Riding helmets: usefulness, protection, standards
Apart from collisions between pedestrians and vehicles, accidents related to horse riding are the second most common type of accidents. Very rarely trivial, accidents related to horse riding can still be limited, or even prevented thanks to suitable equipment, specifically by wearing a riding helmet that complies with standards. The riding helmet protects the rider's head in the event of a fall or impact. In this article, we talk about the usefulness, protection, standards and innovations in riding helmets.
Wearing a riding helmet: what is the use?
Wearing a riding helmet is generally seen as a constraint by the majority of riders who quickly get rid of it as soon as they become owners. However, the riding helmet is important for proper and safe riding. For good reason, a fall on the head can happen so quickly when riding. When we consider the statistics, we see that of the majority of deaths due to riding accidents, only 9 to 20% of victims have their helmets at the time of the accident. In this, wearing a helmet is really important. You will find quality riding helmets on La Sellerie Française .
How does the riding helmet protect?
For the riding helmet to provide effective protection to the rider's head, it must fit correctly. The helmet should therefore not be too tight or too wide, otherwise it could not provide any protection. That said, it is best to try the size and cut before choosing your riding helmet.
In the field of horse riding, the rider is required to buy a three-point helmet that will provide the latter with better protection. The helmet must therefore have a thick shell that will prevent objects from penetrating. It must have a sufficiently flexible visor to prevent nose fractures during falls and it must have a neck protector, even if this may be optional.
What standards are in force for riding helmets?
Riding helmets must meet various certifications specific to certain groups of countries. These certifications are awarded after tests and inspections are carried out on the helmets. These are tests that consist of checking that the safety provided by the helmet is optimal. During the inspections, the side parts are checked as well as the front and back of the helmet. The resistance of the helmet is also checked as well as its stability during use. The certifications are revised every five years in order to take into account improvements and technical innovations that can be made to the helmets.
Thus, it is possible to find different standards including the European standard which is the EN 1384 standard, the Canadian and American standard which is the SEI/ASTM F1163 in addition to the English standards BS/BSI EN 1384 KITES MARK. That said, whatever the brand of riding helmets that is used in France, each of these helmets must have been approved and meet the standard in force in Europe EN 1384.