Helmet Safety

Celebrating Helmet Safety Week: Featuring Back on Track and BHoof

Ride Smarter, Stay Safer

Every time we step into the stirrup, we embrace a sport that is as thrilling as it is unpredictable. Horses are powerful, instinctive animals - and while we train to ensure unexpected moments don’t catch us off guard, you can never be too careful when it comes to protection. Helmet safety week serves as a reminder that protecting your head is one of the most effective ways to reduce irreversible injury.

Why Helmet Safety is Non-Negotiable

More than 70% of horse-related injuries are related to head and neck injuries, with nearly 40% of these injuries occurring from a walk or halt. Helmets aren’t just to be worn when galloping across fields, but anytime you are riding or working with a horse. Studies show that wearing an ASTM/SEI-certified helmet can reduce the risk of severe head trauma by up to 70%. 

It’s important to know that helmets have an expiration date as well - materials degrade overtime which reduces their ability to absorb impact. A good rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every five years, or immediately after a significant fall. 

The ASTM and SEI Safety Standards

When talking about helmet safety, it’s important to go over the ASTM and SEI safety standards - which have created benchmarks for equestrian helmets sold in the United States. 

ASTM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials (now known as ASTM International), and SEI stands for the Safety Equipment Institute. The former develops the technical standard for how helmets must perform under specific conditions, including impact resistance, penetration resistance, strap strength, and retention system stability. SEI is an independent organization that performs these rigorous tests to ensure the helmets are up to ASTM standards. 

The rigorous tests are designed to mimic any potential injuries that could occur to ensure rider safety. There are four main tests that are performed in this process - impact testing, penetration testing, retention system strength, and stability tests. An impact test simulates a rider falling on different surfaces at various angles, penetration testing ensures the helmet cannot be pierced easily, retention system strength tests the chin straps and harnesses, and the stability tests ensure no tipping will occur during a fall. 

What to Look for in a Helmet

So what should you look for when buying a helmet? Well, it’s more than just a hard shell that can protect your head - the right helmet should do several things for you:

• Fit snugly without creating any pressure points or discomfort

• Have secure and properly adjusted straps or harness

• Provide ventilation to keep your head cool

• Meet or exceed ASTM/SEI Safety standards

This is where innovation from brands like Back on Track and BHoof make a difference by creating safe helmets that are also functional and fashionable.

Back on Track: Where Safety Meets Science

The Back on Track helmets are designed with both safety and rider wellness in mind. Their helmets prioritize safety and style, and feature advanced MIPS technology for superior brain protection. Their helmet options feature both universal fits as well as specific sizing so that you can pick the helmet that best fits your head. Each helmet design is optimized for ventilation to keep the rider cool and comfortable, and also has a removable liner that uses Coolmax® technology to wick away any excess moisture. Approved for all disciplines, the Back on Track helmets combine safety with comfort and style. 

BHoof: Bold Looks, Reliable Protection

BHoof helmets are crafted with a focus on safety and design. High-tech materials such as carbon fiber and composite thermoplastic resin create the outer shell and allow for a sleek appearance as well as optimal safety. The air intake vents allow a channeling system which optimizes ventilation when riding. The removable lining allows for the insides to be kept clean, and the chinstrap comes pre-formed which ensures a fit that is both secure and gentle. Valuing both form and function, each BHoof helmet comes with a matching helmet case so that you can ensure your helmet can last as long as possible. 

Building a Safer Riding Culture

Helmet safety isn’t just a personal decision - it sets an example. Riders who consistently wear helmets help normalize safety in barns and shows within every discipline. The more we make helmets part of the conversation, the more lives we can protect.

That being said, keep in mind these last few helmet safety tips:

• Always fasten the chin strap as an unbuckled helmet offers less protection

• Store your helmet in a cool and dry place so the foam lining doesn’t weaken

• Replace your helmet after a significant fall, even if it looks fine

• Never buy a used helmet - you can’t know it’s history

This Helmet Safety Week…

Take five minutes to inspect your helmet - check its age, fit, and comfort. If it’s time to upgrade, consider choosing a helmet designed to keep you both protected and comfortable. Back on Track and BHoof have both got you covered in those departments.