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This program by Jim B. Wilson from the University of Idaho emphasizes the critical importance of wearing safety helmets when riding horses. It aims to raise awareness of potential hazards involving youth and horses while highlighting personal beliefs about helmet usage. Supported by data from studies showing significant reductions in head injuries due to helmet use, this program advocates for informed decisions regarding safety equipment. Attendees will learn about ASTM standards and the importance of helmet selection, fitting, maintenance, and inspection to ensure optimal protection.
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What’s a Member’s Safety Worth? Jim B. Wilson Area 4-H/Youth Extension Educator University of Idaho April 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!
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?
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 Safety Presenter: Jim Wilson, Univ. of Idaho
Horses, Helmets, and Safety is compliments of Developer: Jim Wilson Area 4-H/Youth Extension Educator 1000 W. Hubbard, Suite 140 Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 Ph. (208) 446-1680 E-mail: jwilson@uidaho.edu