{"id":13943,"date":"2022-10-24T16:04:04","date_gmt":"2022-10-24T20:04:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=13943"},"modified":"2023-12-26T17:54:21","modified_gmt":"2023-12-26T21:54:21","slug":"riding-helmet-safety-ratings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/riding-helmet-safety-ratings\/","title":{"rendered":"Riding Helmet Safety Ratings (Knowing the Difference for a Safe Horseback Ride)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Riding helmet<\/a> design has come a long way from the days of yore. Older riders will tell tales of a fiberglass shell covered in velveteen that felt like it weighed 20 pounds. They’ll talk about how younger riders will never experience the misery of wearing a hot helmet that provided the barest of protection for their skulls. And that’s a good thing for all riders!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helmet technology has made big strides in terms of providing a comfortable fit, ventilation, and skull protection. They do a much better job of reducing the risk of head injuries than their predecessors. Modern helmets get their design and safety cues from bicycle and motorcycle helmets because the sports have a common theme of riders prone to sudden dismounts at speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P.S. See this guide for recommendations on other types of horse riding safety equipment.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    This guide contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Are Riding Helmet Safety Ratings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In the United States, riding helmets are rated by two institutes: the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). You’ll frequently see the two acronyms used together as ASTM\/SEI, which ensures that the helmet you’re buying meets the safety standards set out by both institutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The FEI, or Federation Equestre Internationale, is a European organization that sets rules and standards for equine-related competition around the world. It accepts five quality testing labels for helmet safety standards. <\/p>\n\n\n

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    American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The ASTM is an international organization that tests materials used for safety. Whenever a new safety material comes out on the market, the ASTM tests it according to the appropriate standards, or ones chosen by the manufacturer. Helmet manufacturers submit their horse riding helmets to the ASTM to make sure their helmet is capable of withstanding the force of a sudden deceleration and protecting the wearer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As an example, one helmet maker, Troxel<\/a>, submits their helmets to an independent testing laboratory and asks that they be tested to ASTM standard F1163<\/a>. Troxel has already tested their helmets in-house, but impartiality is important when it comes to safety gear. The independent testing laf116 helps Troxel maintain that impartiality by putting the helmet through the standards listed in F1163, also known as the Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Horse Sports and Horseback Riding. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The specification sets the minimum performance standards for the materials and construction used in the creation of the riding helmet. In the event the helmet meets the minimum performance standards, it’s sent to the SEI for certification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Safety Equipment Institute (SEI)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The SEI confirms that the safety equipment is in compliance with the standards set by the ASTM, and that the product is accepted by the governing body of a given activity or occupation. Once the manufacturer of an equestrian helmet accepts the findings of the ASTM, the SEI follows up to ensure that manufacturers are producing their products in accordance with the ASTM standards. The SEI then sends helmets to an independent lab that’s certified to perform the requisite testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Governing bodies for equestrian sports that require SEI certification include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n