Do you have your helmet?” This is a question that many of us don’t ask ourselves — or our loved ones — before we get on the back of a horse. 

During July, we celebrate National Helmet Safety Month. This designation serves as a reminder to us of the importance of wearing a helmet before we saddle up. 

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, an estimated 100 deaths each year result from equestrian-related activities, with 10 to 20 times as many head injuries occurring for each fatality.

While you might think that these

accidents happen when the equestrians are racing or doing trick riding, the mishaps actually more often occur during pleasure riding.

No one wants to think about falling off a horse, but it is important as equestrians that we are prepared in case the worst does happen. 

It is important to select the correct helmet to wear during riding. A bicycle helmet will not adequately protect a human head in a fall from a horse. When people fall off a bike versus a horse, it will happen at very different angles. Manufacturers have conducted research to help them produce helmets specifically designed to protect human heads in equestrian accidents. So, be sure to choose a properly fitted, ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet. 

Also be sure to encourage other riders to saddle up with their helmet. If one person in a group chooses to wear a helmet, often the others will too. Set a good example and make helmets an expected part of every ride — every time. You may help to save a fellow equestrian from serious injury or even death.