With springtime comes more opportunities for getting out in the open and riding horses, whether just around the neighborhood, on long-distance trail rides or in the many competitions available to active horse owners. A reminder that attention to protective headgear is extremely important should not be taken lightly either by casual riders of seasoned competitors.
Helmets for all levels of horse activity
A reminder that attention to protective headgear is extremely important should not be taken lightly either by casual horse back riders or seasoned competitors.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) wishes to remind all dressage competitors of the rule change to DR120. This change went into effect on April 1, 2013 and necessitates the usage of protective headgear by anyone mounted on the grounds at all USEF dressage competitions.
DR120 has been amended to require protective headgear as follows:
From the time horses are officially admitted to the competition grounds by competition management, anyone mounted on a horse at any time on the competition grounds including non-competing riders, riders on non-competing horses, and those competing in all classes and tests, including Para-Equestrian tests must wear protective headgear as defined by this rule and otherwise in compliance with GR801.
Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place. Protective headgear is defined as a riding helmet which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI(Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted.
In addition to the new helmet rule, all riders should be aware of the importance of wearing the proper helmet at all times while riding horses.
5 Myths about helmets and horse back riding safety
- A helmet is a helmet… Bicycle Helmets, Skateboarding Helmets and Equestrian Riding Helmets are not all the same. While similar in appearance, bicycle helmets are not subject to design specifications and standards that a riding helmet must pass in order to provide adequate protection.
- Horseback riding isn’t dangerous unless you’re going really fast... Actually the risk of injury is more closely related to your distance from the ground than speed. Falls from just over 2 feet high can cause serious injury, regardless of how slow you ride. Risk of injury is also tied to how much you ride, not how good you are.
- The more expensive your helmet, the more protection it offers... You can spend $500 on a helmet but it doesn’t make it safer. As long as it is ASTM/SEI certified, you’re getting the proper protection. Spending more might get a fancier helmet but it isn’t safer.
- If you don’t have a helmet, you can borrow your friend's... Avoid lending or borrowing helmets. As a savvy rider, you want to know exactly what kind of treatment your helmet has experienced during its life so you can knowledgeably assess its integrity over time.
- After a fall, if there are no cracks or visible damage to your helmet, it is fine... You should replace your helmet whenever you’re in a fall. There could be a defect that is not visible that compromises the integrity and therefore your safety.
Even if your helmet has never taken a hit, you should replace every five years (sooner if you ride often). The materials can be broken down by heat, dust, sweat and rain/weather.
* Adapted from a post at troxelhelmets.com/blog