Some people find that horse riding clothing is rather chic! In fact, millions of dollars are spent each year in this industry. However, there is one piece of clothing that you cannot do without: a helmet. It matters not how chic you look if you incur a brain injury that leaves you debilitated or worse.
There is an inherent risk of injury when riding horses, just as exists in other sports. Any time you place yourself in the position to possibly sustain a head injury (by falling off) you MUST take the necessary precaution to wear a helmet. If football players find it necessary in their sport, it is certainly a requirement on the back of a horse.
The basic structure of a helmet, regardless of the exterior appearance, is a plastic shell that will spread the shock of an impact if you fall and hit your head. There is also a foam liner that works to do the same. These are the critical elements of your helmet that serve to protect you from a head injury.
Just because you have this helmet on your head, however, does not mean that it offers you any protection unless you have it properly fastened. Helmets come with a retention harness that must be connected each and every time you ride. No cheating! If your helmet flies off as you take a spill, it does you no good at all. Adjust the straps so that it keeps the helmet properly in place.
So, when is a helmet properly in place on your head? The helmet should be tight enough that once in place and fastened, your scalp moves with the helmet when you move the helmet back and forth. Wear the helmet so that it sits no more than one inch above your eyebrows, covering your forehead. If it slips forward over your eyes, it is too loose. Try on several brands until you find one that suits you best. It is vital to your health that you get this right!
Although they may look bulky, they are in fact much lighter in weight than you may think. They also have headliners, a fabric located inside the helmet with the foam liner, that is designed to keep your head dry and cool. In addition, most helmets have air vents that help keep you cool and reduce the weight somewhat.
Do NOT use a bicycle riding helmet for horseback riding! They are designed differently and do not offer the same protection as horse riding helmets. In fact, it is highly recommended that you use helmets approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials. You will see an "ASTM/SEI certified" label on the helmet which insures that the helmet has been appropriately tested for safety.
Years ago, we often did not ride our horses with helmets, nor did we wear them when on bicycles, scooters, roller skates or the like! We had horse riding clothing that usually included a good pair of boots, but helmets were not considered a necessity. Since those days, we have learned a lot about head injuries and how to protect ourselves and our children from what we may have luckily escaped.
Horse activities carry an inherent danger that requires we be constantly vigilant to abide by safe practices and habits. Whether you are leading a horse, mucking out a stall, or in the cross ties, always keep in mind the safest ways to behave to stay out of harms way. One of the easiest ways to avoid injury is wearing a helmet each and every time you ride your horse. Then and only then, go out and buy all the horse riding clothing your heart desires!
For more information about helmets and horse riding clothing and other gear please visit http://www.HorseRidingBootsGuide.com and http://www.EquestrianRiderGuide.com.
Lisa B. Blackstone has been involved in the Arabian horse business all of her life. She is a practicing attorney in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Recently, Lisa launched two websites designed to teach the novice rider about horses and horsemanship. You can visit them at http://www.HorseAndRiderClub.com and http://www.AmericanHorseAssociation.com. She is the host of The Horse and Rider Radio Show at Radio Sandy Springs.
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