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Headgear / Helmet Safety

 The Middlesex County HAC 4-H Horse Program operates under the Massachusetts 4-H Horse Show rules. The rules REQUIRE all 4-Hers and riders under the age of 19 as of January 1st current year to wear protective headgear passing or surpassing current applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards with harness secured and helmet properly fitted while mounted during 4-H Horse Program events and activities. Any rider violating this rule at any time will be immediately prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place.

   It is the responsibility of the rider, the parent or guardian, club leader or instructor of the youth participant to see to it that the headgear worn complies with appropriate safety standards for protective headgear intended for equestrian use, and is properly fitted and in good condition; and the Middlesex County HAC 4-H Horse Program, Show Committees, Officials, Judges, Extension Personnel and Volunteer Leaders are not responsible for checking headgear worn for such compliance.

   The Middlesex County HAC 4-H Horse Program makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, about any protective headgear, and cautions riders that death or serious injury may result despite wearing such headgear as all equestrian sports involve inherent dangerous risk and as no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries.

   The Middlesex County HAC 4-H Horse Program, Show Committees, Officials, Judges, Extension Personnel and Volunteer Leaders will bar 4-Hers from participation in events and activities when riding without protective headgear and may bar any 4-Her or person from participating if not suitably attired.

Equestrian Helmet Fact Sheet

Fact #1: Between 12 to 15 million persons in the United States ride a horse or pony every year.

Fact # 2: Approximately 20 percent of horse related injuries occur on the ground and not riding.

Fact # 3: Most riding injuries occur during pleasure riding.

Fact # 4: The most common reason among riders for admission to hospital and death. are head injuries.

Fact # 5: A fall from two feet (60 cm) can cause permanent brain damage. A horse elevates a rider eight feet (three meters) or more above ground.

Fact # 6: A human skull can be shattered by an impact of 7-10 kph. Horses can gallop at 65 kph.

Fact # 7: According to the National Electronic Surveillance System 1998 the most likely ages for injury is at 5-14, and 25-44 years with each decade having about 20 percent of the injuries.

Fact # 8: A rider who has one head injury has a 40 percent chance of suffering a second head injury. Children, teens and young adults are most vulnerable to sudden death from second impact syndrome: severe brain swelling as a result of suffering a second head injury before recovery from the first head injury.

Fact # 9: Death is not the only serious outcome of unprotected head injuries. Those who survive with brain injury may suffer epilepsy, intellectual and memory impairment, and personality changes.

Fact # 10. Hospital costs for an acute head injury can be in the range of $25000 per day. Lifetime extended care costs may easily exceed $3 million. There is no funding for rehabilitation outside the medical setting.

Fact # 11: Helmets work. Most deaths from head injury can be prevented by wearing ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials), SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) approved helmets that fit correctly and have the chin strap firmly applied. Other types of helmets, including bike helmets, are inadequate.

Fact # 12: Racing organizations require helmets and as a result jockeys now suffer less head injuries than pleasure riders. The US Pony Club lowered their head injury rate 29 percent with mandatory helmet use. Britain’s hospital admission rate for equestrians fell 46 percent after helmet design improved and they became in routine use.

Fact # 13: The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Medical Association through the Committee on Sports Medicine, Canadian Medical Association, and the American Medical Equestrian Association recommend that approved, fitted and secured helmets be worn on all rides by all horseback riders.

 reprinted from American Medical Equestrian Association

USA Equestrian (formerly known as "The American Horse Show Assocaition" aka..AHSA)
GUIDELINES FOR LICENSED OFFICIALS AND COMPETITION MANAGEMENTS
REGARDING NEW HUNTER/JUMPER PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR
REQUIREMENTS FOR JUNIOR RIDERS EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2001

New USA Equestrian Helmet Rule Explained pictorial guide.

Safety Equipment Institute. (SEI)

List of Certified Helmets
 

Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma

A web site with some great helmet information, and related brain injury studies.

The American Medical Equestrian Association is dedicated to the philosophy, principles, and application of safety of people in equestrian activities. This purpose is achieved through education, research and resource.

There are a number of great acticles here, not the least of the following.

Helmet Life Span