Helmets are essential pieces of safety equipment for all riders. Made of impact-resistant materials and featuring padding to provide comfort, they also come equipped with an attached harness system to secure it securely around the head.
Helmets sold in Australia must comply with Australian standard AS/NZS 2063 and be certified according to SAI Global or BSI Kitemark PAS 015. A special test used in Australia only, called the load distribution test is also employed here.
AS/NZS 3838
Helmets are essential pieces of equipment for horseback riders, helping to prevent serious injuries from falls and cushioning falls with cushioned padding that reduces impact, cushioning head impacts and protecting from traumatic brain injury. Their safety depends on design and fit; some helmets provide better protection than others but all must adhere to certain standards for use during equestrian activities.
An Riding Helmet must be certified safe by an independent testing laboratory, and should display either an SEI logo, SNELL logo, PAS 015 mark or similar mark to indicate it has passed the relevant safety tests. Certification processes vary between nations – for instance the USA offers ASTM F 1163 testing as an indication that it has passed these safety checks.
Helmets should always be worn when working or riding horses, even though the risk of head injuries is relatively low. Although repeated trauma to the head is unlikely to result in permanent damage – paralysis, blindness and death can result from head trauma. Helmets can significantly lower this incidence among young riders; make sure it fits snugly without pinching ears and is comfortable enough for all day use.
ARB HS 2012
Ron Maund, founder and former jockey for Equine Science, took notice after two track riding accidents left one of his stable hands in a coma in the late 70s. What he found dismayed him so much that he began researching and designing better helmets; one such design, known as the AUSSIE 21, won him the Beta 2003 Best New Product Award – Helmets; its use of cutting-edge technology enabled it to connect top and bottom microshells directly with an EPS inner to ensure maximum strength as well as creating a flexible yet highly durable visor system.
Each major equestrian helmet standard places special emphasis on certain head injuries and tests, but no single standard can predict all possible accident scenarios that riders might face. Therefore, having multiple standards-compliant helmets protect riders in most instances of these scenarios.
Equestrian Australia’s (EA) General Regulations require that all competitors wear an approved safety helmet. Your choice must comply with one or more of the following minimum safety standards: American standard SNELL E2001 or PAS 015; European standard EN1384 (WITHOUT KITEMARK), PAS-015, or VG1; or Australian standards AS/NZS 3838 or ARB HS 2012. Choosing one which complies with multiple standards can offer added protection if you should fall.
SNELL E2001
Riders have several international equestrian safety standards available to them when selecting an independent laboratory to have their helmet tested and certified. Each standard can vary, yet all cover a broad spectrum of potential accidents while riding. Tests might include penetrations using sharp spikes dropped onto helmet shells and crushing tests simulating falling onto riders heads; such tests determine how much of your head a particular helmet covers, what surfaces it protects against and the severity of injury it could potentially cause in specific scenarios.
Riders can find an extensive selection of helmets designed to meet various safety standards, which they can wear across a range of disciplines like show jumping and dressage. In addition to looking good, these helmets typically include soft shell with padding for maximum comfort as well as harness straps to hold it secure to their heads; some even come equipped with visors so the rider can see better while riding.
Charles Owen My PS is an advanced and cutting-edge riding helmet that not only meets SNELL E2001 safety standards but is also Kitemarked against three more international safety norms. The dial-fit system allows precise sizing while MIPS technology can add extra protection.
PAS 015
An equestrian helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment for horse lovers. While it cannot prevent all injuries, it can reduce their severity in many instances. When selecting an equestrian helmet it should fit comfortably and snugly, while meeting PAS 015 requirements which includes impact resistance tests as well as having an attached visor – these tests ensure it can effectively shield riders in case they experience falls or collisions with objects.
Riders need to understand that standards can differ across countries and it is vitally important for riders to be familiar with each country’s specific requirements. Some tests may be similar; others focus on different accident scenarios – for instance some standards only test for head impacts while other assessments take into account how riders might be kicked or fall onto uneven surfaces – thus meaning a helmet which passes one standard may fail another one entirely.
PAS 015 (with kitemark), the British riding hat standard, involves more stringent testing than any other standard. This testing protocol involves stability tests that limit movement during wearing or falls as well as water tests to make sure it remains safe in wet conditions. Furthermore, it examines chin strap strength against strong forces as well as testing whether penetration by sharp objects such as spikes is possible.
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