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Many of the most enjoyable activities in life also involve risks, and it is our responsibility to take the necessary precautions to avoid injury. For example, football players wear special padding and bicycle riders wear helmets. The same is true for horseback riding. At one time or another, a rider will probably take a fall, and it is important to wear a helmet to protect against serious injury.
When they first began to appear, riding helmets were more of a fashion statement than a safety endeavor. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Although lightweight, today’s foam-lined helmets are safety tested to protect against heavy forces.
Formal helmet standards were adopted by Pony Clubs in 1980. Shortly after that, helmet manufacturers began to meet the clubs’ specifications. The same standards were adopted by the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) in 1984.
Helmets which bear the “ASTM/SEI certified” label have been approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The ASTM determines testing procedures and safety requirements for many products. The group’s standards are then adopted by individual organizations and must be met by manufacturers. The Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) then visits labs to ensure that the standards are being met.
Many styles of helmets are available for riders to chose from, but generally, they have the same basic components. A plastic exterior “shell” helps to spread the shock if a fall occurs. In addition, it is designed to make the helmet skid along the ground instead of stopping abruptly. Inside the shell is a “foam liner” that helps to absorb impact.
A “head liner” refers to fabric inside the helmet under the foam liner. Its purpose is to help keep the rider’s head cool and dry. “Air vents” are another common feature that encourage air flow. They also help keep the helmets from getting too heavy on the head.
One of the most important components of the helmet is the “retention harness” – the strap that holds it in place on the head. A head is not protected by a helmet that falls off. Some harnesses are adjustable for a better fit, and most are designed to release quickly with one hand.
Another component of some helmets is a “visor”. Although not a factor in a fall, visors are nice to shield riders from bright sun.
When choosing the proper helmet, it is a good idea to try on several models to find a proper fit. According to the experts, fit should be determined as follows: “After fastening the harness, place one hand on top of the helmet and rock it backward, forward and side to side, looking in a mirror to observe the results. Your scalp should move with the helmet – you’ll know the fit is right if you see your eyebrows move – but your forehead should not be exposed and the hat should not tip forward over your eyes.”
Generally, helmets should sit one inch or less above the eyebrows, and the helmet should fit the head squarely. In addition, it should be close to the head without gapping.
Helmets should usually be replaced every five years. However, if the helmet is involved in a fall and sustains a blow, it should be sent back to the manufacturer to be tested for safety. Most manufacturers inspect their helmets free of charge, and offer low-cost replacements if needed.
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