Do you ever wonder why it’s important to ride in an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet rather than a sleek unapproved helmet?

Not so many years ago we all wore unapproved helmets for riding as that is all that was available. Fortunately technology has advanced and safety standards improved so that now we recognize an unapproved helmet offers little to no protection from falls. In fact those unapproved helmets now bear a warning "this is an item of apparel only".

ASTM/SEI approved riding helmets have been tested and certified to protect human heads against injury in the event that a rider falls from horseback. The helmets have also been developed to withstand crushing in the event that a horse falls on top of the rider. The thickness of the helmet and the materials used are designed to absorb energy and reduce the impact to the brain thus protecting against head injuries.

A crushed helmet is not a sign of helmet failure but rather an indicator that the helmet has worked as designed to take the impact and save the riders head