Requirements for Children's Horseback Riding Helmets

Children are especially at risk for injury when riding horses. Brain development continues through adolescence, so any damage incurred during a fall can be devastating. It can be tempting to use bicycle helmets for horseback riding, but this should be discouraged. Equestrian helmets have certain safety requirements that should be followed to minimize risk.

  1. ASTM-SEI Approval

    • The American Society for Testing and Materials Safety Equipment Institute (ASTM-SEI) developed standards for equestrian helmets in 1988. Equestrian helmets differ from bicycle helmets in several ways. The area of the head covered by equestrian helmets is designed to minimize injury from horse-related falls and accidents. While bicycle helmets sometimes have large slits for ventilation purposes, equestrian helmets have no gaps at all to prevent branches and other materials from catching on the helmet while riding. The current standard for equestrian helmets is the ASTM F-1163-04/SEI.

    Fit

    • Properly fitted helmets are especially important for children's safety. Helmet size is determined by measuring the circumference of the rider's head around the largest part, directly above the eyebrows. Some manufacturers produce a large range of sizes for children's helmets, while many helmets are adjustable, designed for growing heads. Properly fitted helmets do not move when the rider shakes her head but also should not be so tight as to leave a mark or be otherwise uncomfortable. Improperly fitted helmets are a huge risk to horseback riding safety, as they may do little to prevent injury or may actually do additional harm.

    Replacement

    • Children's helmets should be replaced within five years after the manufacture date. When purchasing a new helmet, check the inside of the helmet, which should be marked with the SEI seal of approval and the helmet's manufacture date. Purchasing an outdated helmet can decrease safety significantly in the event of a fall or other injury. Additionally, any helmet should be replaced immediately after taking a hard blow. Impact with the ground or other hard surface in the case of a fall can cause structural weakness in the helmet.

    Ground Safety

    • Ground safety is an important component of horseback riding, especially for children. According to the Equestrian Medical Safety Association, approximately 20 percent of injuries occur around horses when riders are on the ground, including kicks and entrapment between the horse and another large object. Children are lower to the ground to begin with, and their development is not complete, so ground safety is paramount for kids. Helmets should be worn at all times around horses, including well before the horse is tacked up and the rider mounted.