Horseback Riding - Safety Equipment
The National Head Injury Foundation and the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center have done extensive research and tracking on head injuries from equestrian accidents.
The following are some of their findings:
- Most riding injuries occur with experienced riders.
- Adults ages 25 or older account for at least 54 percent of hospital treated rider injuries.
- Head injuries are associated with more than 60 percent of equestrian related deaths.
- Nearly 62 percent of reported injuries occurred at home or on a farm.
- Head injuries may result in lowered
attention span, distractibility, memory loss, decreased in
speed of mental process, learning disabilities, lowering the I.Q., and
acceleration of aging process.
All your old excuses begin to sound silly when you understand these staggering figures. New models of lightweight, comfortable, ventilated helmets are now approved and tested by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), and Safety Equipment Institute (SEI).
Look for their stickers and tags on any helmet you consider buying and never buy a helmet for yourself or your child that doesn't have an approved sticker. Helmet prices begin around $55 and go up depending upon your needs. They are available in new colors and styles in addition to traditional black velvet. How much is your child's head worth? How much is your child's life worth?
Helmets only work when they are worn and fastened correctly. Set a good example for your children by wearing a helmet yourself, and request that your trainer, club leader, or coach always wears a helmet when demonstrating on horseback for your child.
Each time you are tempted to give in to your child's plea to ride without the helmet, remember the possible consequences and imagine their future after a severe head injury.
If you have any questions about helmets, call Barbara, the owner of Horse Cents, at 817-249-2785. Horse Cents carries a full line of helmets for all your equestrian needs at reasonable prices and the quality you need.
This article was reprinted with permission of Young Equestrian from a 1995 issue of their magazine, but the facts still hold true today. As grandma always said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."