Helmet Awareness

 

In case you weren’t aware, Helmet Awareness day is fast approaching. The chosen day this year is June 22^nd. That’s right around the corner!

Visit www.riders4helmets.com to get more info about helmet safety, why this day wascreated, and a list of supporters. Please check with your local tack shop to see if they are holding any sort of discount for this special day. They might be having a better deal than online stores, you can try on helmets, and it’s always good to support your local business. That’s not to say don’t shop online. I love ordering online. Ask the bestie.

 

When shopping for a helmet:

 

-          Be sure it fits your head snuggly. Be conscious that you might need to have your hair inside it

-          Make sure that it is certified ASTM/SEI

-          Check date of manufacture on the helmet – you don’t want an ‘old’ one

-          Try on several to get the best fit for your precious head

-          Be mindful of your geographical location. Do you get extreme heat in your area? (vents) or extreme cold?

 

When riding:

 

-          Again, make sure your helmet fits snuggly

-          FIT YOUR CHINSTRAP PROPERLY (nothing bothers me more than seeing a chinstrap hanging a good 3inches further than chin)

-          If you fall and hit your head in any way, replace your helmet before your next ride. Contact your helmet manufacturer (CO, IRH, GPA etc) to see if they offer a discount on a new helmet if you send in the old one

-          Consider wearing your helmet when handling your horse. Throw it on when lunging, handling a young or inexperienced horse, or caring for a wound etc

 

 

Personally, (and mostly because of my dad, mom and brothers) I often compare the need for a helmet when riding, to the need to wear one when on a motorcycle. On a motorcycle, you are on public streets with new drivers, elderly drivers, drunk drivers, drivers not paying attention, and drivers that are not aware of your presence. To me it just as crazy to not wear one when mounted on a horse. What is a horse? Oh yeah. A LIVE animal. I think that a lot of people take this for granted and put too much ‘trust’ into their horse. Please be aware that every time you mount a horse, you are putting your body in the hands (hooves?) of a live animal. Please protect your noggin.  

 

Also, if you have FB, please ‘like’ their page.