Research cited on the Government of Alberta, Canada, website stresses the importance of correctly designed helmets for all horse riding activities.
- Horseback riding carries a higher injury rate per hour of exposure than downhill ski racing, football, hanggliding and motorcycle racing.
- Medical Examiner reports show that 60% or more of horse-related deaths are caused by head injuries.
- Helmets can reduce this possibility by 70-80%.
- Repeated trauma to the head, even when minimal, can cause cumulative damage to the brain. Each new incident expands the original damage and the brain cannot recover 100% from injury.
- Non-ASTM/SEI certified helmets offer no protection whatsoever and are strictly for cosmetic purposes.
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Head injuries are the most common reason for horse-related hospital admissions
Equestrian helmets are designed to protect a rider’s head in two ways. First they reduce penetration by sharp objects (the protective shell), and second absorb some of the force, giving the head a “cushion” thus increasing stopping distance (the foam padding). All models of ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmets are tested in a lab to ensure that they are up to regulated safety standards. You can find the SEI certification symbol on each approved helmet.
Helmets intended for equestrian activities come in many sizes and although generally use the same protective foam, are built differently than other sporting helmets. They cover more area of a rider’s head and are designed for specifications of riding a horse, taking into account possible terrain, speeds and objects to which a rider could be subjected.
They are built to skid rather than stick over rough terrain and to absorb impacts created by sharp objects such as a horse hoof or sharp rock. They are also designed to be secured properly to a rider’s head and be light enough to not interfere with a rider’s balance.
Other sporting helmets such as a bicycle helmet or motorcycle helmet either don’t provide adequate head coverage, or they are too heavy and bulky to be used for riding.
Because a riding helmet will absorb the force of a blow or fall, the foam padding is destructible. Once a helmet has absorbed an impact, the foam padding condenses and never regains its original shape. It will no longer provide adequate protection. A destructible impact could be a fall from a horse or simply being dropped on to a hard surface.
For this reason once a helmet has been through a fall or direct impact of any sort, it must be replaced. It also needs to be replaced at least every five years as the foam deteriorates over time and becomes less effective. All ASTM/SEI helmets contain a manufacturer’s date with the SEI seal.
Some manufacturers offer replacement helmets at a reduced price for those that have been impacted. This information should be contained in the box with the helmet in a “User’s Manual” or on a tag attached to the helmet. To take advantage of this policy usually requires the original receipt.
Glues, resins and other materials used to make the helmet eventually break down, affecting the interior liner. As well, regardless of use over time the protective foam becomes brittle.
The inside liner will also start to deteriorate when it comes in contact with hair oils, body fluids and/or cosmetics over time. All this, in addition to normal wear and tear, leads to helmet degradation. Always check the manufacturer’s date located with the SEI certification seal.
Remember: If you ride horses, your helmet really is your best friend.