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  Discussion on Type of Helmets okay for riding?
Author Message
Member:
Brandi

Posted on Friday, Jan 7, 2005 - 11:22 pm:

I give simple, bareback trail-riding lessons to neighborhood kids, and of course require them to wear a helmet when riding. I am aware through reading either Equus or Horse Illustrated, that bike helmets are not suitable for horseback riding because bike helmets do not provide the necessary protection in certain areas of the head that riders require. However, I have been asked if a snowboarding helmet would suffice. The article I read stated that biker's most often fall forward, and that is where the primary protection on the helmet is...but snowboarders would seem to need protection on all sides, due to their outrageous maneuvers and excessive speed. Can anyone give me some advice? I will urge the parents to opt for the proper equipment, but if this type of helmet is sufficent, why not let them stick with it?
Member:
Redmare

Posted on Friday, Jan 7, 2005 - 11:29 pm:

Hi Brandi-

For liability reasons I would require the kids to wear an approved horseback riding helmet. If anything happened and you were sued, this could be an issue. Kids helmets can be purchased for as little as $30.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Saturday, Jan 8, 2005 - 12:21 am:

Brandi,
As an instructor, it is my understanding that only horseback riding helmets should be used for riding. Check the disclaimers that the manufacturers print with the helmets. I know it seems unreasonable that a snowboarding helmet wouldn't suffice for horseback riding, but I believe the helmet manufacturers state that the helmets are only to be used for the activity for which they are produced. True, the companies can sell lots more helmets that way . . . and as Redmare said, if a head injury DID occur, and your student/client wasn't wearing a horseback riding helmet, I believe you could be sued for not providing the proper head gear . . . it would be a negligence suit . . . and you don't want that.
This question is a good one for Rick Obadiah to answer since he is very familiar with sport helmet manufacture . . . Rick? Also, any equine lawyers who are HA members may have better advice to offer.
Holly
Member:
Brandi

Posted on Saturday, Jan 8, 2005 - 6:38 pm:

Thank you both for your feedback, and I know you are right, but if I had good reason to believe that a snowboarding helmet provided the necessary protection (especially if it were like wearing a motorcycle helmet for bike-riding--i.e. overkill), then I feel less "liable" than having someone borrow one of my riding helmets and being responsible for how well it fits the child.

I guess that's what I'm trying to figure out...which is the lesser of 2 evils. }
Member:
Redmare

Posted on Saturday, Jan 8, 2005 - 8:54 pm:

Hi Brandi-

You might think that you don't have much to worry about because you have a small, casual operation, but you could be sued as well as the owner of a large lesson business. I got liability insurance after I got one student. The cost was worth my piece of mind. I've never had a claim and hope I never do, but one never knows.

As a business owner you'll be happier and safer if you make rules and stick to them, rather than making exceptions. Most schools require riders to purchase their own helmets and, as I mentioned, they are very inexpensive.
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