Did you know that 60% or more of horseback riding related deaths are caused by head injuries? While that's a scary statistic, the American Medical Equestrian Association has calculated that the use of ASTM/SEI approved helmets has reduced all head injuries related to riding by 30% and severe injuries by 50%.
Here's another statistic! This week, September 16th through 21st, Franklin Saddlery will be celebrating Equestrian Safety Awareness Week with 15% off helmets (excluding Samshield 2.0), safety vests, and safety stirrups! So if it's time to replace an old helmet or upgrade your show helmet, this week is the perfect time to do it!
We're always happy to offer a complimentary fitting to make sure you find the perfect helmet, but what makes for a good helmet fit? A well-fitted helmet should have a snug, even pressure all around your head, without feeling tighter or looser around the ends or the sides or causing pressure points. When wiggling the brim, it should be tight enough that your eyebrows move with it, while not leaving indentations or giving you a headache. It also should cover most of your forehead, not looking too high or "perched" on top of your head. If you lean over at the waist, it should stay on your head without the chin strap being buckled. A helmet that fits should be comfortable enough that you can almost forget you're wearing it! When in doubt, aim for a helmet that's a little snug over one that's a little loose. The more you wear it, the more the lining will shape to your head, so a helmet will always be at its tightest when you first buy it.
Lastly, when should you replace a helmet? A helmet should always be retired and replaced after any fall during which it takes an impact, as this can cause internal damage to the interior foam that could compromise your safety in another fall even without looking visibly damaged. This is also true if your helmet takes an accidental impact while not riding, such as being thrown or dropped on a hard floor. Another thing that can damage the interior of your helmet is extreme temperatures, such as being left in a hot car during our wonderful Tennessee summers! Lastly, helmets should also be replaced after five years of their manufacturing date, as again the foam can degrade over time and no longer protect you in a fall. Some helmet manufacturers offer a discount on replacement helmets if yours is damaged in a fall, so stop by or give us a call and we can guide you through that process!
We're all in this equestrian life for the long haul, so why not make our time in the saddle as safe as possible? Come join us at Franklin Saddlery for Safety Awareness Week for 15% off helmets (excluding Samshield 2.0), safety vests, and safety stirrups.