Replace Riding Helmet After a Fall

Riding helmets have been designed to diffuse and absorb the force created when a rider’s head hits the ground or another object after a fall from a horse. While even the best helmet can’t completely prevent all injuries, a helmet that is properly fitted and worn with the harness fastened has a good chance of reducing the seriousness of head injuries caused by a fall.

Riders should remember that by absorbing the energy of an impact, the helmet may sustain some damage and thus is not as capable of protecting the rider in the future. Even if the helmet isn’t visibly cracked or broken, it should be replaced after it has hit the ground because of a fall. This is true for all helmets, but is especially important for helmets that are several years old or have spent a lot of time in hot cars or trunks.

Some helmet manufacturers offer new helmets at a reduced price if the rider sends the damaged helmet back after an accident. Riders can check with the retail store where the helmet was originally purchased or go to the manufacturer’s website to see if this policy covers the helmets they are using.

If a damaged helmet isn’t returned to the manufacturer, it should be discarded. Don’t keep “retired” helmets around the barn or in the trailer for use as spares or “guest” helmets. If they aren’t safe to use, they should be thrown away.