Safety Awareness Week: Maximizing Protection with Correctly Fitted Gear

Every year, Safety Awareness Week reminds riders of all levels about the importance of protecting our heads and our bodies. Riding helmets are not just another piece of gear, they are essential safety equipment that can reduce the risk of serious injury. Safety vests are another important piece of gear that is becoming more popular amongst today’s riders to help protect against serious injuries in the event of a fall. 

Today’s modern helmets are more breathable, and more stylish than ever before, but no matter how advanced the technology, a helmet can only do its job if it fits correctly.

Why Proper Helmet Fit Matters

A properly fitted helmet should sit securely, feel comfortable, and stay in place during riding. A helmet that is too loose can slip during a fall and one that is too tight can cause headaches and discomfort. Different brands of helmets feature different sizes and shapes, so there are a variety of choices for all different head shapes.

Your helmet is your riding partner in safety. It should be snug, balanced, and supportive without being restrictive.

How to Fit a Helmet

1. Position
The helmet should sit level on your head, covering the forehead with the brim about one to two fingers above your eyebrows. If it tips back or forward, it is not positioned correctly.

2. Fit
When fastened, the helmet should feel snug all around without pinching. Shake your head gently side to side and up and down. The helmet should move with you, not independently.

3. Strap
The chin strap should sit snug against your skin, but still allow room for one finger’s width. A chin strap that is too loose can become dangerous, allowing your helmet to move up and around.

4. Comfort
Wear the helmet for a few minutes to test it out. It should feel secure and comfortable without pressure points.

Consider the MIPS System for Additional Protection

The MIPS system works by adding a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows slight movement during an impact. This design helps redirect rotational forces away from the head.

Currently, research suggests that concussions are linked to the brain rotating within the skull during injury. The slip layer in a MIPS helmet is designed to move which helps absorb some of the rotation, instead of the brain and head taking the brunt of the force, reducing the risk of concussion.

Safety Vests

Modern safety vests are flexible and designed to move with the rider. Air vests are also becoming more popular in and out of the show ring, which inflate upon separation from the saddle for added protection. Whether schooling at home or competing, wearing a properly fitted safety vest provides extra peace of mind and an added layer of safety.

Tips for Safety Vests:

• Fit matters: Make sure the vest is snug but comfortable, allowing full range of motion.
  
• Layer smart: Wear the vest over a lightweight shirt in warm weather or under a jacket in cooler months, but avoid bulky layers that can affect the fit.
  
• Regular inspection: Check for wear, broken zippers, or compressed padding, and replace if the vest has taken a hard fall.
• Practice wearing it: Get your horse used to you riding in a vest during schooling so show day feels familiar.

Tips for Riders and Parents

• Replace your helmet after any significant fall, even if there is no visible damage.
  
• Helmets should be replaced every five years, as materials can break down over time.
  
• Never buy a helmet that is too large for your child to “grow into.” Safety depends on a correct fit right now.
  
• If you have long hair, and have to wear it up in your helmet for competition, fit your helmet for your head first, and hair second.
  
  

Celebrate Safety Awareness Week

Safety Awareness week is a great reminder to evaluate not only your helmet, but all of your tack and gear. If your helmet is more than 5 years old, schedule a fitting at your local tack shop for a new one, and encourage barn friends to evaluate their gear. 

Ride Smart and Safe!

Your helmet is one of the most important investments you can make for your riding journey. Take a few minutes during Safety Awareness Week to check the fit and condition of your helmet, and encourage others in your barn to do the same. We’re celebrating Safety Awareness Week by giving you 20% off select helmets and safety vests September 15th through September 21st.