Why wear a helmet when riding a horse?

Why wear a helmet when riding a horse?

Horseback riding carries a higher injury rate per hour of exposure than downhill ski racing, football, hang-gliding 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%.

Do you need a helmet for horseback riding?

Western riders and other riders who compete in equestrian competitions might feel they will be penalized if they wear a helmet in the show ring. The truth of the matter is that certified helmets are required headgear for many competitive riding events, particularly where horse and rider must jump or work at high speed.

What kind of helmet do I need for horse riding?

Showing. The British Show Horse Association states riders must wear correctly secured helmets that meet one of the following safety standards: British and European: PAS 015 or VG1. American: ASTM F1163: 2004a onwards or SNELL E2001.

What is the safest horse riding helmet?

Our Recommendations for Safest Horse-Riding Helmets

  1. KASK Dogma Hunter Helmet ($579.50)
  2. Custom Samshield Shadowmatt Helmet ($575)
  3. One K MIPS CCS Helmet ($299.95)
  4. Ovation Protege Helmet ($49.95)
  5. Charles Owen AyrBrush Helmet ($406.95)

Why do Western riders not wear helmets?

It’s About The Hat! Cowboys and cowgirls wear cowboy hats. This very simple fashion reason is at the top of the list when it comes to Western riders avoiding wearing a safety helmet. Helmets can tend to be hot, and they don’t have a nice wide brim to shade your face and shoulders.

Why you should not wear a helmet?

Why people DON’T wear helmets: There have been studies showing that wearing a helmet makes people take more risks and therefore can lead to accidents. Wearing a helmet won’t really protect against life-threatening injuries. Helmets look uncool. Helmets are uncomfortable to wear.

Should children wear a helmet when riding a horse?

A new study has recommended helmets should always be worn by children not only when riding horses but also when around horses, to reduce the risk of head injuries. “Wearing a helmet in these instances may reduce the risk of acquiring a more severe traumatic brain injury.”

Why do riding hats have peaks?

This is a safety requirement enforced by British Eventing and FEI so that if a rider takes a fall during a high-speed element of the cross-country phase, they do not unduly damage their head if they land on the peak. The extra protection built into the materials and the design of skull hats promotes safety over looks.

Who makes the best horse riding helmets?

Top 5 riding helmet brands:

  • One K.
  • Charles Owen.
  • Tipperary.
  • Ovation.
  • Troxel.

How long is a horse riding helmet good for?

five years
The maximum useful lifespan of a riding helmet is five years, from the date of first wear. Even if you haven’t been in an accident with your helmet, it’s important to replace it after it expires past this time. This is due to natural wear and tear on the materials.

Is Western or English saddle better?

An English saddle is much smaller in size and lighter in weight, which allows the rider to get close to their horse and feel its every movement. A Western saddle is larger and heavier, which provides more comfort and stability for long hours over rough terrain.

What do you wear to western horse riding?

Horseback Riding: What to Wear (With Pictures)

  • An ASTM/SEI-compliant horseback riding helmet.
  • Long pants like jeans, breeches, or jodhpurs.
  • Boots with a heel so your feet don’t accidentally get caught in your stirrups during a fall.
  • A fitted long or short sleeved shirt that won’t get tangled in the horse’s equipment.

Why do you have to wear a helmet on a horse?

Suddenly, instead of having a view between the ears, you will get close and personal with the ground. By wearing a properly fitting riding helmet you’re doing your part to be as safe as possible given equestrianism’s risks. This post contains affiliate links.

How old do you have to be to wear a horse riding helmet?

It is important to replace your hat after a fall, especially when your hat comes into contact with the ground. It is impossible to see with the naked eye whether the hat is damaged. Rule 49 of the Highway Code states: Safety Equipment: Children under the age of 14 MUST wear a helmet which complies with the regulations.

Is it safe to wear a hat on a horse?

Riding hats are designed to be as effective as possible at minimising any potential head injury, but as with all safety equipment, no riding hat can be guaranteed to protect every rider in every circumstance.

When do you need to replace your riding helmet?

Things such as sweat, temperature, rain and even UV rays can all help to reduce the effectiveness of your helmet over time. To make the most out of your helmet make sure you follow the care instructions that came with it. Do I need to replace my riding helmet if I have a fall? Absolutely yes!!