Helmet Awareness Sue Miller

Helmet Awareness

HSue Miller - Sharon, VT elmet awareness days were bow at the back called ribbons. The cap September 12 & 13, 2020. I had the oppor- fits so snugly that a small air vent was tunity to sit in on a few zoom meetings added to the top of the cap so that it would to learn more about helmets and how slip on easily, the vent was covered by a they protect us. I was intrigued and did small velvet cover, the “bump” is called a bit more research on the subject and a Collette. Some modern helmets doff a wanted to share my findings. nod to the traditional hunt cap by shap-

A little history on the evolution of ing many of the plastic shelled helmets the hunt cap to riding helmet. When I of today with the small collette bump at first started riding horses, we rode with the top of the helmet. “hunt caps” that were held on with a It is important to understand that no flimsy piece of elastic. They were really riding helmet can prevent serious injudesigned to help the rider be more aero- ry in certain circumstances. Equally the dynamic while fox hunting and they did safest helmet in the world will be useoffer a bit of protection in the case of a less if it is not fitted correctly. The safest fall, but not much. Hunt caps were origi- helmet is one that is tested to the appronally tailor-made to fit each individual priate standard, is most suitable for the rider using an apparatus called a confor- intended riding activity, and most impormature. After the shell was made it was tantly of all is fitted correctly. covered in velvet, usually black & had a Modern technology has enabled manufacturers to reproduce helmets that are very strong, lightweight, and extremely comfortable to wear. The part of the helmet that does the work of protecting your head is the protective liner, made of high-grade polystyrene which is in turn protected by a hard (fiberglass or plastic) shell. On impact, from a fall the helmet does two things. Firstly, the shell diffuses the impact over a large area. Secondly, the liner reduces bruising to the brain by increasing the length of time it takes for the shock wave to meet your skull. The bigger the impact the more layers of polystyrene will burst so it is basically the helmet liner that collapses, instead of your head.

It is for this reason that if the helmet suffers a severe impact, it should be thrown away and a new one purchased. If you fall and can remember everything about landing, hopefully on your feet, but may have lightly hit your head – you may not need to replace your helmet. If you can’t remember what happened in the fall, replace the helmet. You can’t always tell by looking at the outside of your helmet if it’s been damaged. Many helmets are made well and take the impact without an obvious sign from the outside. If you are at all unsure, replace the helmet. It is easy to purchase a helmet, but impossible to replace the damage your brain/head could sustain!

Helmet standards continue to evolve, as a result of improvements in technology and developments in methods of testing together with an increased understanding of how riders fall and the injuries that they sustain in accidents. All helmets must be fitted with an integral adjustable 3-point harness and if there is a helmet visor or brim it must be flexible or breakaway. Chin cups are no longer allowed in any current standards. Helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years as the material the helmet is made from will break down over time and use due to weather conditions and hair products used.

When equestrian sports advocates needed a helmet, standard tailored to the unique hazards of their sport, F08.53 (the subcommittee for ASTM responsible for horseback riding sports among other sports) adopted a test method that includes an innovative equestrian hazard anvil that reproduces conditions found when a helmet is impacted by fences or horseshoes. The ASTM F1163 standard specified for protective headgear used in horse sports and horseback riding is used throughout the U.S. equestrian community. Since 1998 this is the American standard for riding helmets, although it does not include a lateral rigidity (crushing) test nor a penetration test, meaning these helmets often have quite large ventilation holes or slots. There is much debate about the ventilation holes and whether they do help to cool the head or put the rider at more risk of penetration type injuries. There are many helmets on the market however with ventilation holes that do pass the (UK testing) PAS and EN1385 penetration tests as well as the ASTM standard.

The label ASTM/SEI certified has become commonplace in safety helmets over the past several years, but few riders know what those acronyms stand for, let alone what’s required to earn that seal of approval.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an organization that was formed in 1898 by chemists and engineers from the Pennsylvania Railroad. At that time, the organization was known as the American Section of the International Association Testing and Materials. Mr. Charles B. Dudley, PhD., a chemist with the Pennsylvania Railroad was the driving force behind the formation of the Society. In 2001, the Society became known as ASTM. The ASTM Mission Statement is to promote public health and safety, support the protection and sustainability of the environment, and the overall quality of life…

There are different tests designed for specific sports but to earn the equestrian riding helmet certification, there are four tests the helmet must pass. These tests are performed by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to ensure that helmets are being manufactured to standards that meet or exceed the ASTM standards. Continued Next Page Winter 2021 www.4LegsAndATail.com 17

ROUND ANVIL TEST

Objective : To verify the even distribution of the shock wave in order to limit the risks of traumatism.

POINTED ANVIL TEST

Objective : To verify that a sharp object will not pierce the helmet

HELMET RETENTION TEST

Objective : To verify that the helmet stays on in the event of a fall and that the harness strap system is not too long.

VISOR TEST

Objective : To verify the flexibility of the visor to prevent nasal fracture in the event of a fall.

During the Round Anvil Test, the helmets are dropped onto a flat anvil from a height of about six feet from several angles and directions. “Computer sensors measure the shock from the fall that is transferred to the inside of a helmet in terms of gravity force (g). The threshold at which the most serious head injuries occur is 300g.” The Pointed Anvil Test simulates the impact of the side of a jump or a horse’s hoof. During the Helmet Retention Test, all straps must hold the helmet on the head without stretching beyond a certain amount. Then, all helmets are retested again for concussion and retention after being frozen to minus 20 degrees, heated to over 120 degrees, and submerged in water overnight. If the helmet still transfers no more than 300g and the strap is still effective, it earns the ASTM/SEI seal of approval. The questions I get asked the most are: Can I use my bicycle helmet for riding? The answer is no. Bicycle helmets are not designed with the same ASTM standards that horseback riding helmets are and should not be worn while horseback riding. Can I purchase a helmet a bit big for my child to grow into? Again, the answer is no. The importance of a properly fitted helmet cannot be overstated. To be effective, the helmet must fit firmly, but comfortably. A helmet that is too loose may slip, possibly reducing its protective capabilities, and one that is too tight may cause discomfort. The helmet should not easily roll forward or backward and should not be removable without unbuckling the retention system. The retention system that holds the helmet in place is extremely strong and essential to the protective function of the helmet. Proper placement on the head is also essential. The helmet should sit just above the eyebrows not tipped back to the hairline. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the evolution from hunt cap to riding helmets and learning how modern helmets have been developed to protect the human head from injury on impact in a fall and their importance to the sport of horseback riding. Remember that technology is always advancing and to purchase a new helmet every 5 years or so, even if you haven’t experienced a fall, as the material can break down during normal wear and tear. Now, grab your helmet and get out to enjoy time with your horse, happy riding!