Bit of Britain, Staples Inc., World Equestrian Brands, Gallops Saddlery, RevitaVet, CWD, H.E. Tex Sutton Forwarding Company, and Parker Equine Insurance.

Learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention by visiting the Convention page on the USEA website.