1. What’s a Member’s Safety Worth?
Jim B. Wilson
Area 4-H/Youth Extension Educator
University of Idaho
April 28, 2005

2. Program Goals
Increase your awareness of potential hazards and related safety issues when working with youth and horses.
Challenge you to analyze your personal beliefs and convictions related to the use of equestrian helmets.

3. Remember, when you ride ... Accidents are inevitable
even when using proper safety precautions
When you fall, it is very likely that you will hit your head

4. Remember, when you ride ...
You can’t always control what your head hits
You can control what protects your head!

5. Which Would You Choose?

6. Do Helmets Really Matter?
U.S. Pony Club findings ( )
Since requiring ASTM helmets
Reduced head injuries 29%
Reduced facial injuries 62%
American Medical Equestrian Assn.
Use of ASTM F1163/SEI Helmets (1990)
Reduced all riding-related head injuries 30%
Reduced severe head injuries 50%

7. What’s With Those Letters?
Current industry standard for helmets
ASTM F 1163
American Soc. for Testing and Materials
Society’s “Standard Specification for Headgear Used in Horse Sports.”
SEI
Safety Equipment Institute
Test helmets to insure they meet standards.

8. Aren’t All Helmets Equal?
ASTM/SEI helmets meet rigid standards
Standards reviewed at least every 5 years.
Non-ASTM helmets or their box carry a warning label including a clause that these helmets are: “an item of apparel only and will provide no protection to
the head from a fall or other
source of impact.”

9. But Helmets Are Expensive!
Compared to What?
Cost of the horse?
Cost of your other riding equipment?
Cost of the feed or health care?
ASTM helmets range from $25 - $110
What’s your personal/physical safety worth?

10. It Couldn’t Happen to Me!
Every Time, Every Ride
Produced by
Washington State 4-H Foundation
7612 Pioneer Way
Puyallup, WA

11. Selecting/Fitting a Helmet
Select a helmet that fits comfortably
Hold head still and gently rock the helmet
Should cause scalp to move with the helmet
Adjust throat strap securely in position

12. Caring for Your Helmet
Properly cared for helmets provide several years of useful life.
Steps in cleaning
Exterior and inner fabrics cleaned with warm water & mild detergent; wipe shell w/soft lint-free cloth.
Harness assembly cleaned with damp cloth only.
Avoid >1000F temperatures when drying

13. Inspecting Your Helmet
Check for visible signs
Cracks in shell
Deterioration in harness assembly
After a fall or any other significant impact
Return helmet to manufacturer for inspection
Non-visible damage can reduce effectiveness

14. Other Considerations At club practices, county & district events
Riding Clinics
County Shows
At State 4-H horse shows
In 2005, helmets are required whenever mounted. A 4-H member may sign a helmet waiver, also requires a parents signature.

15. Let’s Get Egg-Cited!!
What are the similarities between this egg and your head?
Harder outer casing; fragile contents inside
How safe is your head in a fall from:
A working trot (8 mph) with helmet?
A training gallop (20 mph) with helmet?
A working trot (8 mph) w/o helmet?
Does a helmet make you invincible?

16. Some People Choose To:

17. But Remember, What’s your personal safety worth?
It’s tough to go riding from a wheelchair, coma or the grave.
Ultimately, it is your head and your decision
“What is Your Choice?”

18. Where Do We Go From Here? Questions? Seminar evaluation:
Title: Horses, Helmets and Safety
Presenter: Jim Wilson, Univ. of Idaho

19. Presenter Contact Information

20. Horses, Helmets, and Safety is compliments of Developer:
Jim Wilson
Area 4-H/Youth Extension Educator
1000 W. Hubbard, Suite 140
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Ph. (208)