About This Video
Danielle Santos, Charles Owen’s Vice President of Sales for the U.S. and Canada, explains how to correctly fit an equestrian helmet to ensure maximum protection in case of an accident. It is essential that you always wear a helmet when riding, and that it is properly fitted by a professional.
Santos begins by looking at the different types of helmets suitable for each discipline. For example, eventing riders often wear skullcaps for cross country, while hunters choose helmets with peaks. It is also important to review international safety standards if you are competing, such as ASTM, PAS015 and VG1. Some competitions require specific safety standards.
When it comes to purchasing a new helmet, Santos recommends going to a retailer who is trained in helmet fitting and having your head measured. A properly fitted helmet should feel nice and snug, and make contact all around your head so that it won’t slide in the event of an accident. If you have long hair, also try it on with your hair up and tucked inside.
When to replace your helmet
A helmet must be replaced if you have a fall and hit your head, or if you can't remember the fall and don’t know if you landed on your feet or not, Santos says. Also, it should be replaced every three to five years. If you see any physical damage on the outside of the helmet, regardless of the first two factors, then it should also be replaced.
Cleaning and storage
You can either clean the inside of your helmet using a product that is specially formulated to keep it bacteria free; or take the headband out and put it in the washing machine. Remember to store your helmet safely in a helmet bag, helmet backpack, in your home or a temperature-controlled tack room.
About The Expert
Danielle got her start in equestrian retail in 1997 and has been with the Charles Owen brand since late 2009. Initially focusing on Charles Owen’s global marketing strategy and sharing the helmet safety message worldwide, she now focuses primarily on sales management in the US and Canada.
With equestrian safety as her main priority, she’s able to devote time to spreading the increasingly important rider safety message to as many people as possible. Working with retailers, riders of all ages and disciplines and sometimes parents, she’s known for helping them choose the right helmet or body protector for them and ensuring the best fit possible to meet their riding goals.
