Thinking About Equestrian Helmets Again

Working at the Tack and Habit Shoppe, I’ve had a front row seat as veteran trainers have discussed hunter helmets. I've also spent time learning how to fit helmets and discussing various falls with customers purchasing new helmets. Without question, all of us are experiencing a bit of nagging fear after our community's tragic loss of Hannah Serfass last week.

I felt compelled to review the article I wrote in January after the release of the Virginia Tech Equestrian Helmet Ratings. Our manager had contacted the study’s principal investigator who was wonderfully accessible and answered all her questions. 

Though we all question how any laboratory test could match the forces riders face when falling from a horse, the study investigators designed their impact tests after spending two years analyzing more than 100 videos of riders falling off horses and precisely measuring the hardness of sand, dirt, grass, and synthetic surfaces at equestrian events.

One of the most helpful charts you can find within the technical documents is one which shows the Equestrian Standards Helmet Impact Criteria, and this is the document I wanted to revisit to quell my fears. My fears really can't be silenced, however, because the chart confirms that no helmet is tested to withstand the force our fellow rider experienced.

From my own research, I know that manufacturers must meet at least one of three international safety standards, or marks, and can choose the type of approved certification path they will pursue. By reviewing the standards chart, you can see the criteria required for helmets to meet the different certifications and have an idea of what you are looking at when you see the kite marks on any helmet you are considering. Though Snell standards are the highest, equestrian helmets require one of the three other marks, and most have some combination of PAS015, VG1, or ASTM certifications.

When asked about her own preferences, our Charles Owen contact, a VP of Sales, said if she had to choose between a “triple certified helmet” and a “single certified helmet with MIPS technology,” she’d choose the triple certified helmet. Charles Owens tests all their helmets against all standards before sending them off for certification.The vendor told us the AYR8 Plus is their gold standard helmet, and that model ranked #7 with four stars. The SP8 model, though not tested, uses the exact same technology as the AYR8 model but has the wider peak that is currently the favorite of many junior hunter equestrians.

Our current helmet stock at the Tack and Habit Shoppe includes Charles Owen and GPA helmets. A couple of our riders wear Samshield, and we are in the process of getting our first shipment now. We have considered our Charles Owen selection as our classic hunt seat option, and the GPA as a modern-looking, quality alternative.

Our riders tend to select their helmets based upon their own head shape and looks. If the desired look does not fit the head, our riders abandon their look choice for safety. Charles Owen provides retailers like us with regular helmet fitting seminars so that all our staff know exactly how to fit a helmet. You can review some of their fitting tips by linking to the site.

She had a pink Troxel when she began in blue jeans and a tank top (the horror!). Her trainer still cringes when we talk about the velvet cover we slapped over it for her early shows. She graduated to a One K which does not meet our star criteria. She loved the venting in her GPA, but the peak snapped disturbingly when her horse reared one day. Her SP8 offers a mature, classic hunter look and all the safety technology we value.

I do feel best about her Charles Owen selection after reviewing the literature, vendor websites, and information from our company contacts. Before you shop again, watch this YouTube video by seasoned International and Olympic Show Jumper Laura Kraut where she discusses her own dangerous fall and why she believes in triple certification.