What’s a Member’s What’s a Member’s Safety Worth?Safety Worth?

What’s a Member’s What’s a Member’s Safety Worth?Safety Worth?

Jim B. WilsonJim B. Wilson

Area 4-H/Youth Extension EducatorArea 4-H/Youth Extension Educator

University of IdahoUniversity of Idaho

April 28, 2005April 28, 2005

Program Goals

• Increase your awareness of potential hazards and related safety issues when working with youth and horses.

• Challenge you to analyze your personal beliefs and convictions related to the use of equestrian helmets.

Remember, when you ride ...

• Accidents are inevitable– even when using proper

safety precautions

• When you fall, it is very likely that you will hit your head

Remember, when you ride ...

• You can’t always control what your head hits

• You can control what protects your head!

Which Would You Choose?

Do Helmets Really Matter?

• U.S. Pony Club findings (1983-1990)– Since requiring ASTM helmets

• Reduced head injuries 29%• Reduced facial injuries 62%

• American Medical Equestrian Assn. – Use of ASTM F1163/SEI Helmets (1990)

• Reduced all riding-related head injuries 30%

• Reduced severe head injuries 50%

What’s With Those Letters?

• Current industry standard for helmets

• ASTM F 1163• American Soc. for Testing and Materials• Society’s “Standard Specification for Headgear

Used in Horse Sports.”

• SEI• Safety Equipment Institute• Test helmets to insure they meet standards.

Aren’t All Helmets Equal?

• ASTM/SEI helmets meet rigid standards– Standards reviewed at least every 5 years.

• Non-ASTM helmets or their box carry a warning label including a clause that these helmets are: “an item of apparel only and will provide no protection to

the head from a fall or other source of impact.”

But Helmets Are Expensive!

• Compared to What?• Cost of the horse?• Cost of your other riding equipment?• Cost of the feed or health care?

• ASTM helmets range from $25 - $110

• What’s your personal/physical safety worth?

It Couldn’t Happen to Me!

• Every Time, Every Ride

– Produced by • Washington State 4-H Foundation• 7612 Pioneer Way• Puyallup, WA 98371-4998

Selecting/Fitting a Helmet

• Select a helmet that fits comfortably

• Hold head still and gently rock the helmet– Should cause scalp to

move with the helmet

• Adjust throat strap securely in position

Caring for Your Helmet

• Properly cared for helmets provide several years of useful life.

• Steps in cleaning• Exterior and inner fabrics cleaned with warm

water & mild detergent; wipe shell w/soft lint-free cloth.

• Harness assembly cleaned with damp cloth only.

• Avoid >1000F temperatures when drying

Inspecting Your Helmet

• Check for visible signs• Cracks in shell• Deterioration in harness assembly

• After a fall or any other significant impact

• Return helmet to manufacturer for inspection• Non-visible damage can reduce effectiveness

Other Considerations

• At club practices, county & district events

• Riding Clinics• County Shows

• At State 4-H horse shows• In 2005, helmets are required whenever

mounted. A 4-H member may sign a helmet waiver, also requires a parents signature.

Let’s Get Egg-Cited!!• What are the similarities between this

egg and your head?• Harder outer casing; fragile contents inside

• How safe is your head in a fall from:• A working trot (8 mph) with helmet?• A training gallop (20 mph) with helmet?• A working trot (8 mph) w/o helmet?

• Does a helmet make you invincible?

Some People Choose To:

But Remember,

• What’s your personal safety worth?

• It’s tough to go riding from a wheelchair, coma or the grave.

• Ultimately, it is your head and your decision

“What is Your Choice?”

Where Do We Go From Here?

• Questions?

• Seminar evaluation:Title: Horses, Helmets and SafetyPresenter: Jim Wilson, Univ. of Idaho

Presenter Contact Information

Horses, Helmets, and Safety is compliments

of Developer:Jim WilsonArea 4-H/Youth Extension Educator1000 W. Hubbard, Suite 140Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814Ph. (208) 446-1680E-mail: jwilson@uidaho.edu