Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining Your Horse Riding Helmet

If you are a horse rider, you know the importance of wearing a helmet while riding. It not only protects your head but also prevents fatal injuries in case of a fall. However, just wearing a helmet is not enough. You also need to maintain it properly to ensure its effectiveness. In this article, we will discuss the do’s and don’ts of maintaining your horse riding helmet.

Why is it important to maintain your horse riding helmet?

A horse riding helmet is not just any other accessory. It is a safety equipment that can save your life in case of a fall. Therefore, it is important to maintain it properly to ensure its effectiveness. A well-maintained helmet can last longer and provide better protection.

Do’s of maintaining your horse riding helmet

Clean your helmet regularly

Cleaning your helmet regularly is crucial to maintaining its effectiveness. Sweat, dust, and dirt can accumulate on the surface of the helmet and affect its performance. Therefore, it is recommended to clean your helmet after every use.

Use mild soap and water for cleaning

While cleaning your helmet, it is important to use mild soap and water. Harsh chemicals can damage the helmet’s outer shell and reduce its effectiveness. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the surface of the helmet.

Air dry your helmet

After cleaning your helmet, air dry it thoroughly before storing it. Do not use a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry your helmet as it can damage the inner padding.

Store your helmet properly

Storing your helmet properly is important to protect it from damage. Always store your helmet in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not leave it in your car or any other place where it can be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Replace your helmet after a fall

If you have fallen from your horse while wearing your helmet, it is important to replace it immediately. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, the helmet may have absorbed the impact and lost its effectiveness.

Don’ts of maintaining your horse riding helmet

Don’t use harsh chemicals for cleaning

Harsh chemicals can damage the outer shell of your helmet and reduce its effectiveness. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or any other harsh chemicals for cleaning your helmet.

Don’t expose your helmet to extreme temperatures

Exposing your helmet to extreme temperatures can damage the inner padding and reduce its effectiveness. Do not leave your helmet in your car or any other place where it can be exposed to extreme heat or cold.

Don’t drop or hit your helmet

Dropping or hitting your helmet can cause damage to the inner padding and reduce its effectiveness. Always handle your helmet with care and avoid hitting it against any hard surfaces.

Don’t store your helmet in a humid place

Storing your helmet in a humid place can cause mold and mildew to grow on the inner padding, which can reduce its effectiveness. Always store your helmet in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

Don’t use hair products while wearing your helmet

Using hair products while wearing your helmet can cause buildup on the inner padding, which can reduce its effectiveness. Avoid using hair gel, hairspray, or any other hair products while wearing your helmet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining your horse riding helmet is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and protect yourself from fatal injuries. Always clean your helmet regularly, use mild soap and water, air dry it, store it properly, and replace it after a fall. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals, exposing it to extreme temperatures, dropping or hitting it, storing it in a humid place, and using hair products while wearing it.

FAQs

1. How often should I clean my horse riding helmet?

• It is recommended to clean your helmet after every use.

2. Can I use bleach or ammonia to clean my helmet?

• No, it is not recommended to use bleach or ammonia as they can damage the outer shell of the helmet.

3. Can I leave my helmet in my car?

• No, it is not recommended to leave your helmet in your car as it can be exposed to extreme temperatures.

4. Can I wear hair products while wearing my helmet?

• No, it is not recommended to use hair products while wearing your helmet as it can cause buildup on the inner padding.

5. How often should I replace my helmet?

• If you have fallen from your horse while wearing your helmet, it is important to replace it immediately. Otherwise, it is recommended to replace it every 3-5 years or when it shows signs of wear and tear.