ACTHAâs President Robin Tilghman, and current president of the Equestrian Medical Safety Association Dr. Debbie Stanitski have announced they have joined forces in creating a liaison for the promotion of rider helmets, accident prevention, risk reduction and safety on the trail.
Promoting use of helmets and trail safety
With ACTHAâs continued efforts to increase all aspects of rider education and horsemanship having the informational resources provided by the Equestrian Medical Safety Association will prove invaluable.
Dr. Stanitski, a former pediatric orthopedic surgeon who sustained an equestrian- related closed head injury in a fall in 1999 has first- hand knowledge that helmets save lives and the struggles associated with the recovery from head injuries.
ACTHA requires all riders under the age of 18 to wear helmets and many land owners where ACTHA events are held also require them. In addition, many ride hosts offer safety seminars at ACTHA events and a safety award to the best prepared rider.
With ACTHAâs continued efforts to increase all aspects of rider education and horsemanship having the informational resources provided by the EMSA will prove invaluable to our members.
EMSA, the Equestrian Medical Safety Association is a 501c(3) tax-exempt volunteer organization dedicated to the safety of persons in all equestrian activities through education, research and providing information resources.
ACTHAâS mission
- To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
- To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
- To create and enable humane treatment and employment options for horses in need