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Riding Helmets
http://www.horsemanshiphorsetrainingtips.com/articles/241/1/Riding-Helmets
Kelly Bell
Kelly's knowledge of horses grew in local 4-H and open shows competing in Western pleasure, Western equitation, English Pleasure, English Equitation, Trail, Showmaship and Halter classes. Kelly competed with two horses over her showing career; a sorrel Quarter Horse mare, Double D Fashion and a Sorrel Overo Paint mare, Little Partee Sis. 
By Kelly Bell
Published on 05/15/2006
 

Here are some things to consider when making the decision whether or not to wear a helmet when you ride.

Equestrian Helmets

Most of the time, the decision to wear a helmet is up to you. Some places do have compulsory rules that require riders to wear helmets. The decision to wear helmets is an issue of personal safety. Here are some things to consider when making the decision whether or not to wear a helmet when you ride.

  • Compared to injuries from other childhood injuries, riding injuries are severe;
  • In the under 18 age group, females (10-14 years old) are by far the highest risk group;
  • Head injury is the leading cause of death from riding accidents;
  • Helmet use was almost non-existent in rider who have died from head injury;
  • Horse behavior, such as bolting and spooking that results in rider falls, leads the injury list;
  • Rural riders (riding around home) leads the injured list. Most riders are injured when recreational riding;
  • The consistent wearing of an ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmet, both in competition and recreational riding, will minimize injury.

If you are going to buy a helmet, here are some tips. Black is the preferred color, although brown or navy are often accepted. Green or maroon are not generally allowed if you plan to wear your helmet for English show classes. Be sure that any helmet is well fitted. It is very important that helmets meet or exceed the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standard 1163 and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) guidelines. There must be a label bearing the ASTM/SEI 1163 mark and manufacturer's lot number permanently affixed to the inside of the helmet to indicate an approved equestrian protective device. Canada recognizes the standards set by ASTM as the highest and, even though the market is flooded with helmets which do not meet the ASTM standard, the extra safety protection is well worth the money spent. Most helmets have a life span of 5 years, so beware of out-dated, left-over helmets or second-hand purchases.

Author

Kelly Bell's knowledge of horses grew in local 4-H and open shows competing in Western pleasure, Western equitation, English Pleasure, English Equitation, Trail, Showmaship and Halter classes. Kelly competed with two horses over her showing career; a sorrel Quarter Horse mare, Double D Fashion and a Sorrel Overo Paint mare, Little Partee Sis.