About Horse Riding Helmets

Choosing a helmet for equestrian sports is a combination of fashion and function. Helmets should be comfortable, well ventilated and above all, safe. Knowing about helmet safety standards before you buy a new riding helmet can mean the difference between mild whiplash and permanent brain damage.

History

Since most riders sit well over six feet from the ground, head and brain injury can be severe and permanent. In 1980, the United States Pony Club began studying the effects of equestrian accidents among its members. By 1983 they started to regulate helmets worn by members by testing them at independent laboratories.

Seeing a strong need for industry-wide regulation, the USPC approached the American Society for Testing and Materials to develop standards for riding helmets. ASTM had done so for other sports, and by 1990 the ASTM-SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standard was set for horseback riding helmets.

The American Medical Equestrian Association estimates that head injuries have been reduced by 50 percent since the introduction of the ASTM-SEI standard.

Identification

To see if a riding helmet is ASTM-SEI approved, look for a label inside the helmet. Before ASTM puts their stamp of approval on a riding helmet, they make sure the helmet can withstand 300 G's of pressure. They also require that the helmet has a locking latch, as snaps and other fasteners tend to come undone under great pressure.

Types

Most helmet manufacturers make a variety of approved and non-approved helmets. Troxel is the only manufacturer whose helmets are all ASTM-SEI compliant. These companies also make ASTM-SEI approved helmets, but be sure to check that the one you are purchasing is approved:
Australian Holdings
Charles Owens and Co. Ltd.
Del Mar Helmet Co. Inc.
Equine Science Marketing, Ltd.
International Helmets
Lexington Safety Products, Inc.

Considerations

Horseback riding helmets come in a variety of looks and sizes to accommodate all tastes and disciplines. Basic schooling models come in dozens of colors and finishes, are well ventilated and range from $20 to $40. For upper level competition, derby, top hat and cowboy styles can sell for well over $200. Low profile skullcap- shaped helmets easily fit under regular derbies, top hats and cowboy hats, too.

FItting

Measure the circumference of the head with a measuring tape. It should be snug but not tight, and measure from the forehead, around the tops of the ears to the back of the head. When trying on helmets, they shouldn't move around when you nod or turn your head. You shouldn't have to squeeze your head into a too-tight helmet, either. Check to see if the helmet comes with extra padding you can tuck inside to customize the fit perfectly. The chin strap should be snug but allow for a full range of motion. You don't want it so tight that it chokes you.

Warning

Never go horseback riding with a helmet meant for another sport, even if it is ASTM-SEI approved. Riding helmets are developed for riding falls. Bicycle, rock climbing and other types of helmets will not provide the right kind of support in a fall from horseback.

Resources

• What is ASTM-SEI?
• ASTM-SEI Demonstration Video