Why you need to change your helmet after a fall
In 2018 I completed the BETA's hat and body protectors fitting course and completed a refresher course last year. For the past year I have been fitting safety equipment for horse riders in a local equestrian shop, including jockey skulls, riding helmets and body protestors.
I have come to realise that many parents, riders and horse owners, including riders competing mid to the top of the sport, are unaware of why safety equipment needs to be replaced regularly. So I thought I would shed some light on this.
Its not to do with profit, its to do with your safety
Many horse owners may think that you need to replace your hat or body protector regularly so the companies making these products get more money, this is incorrect. In the case of the riding helmet or skull cap, the foam within the hat can only absorb one impact. Then it is rendered useless to absorb impact in the future within that particular area.
So if you fall, and the left side of your hat took the impact, it cannot do that again. The shock of the impact will have to be absorbed by your head/body next time around.
This is why retailers, safety equipment companies and BETA advocate to replace your helmet after a fall. It is for your safety to ensure it protects you on the next fall.
Life span of a hat (without a fall)?
- Regular use (almost every day) 1-2 years
- Often use (2-3 times a week) 2-3 years
- Medium (once a week) 3-4 years
- Less than once a week - up to 5 years
Helmet care
I say this to all the customers when they buy a helmet: Do not leave your helmet in the car. Treat it like your beloved riding boots or favorite show jacket, take it inside after use. The foam doesn't like the extreme temperatures in the car, hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. To get the most out of your hat, keep it in the house in a bag when not in use.
Body protectors last longer
Body protectors can take a few falls and knocks before they need to replaced. You can tell by the foam on the garment, if it has indents or it has gone considerably hard. The air bubbles in the foam have burst due to taking impact and are less efficient in doing it next time.
Life span of a body protector? 3-5 years
So hopefully this may encourage you to replace your old hat or body protector and clarify the reasons it needs to be done regularly.