Effective October 1, 2011, a properly fitted ASTM/SEI (American Society for Testing and Materials/Safety Equipment Institute) or BSI (British Standards Institution) approved equestrian helmet must be worn by: •all Horsemanship Level 1, 2 and 3 members while mounted, and all 4-H members born in 2000 and later while mounted.

 
Members involved in vaulting are not required to wear a helmet.  It is highly recommended that all other riders wear a properly fitted ASTM/SEI or BSI approved helmet.
 
Q. How do you access a helmet if you don’t have one?
 A. If you don’t have a helmet, or if a helmet you have now has been dropped or was purchased over five years ago (check the manufacturer’s date on the inside of the helmet), you will need to purchase one. It is not recommended that anyone use a helmet that has been handed down, or a “previously used” helmet. The care and individual fit of a helmet are vital to its ability to protect, so it is important that you fit the helmet to your head specifically and that you know the helmet has been looked after.
 
Approved equestrian helmets are available for purchase at most tack shops across Alberta. You can find a local tack shop in the Yellow Pages under Saddlery & Harness, or search for one on the internet. If a tack shop sells helmets, they generally can help you fit them. Ask when you walk in or give them a call before hand to see if someone can help. Click here or more information on how to fit a helmet.
 
Helmets are also available to purchase from a variety of sites on the internet. It is important however, that the brand, model and size you choose fits correctly and feels comfortable on your head. For that reason it is highly recommended that you physically try on the specific brand, model and size you intend to purchase prior to ordering.
 
Q. How does a 4-H member ensure their helmet fits properly and is worn correctly?
 A. The best way to ensure a helmet fits properly and is worn correctly is by consulting with a knowledgeable riding instructor or a tack shop employee. There are also a number of sites on the internet that describe the steps to fitting a riding helmet, along with photos or diagrams. As well, helmet fitting information is available here.
 
Q. Who enforces the policy?
 A. Similar to all issues that involve safety in 4-H, it is the responsibility of all 4-H leaders, parents and coaches to ensure that members who fall under the policy regulations are wearing a properly fi tted ASTM/SEI or BSI approved helmet.
 
Q. What is an acceptable helmet?
 A. An acceptable helmet is one that fits correctly, feels comfortable to the wearer and is approved by ASTM/SEI or BSI. Color and style are purely aesthetic.
 
Q. What does the policy mean?
 A. The policy means that any Equine 4-H member in level 1, 2 or 3 and any 4-H member born in 2000 or later must wear an approved equestrian helmet while mounted on a horse. This includes if the member is riding bareback or with a saddle, being led by anyone, just hopping on to go from point A to B, riding in a western performance class, sitting on horse that is just standing still, etc. If a rider that is included under the policy gets on a horse, he or she must have an approved helmet on and securely fastened. If a rider that is included under this policy is found mounted on a horse without the proper headgear, that member will be required to dismount immediately until such headgear is properly worn.
 
Q. Is a helmet required for showmanship – which is not mounted?
 A. A helmet is not required for showmanship, however it is strongly recommended.
 
Q. What is the leader liable for – if anything?
 A. The leader is liable for due diligence that ensures the safety of 4-H members. 4-H insurance coverage is still in place and has not changed, but due diligence requires that all policies are followed to the best of the leader’s ability and regulations are enforced. This means the leader is responsible to ensure that all assistant leaders, members, coaches, instructors and parents are aware of the policy and the consequences are in place for not adhering to the policy. The leader is also responsible to make sure assistant leaders, members, coaches, instructors and parents aid in enforcing proper helmet use. This may include an action plan for those who consistently disregard the policy.
 
Q. Can we provide a listing of people, businesses, etc. who are good helmet fitters?
 A. Most tack shops that sell approved helmets have employees that can fit a helmet. You can find a list of tack shops on the internet, or in some phone books. As well, most knowledgeable riding instructors will be able to assist in fitting a helmet. Educate yourself on the fit of a helmet before you go shopping for one. Ask questions of the helmet fitter to ensure they are educated in helmet fitting.
 
Q. Who is going to educate the parents, members and leaders on the proper use, fit, care of their helmet?
 A. This information is available through Alberta Farm Safety, as well as many other sites on the internet. Many reputable riding coaches are educated in the fit, care and use of helmets.
 
Q. Who is responsible to make sure that the helmet fits correctly and is worn correctly?
 A. This is a shared responsibility among all leaders, coaches, parents and other knowledgeable adults and 4-H members. When it comes to safety, all members of the group can be expected to participate.
 
Q. Does the leader have to inspect the helmet before each ride to make sure it meets the standard?
 A. It is advisable that each member’s helmet is inspected by a knowledgeable coach, leader or parent to ensure that it is approved, fits correctly, has no visible damage, is not more than five years old and to ensure the harness is properly adjusted and secured. It is up to the rider and their parents/guardians to ensure that if a helmet is over five years old, has been knowingly subjected to a moderate or severe impact, extreme heat , UV rays or chemicals and solvents, they take action to replace the helmet.
 
Q. Who is responsible if the member leaves the ring, removes their helmet, falls off and is injured?
 A. All members who are included under the helmet policy need to be informed and reminded that they are not to remove their helmet until they have dismounted from their horse. The club leader(s) will be responsible for ensuring all coaches and parents are aware of this information and will help enforce the policy.
 
Q. If a helmet is over five years old, has been dropped, has been left in a car or tack room under extreme hot or
 freezing cold temperatures, has been exposed to chemicals, paints, pesticides, etc. it may not meet the approved
 ASTM/SEI or BSI standards.
 A. This is correct. It is the responsibility of members and their parents/guardians to ensure that they protect their investment in a helmet to the best of their abilities. There is no way that 4-H leaders or coaches can know the conditions of a helmet unless there are external signs such as cracks or a faulty harness. If a helmet has been knowingly compromised, it needs to be replaced to ensure the rider is protected to the standards set out by ASTM/SEI or BSI.

How to choose an equestrian helmet that's right for you