Horse Riding: Helmet Safety

The use of riding helmets has been a long process, due to the heavy insistence in the horse industry of keeping to traditional apparel. However, after much statistical evidence pointing to the effectiveness of safety helmets and the number of fatal falls throughout the years, several show organizations and other equine events have begun requiring helmets while participating. Many farms require helmet wear of clients, as well.

  1. Headgear

    • Riding helmets are different from the hunt caps traditionally associated with English riding. Hunt caps are really no more than plastic shells covered in velvet or velveteen that come with or without harnesses. Riding helmets are approved by safety organizations, and always have a harness. Helmets may also be covered in velvet or velveteen, but others have plastic outer coverings that come in many colorings. Other types of headgear are cowboy hats, top hats and derbies, none of which are approved safety wear.

    Safety Organizations

    • When looking for a helmet, be sure to find one that is ASTM/SEI-certified. ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials, and SEI is the Safety Equipment Institute. ASTM is the organization responsible for coming up with safety standards for equipment and also for deciding how the pieces should be tested. SEI then takes over by ensuring that manufacturers follow the standards set in place by ASTM. These standards test the impact resistance of the materials and the ability of the harness to keep the helmet in place. Standards are updated every few years.

    Statistics

    • You can have brain damage from a fall of 2 feet, considerably lower than the height a rider is off the ground when on a horse. Fatalities from horseback riding injuries result approximately 60 percent of the time from head injuries, according to the Equestrian Medical Safety Association. After passing regulations that require racehorse jockeys to wear helmets, jockeys now are less likely to suffer from a serious head injury than recreational horse riders.

    Fitting

    • You can determine the basic size you need for a helmet by measuring the circumference of the widest part of your head. Helmet manufacturers then provide a chart that enables you to convert the inches or centimeters you measured into helmet sizes. If you can fit fingers between your head and the helmet, you may need a different type of head shape. The helmet should feel snug, but not hurt your head or cause a headache. The helmet's edge should stop half an inch above your eyebrows, and the chin strap should touch your jawbone, not hit your throat.

    Replacement

    • One helmet will not last a lifetime, as standards change and the materials in helmets can compact over time. The manufacturer of your helmet will give a length of time after manufacture (not purchase) in which the helmet needs to be replaced. If you fall off your horse and hit your head, the helmet probably needs to be replaced even if there is no outward damage. Many manufacturers will offer you a reduced price on a new helmet if you turn in your old helmet to the company.