Summer of Safety - PART 1

All you need to know about your helmet and how to fit correctly

After BETA announced their new Summer of Safety campaign, running from June to mid-September, people haven't stopped talking about 'Safety'. With so many of the riding community paying more attention than ever to every aspect of safety, this was the ideal time to keep you updated with any safety fitting features and reiterate the importance of your safety gear!

Riding Wear

Helmets

As we all know, it is vital to always wear a helmet riding a horse and dealing with horses on the ground. Riding hats are designed to be as effective as possible at minimising any potential head injury. But, like any safety equipment, no riding hat can be guaranteed to protect every rider against every circumstance.

The importance of a correctly fitting hat is obvious; if the helmet does not fit correctly, or is fitted poorly, this can affect how the helmet/how much the helmet protects you in an accident. Not to mention, a poorly fitted hat will feel rather uncomfortable when riding!

How to measure for a correct fit with Charles Owen:

Using a soft fabric measuring tape, wrap it around the widest part of your head (over your hair).

It should follow a line about 3/4 inch above your eyebrows, just above the ear line and around the bump at the back of your head.

Take the measurement in centimetres (cm) and repeat a couple of times for the most accurate sizing.

Unlike most other helmet brands which rely on adjustable or broad size ranges (small/medium/large), Charles Owen sizing is very specific because that ensures the safest and most comfortable fit.

When putting a helmet on, we are looking to get ‘the lock’. This is a sensation of the helmet latching and gripping onto the back of your head, which means it is on properly, secure and safe.

Hair should ideally be worn in a low pony tail (if applicable)
Place your forehead into the front of the helmet
Using a rolling motion, push backwards to feel the helmet lock into the base of the skull (listen for a suction sound)
Run a finger around the rim of the helmet to check for gaps or loose points. If there is any movement or gaps you may need to try a different size or a Round Fit
Always adjust the chin strap first, then tie the back laces with a knot and bow (if applicable).

A new helmet will break in as you wear it and mould to the shape of your head. It should fit like a new pair of boots: snug, with a firm and even pressure all the way around.

Things to check for:

A snug fit with even, firm pressure around the entire head
No specific pressure points or gaps
Helmet locks onto the back of the skull
Helmet sits level on the head, covering the forehead leaving about an inch above the eyebrows
With the harness unfastened, the helmet should not rock forwards nor backwards
The chinstrap should sit just under the chin and gently touch the bottom of the ear lobe, avoiding the throat
You should be able to put a finger between the strap and your chin
The harness laces at the back of the helmet should be secured tightly
Wear the helmet for 5 minutes to give time for it to mould to your head and reveal any pressure points.

The Importance of taking care of your helmet

It's vital to make sure you're always looking after your riding hat in the best way! Dropping the hat, or letting it roll around the car can affect the way it protects you over it's lifetime. The damage may not be visible to the eye, but the damage will affect the shock-absorbing lining in the helmet.

Written by Becky Mead
Source Charles Owen