| As every experienced rider knows, a good riding | | | | inside and an attached, adjustable harness to |
| helmet can save your day, and even your life. | | | | provide a secure, safe, and comfortable fit. Many |
| The old fashioned velvet-covered caps may have | | | | helmets today feature a sun visor and ventilation |
| looked charming, but they did absolutely nothing | | | | strips. Moisture-wicking materials make these |
| to protect against head injuries. Many novice | | | | helmets far more comfortable. For anyone who |
| riders avoid donning their helmet until just before | | | | intends to ride horses, an ASTM/SEI approved |
| mounting and that can be a major mistake since | | | | helmet is a necessity. |
| 20 percent of all horse-related injuries occur on | | | | Finding The Right Fit |
| the ground. | | | | Sizing a helmet is simply a matter of measuring |
| Falls while jumping or when a horse spooks are | | | | the circumference of the widest part of your |
| common. Other preventable head injuries occur | | | | head, at the forehead level. Sizing charts are |
| when a horse throws its head against yours in | | | | available online, using metric and standard |
| gladness at your arrival, when a horse kicks or | | | | measurements, to provide riders with a well-fitting |
| starts an altercation with another horse, and | | | | riding helmet. Of course, a riding helmet must fit |
| when a person is 'bumped' by a horse into a wall, | | | | properly to be effective. Too loose, and it can |
| fence, or vehicle. As large and powerful as horses | | | | cause more harm than it will prevent. Too tight |
| are, it doesn't take much for them to become | | | | and, well, that one's pretty obvious! |
| dangerous, even when it is not their intention! | | | | Choosing The Right Style |
| The United States Equestrian Federation & | | | | The style of helmet selected depends largely |
| Barn Regulations | | | | upon the style of riding being done. If the more |
| The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is | | | | rugged and risky forms of riding are to be |
| the governing body that determines the dress | | | | pursued, a heavier duty, better protecting helmet |
| and other requirements for hunter, jumper, hunt | | | | is called for. In the show ring, style must be |
| seat equitation, dressage, and other equine | | | | combined with function to maintain the required |
| competitions. Currently, all riders must wear an | | | | image of form and elegance. Whichever direction |
| ASTM/SEI certified helmet when competing in | | | | you intend to go with your riding activities, the |
| hunt seat equitation, hunter, jumper, hunter hack, | | | | crucial point is to wear a properly fitting, ASTM |
| and any other classes that involve jumping. All | | | | SEI approved helmet whenever you are working |
| riders under the age of 18 must wear am ASTM | | | | around horses. Bicycle helmets simply will not |
| SEI approved helmet in any hunt seat discipline. | | | | provide adequate protection. |
| While not always required, helmets are permitted | | | | Fun And Fashion |
| as optional headgear at all sanctioned horse | | | | Horseback riding isn't just about skill. It's also about |
| shows. | | | | looking good. English riding, in particular, features a |
| Cross-country riders are required to wear | | | | sleek, elegant appearance, whereas cross-country |
| approved helmets and safety vests, due to the | | | | riders enjoy adding a little color to their ensemble |
| rugged nature of their sport. Nearly all sanctioned | | | | with a matching helmet cover to go with their |
| endurance-riding events require an approved | | | | riding shirt, and sometimes they even have boots |
| helmet. Riding helmets are now even worn in | | | | to match! Some new helmet cover product lines |
| some dressage classes. Although this is not | | | | offer colorful, removable strips that can be used |
| required, it is certainly safer. Most barns require | | | | to decorate the ventilation strip of a helmet while |
| the use of an approved helmet whenever a | | | | still allowing the much-needed ventilation. |
| person rides a horse, both for safety and | | | | A plastic helmet cover can also protect your |
| insurance reasons. | | | | helmet from dust, mud, and rain. Each riding event |
| Certified Safe | | | | will have many of its own rules and regulations |
| For a helmet to become ASTM/SEI certified, it | | | | regarding your riding helmet and helmet cover. Be |
| must pass rigorous tests designed by the | | | | sure to read the rules carefully to avoid becoming |
| American Society for Testing and Materials | | | | disqualified for something as simple as the wrong |
| (ASTM) and conducted by the Safety Equipment | | | | color helmet. |
| Institute (SEI). Approved helmets exhibit an | | | | Riders can look and feel good while staying safe |
| ASTM F-1163-04/SEI certification sticker. | | | | with the careful selection of a certified riding |
| Approved helmets are made from a hard plastic | | | | helmet and a few fun helmet covers, just |
| or rosin shell and offer substantial padding on the | | | | because you can! |