As an equestrian, wearing a horse riding helmet is essential for your safety. It’s the best way to protect your head from severe injuries while riding a horse. However, just wearing a helmet is not enough. You need to make sure that you’re wearing it correctly and avoiding some common mistakes that many riders make. In this article, we’ll discuss the common mistakes that you should avoid when wearing a horse riding helmet.
Not Choosing the Right Size
One of the most common mistakes that riders make is not choosing the right size helmet. A helmet that’s too big or too small won’t provide adequate protection. To find the right size, measure the circumference of your head at the widest part, which is about an inch above your eyebrows. Make sure to try on different helmets until you find one that fits snugly but doesn’t cause discomfort or pressure points.
Not Adjusting the Straps Properly
Once you have the right size helmet, the next step is to adjust the straps correctly. The straps should form a V-shape under your ears, and you should be able to fit one or two fingers between the strap and your chin. If the straps are too loose, the helmet may shift or even fall off during a fall. If they’re too tight, they may cause discomfort or restrict your breathing.
Wearing the Helmet Too Far Back on Your Head
Another common mistake is wearing the helmet too far back on your head. The helmet should sit snugly on your head, covering your forehead, and the brim should be about an inch above your eyebrows. If the helmet is too far back, it won’t provide adequate protection to the front of your head, which is the most vulnerable part.
Wearing the Helmet Too Far Forward on Your Head
Conversely, some riders wear their helmet too far forward on their head, covering their eyebrows. This can restrict your vision and impair your ability to see and react to your surroundings. Moreover, it can cause pressure points on your forehead and make the helmet uncomfortable to wear.
Not Replacing an Old or Damaged Helmet
Helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a fall and protect your head. However, they have a limited lifespan and should be replaced after a certain period or if they’re damaged. Over time, the materials in the helmet may deteriorate and lose their ability to absorb shock, rendering the helmet ineffective. If you’ve been in a fall or the helmet has sustained any damage, it’s crucial to replace it immediately.
Not Wearing a Helmet When Jumping
Some riders believe that they don’t need to wear a helmet when jumping, especially if they’re experienced and confident. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Falls can happen anytime, anywhere, and even the most experienced riders can’t predict them. Jumping increases the risk of falls and head injuries, and wearing a helmet is essential for your safety.
Not Wearing a Helmet During Groundwork
Another mistake that some riders make is not wearing a helmet during groundwork. Groundwork involves working with your horse from the ground, such as lunging, leading, or longeing. While it may seem less risky than riding, accidents can still happen, and a head injury can be just as severe. Therefore, it’s essential to wear a helmet during all horse-related activities, including groundwork.
Wearing a Hair Tie Underneath the Helmet
Many riders wear their hair tied up when riding, but some make the mistake of wearing a hair tie underneath their helmet. This can cause pressure points on your head and affect the fit of the helmet. Instead, tie your hair in a low ponytail or braid that’s comfortable and won’t interfere with the helmet’s fit.
Wearing Jewelry While Riding
Jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, can be hazardous when riding. They can get caught on something or hit your face during a fall, causing serious injuries. Therefore, it’s recommended to remove all jewelry before riding and only wear stud earrings that won’t dangle or get caught.
Not Cleaning the Helmet
Your helmet should be cleaned regularly to ensure it’s free from dirt, sweat, and bacteria. A dirty helmet can cause skin irritation, infections, and odors, and reduce the helmet’s effectiveness. Use a mild soap and water to clean the helmet’s exterior, and a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris inside the helmet.
Wearing the Helmet in the Wrong Direction
Some riders wear their helmet backward or sideways, thinking it’s fashionable or comfortable. However, this can impair the helmet’s ability to protect your head in a fall. The helmet should be worn with the brim forward and centered on your head, with the chinstrap properly buckled.
Not Buckling the Chinstrap Properly
The chinstrap is an essential part of the helmet that keeps it securely in place during a fall. Therefore, it’s crucial to buckle the chinstrap properly and make sure it’s snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the strap and your chin, and the strap should form a V-shape under your ears.
Wearing a Non-Certified Helmet
Not all helmets are created equal, and some may not meet the safety standards required for horse riding. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a helmet that’s certified by an accredited organization, such as ASTM International or SEI. These helmets have been tested and proven to meet the safety requirements for horse riding.
Not Replacing the Helmet After a Fall
If you’ve been in a fall, even if you didn’t hit your head, you should replace your helmet. The impact can cause invisible damage to the helmet’s materials, and it may no longer provide adequate protection in case of another fall. Therefore, it’s recommended to replace the helmet after any significant impact, even if it doesn’t appear damaged.
Conclusion
Wearing a helmet is essential for your safety when riding horses, but it’s equally important to wear it correctly and avoid common mistakes. Make sure you choose the right size helmet, adjust the straps properly, and wear it snugly and centered on your head. Also, replace your helmet after a certain period or any impact, and wear it during all horse-related activities, including groundwork. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure that your helmet provides optimal protection and gives you peace of mind when riding.
FAQs
- How often should I replace my horse riding helmet? Ans: Helmets should be replaced every five years, even if they haven’t been in a fall. If you’ve been in a fall, replace the helmet immediately.
- Can I wear a bicycle helmet when riding a horse? Ans: No, bicycle helmets are not designed for horse riding and may not provide adequate protection. It’s recommended to wear a certified horse riding helmet that meets the safety standards.
- What should I do if my helmet doesn’t fit correctly? Ans: If your helmet doesn’t fit correctly, you should try a different size or style that’s more suitable for your head shape. It’s essential to wear a helmet that fits snugly and comfortably to provide optimal protection.
- Is it safe to wear a helmet that’s been in a fall? Ans: No, even if the helmet doesn’t appear damaged, it may have invisible damage to the materials that can compromise its ability to protect your head. It’s recommended to replace the helmet after any significant impact.
- Can I wear a hat instead of a helmet when riding a horse? Ans: No, hats do not provide the same level of protection as a certified horse riding helmet. It’s important to wear a helmet that meets the safety standards and provides optimal protection for your head during horse riding.
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