Helmet brands that have committed involvement in the promotion to date include Samshield, Troxel, Charles Owen, GPA, Aegis (Devon-Aire), Pegasus, Tipperary, Ovation, IRH and KEP Italia. Additional manufacturers are expected to commit to participating and will be announced in due course.
Individuals or organizations wishing to hold an event to recognize International Helmet Awareness Day may email [email protected] for helmet awareness graphics and other support materials. “You can participate and show your support just by wearing a helmet on June 11, no matter whether you are trail riding, showing or competing,” said Lyndsey White, co-founder of the riders4helmets campaign. “Additionally, Riders4Helmets logo wear is available for purchase at www.equestriancollections.com for equestrians who wish to show their support for the campaign.”
Equestrians may visit www.riders4helmets.com to locate their nearest participating retailer. Manufacturers or retailers wishing to participate in the event may visit the International Helmet Awareness Day page on the website for details on how to become involved and to download promotional support materials.
For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign, visit www.riders4helmets.com or contact Lyndsey White at [email protected]. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets and http://twitter.com/riders4helmets. The campaign is officially endorsed by USEF, USEA, USDF, USHJA, AETA, ARIA, EAF, CHA, PRO, EMSA and many leading equestrians.
Riders4Helmets was founded in early 2010 after Olympic dressage rider Courtney King Dye was seriously injured in a riding accident. King Dye, who remained in a coma for a month following her accident, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Jeri Bryant donated her helmet campaign t-shirts (featuring the slogan “Strap One On–Everyone’s Doing it”) to an eBay store set up to raise funds for King Dye, and a partnership was formed, resulting in the Riders4Helmets campaign.