“I’ve had a fall, what do I do?”
First of all, we hope you and your horse are okay! If you’re not, we know you’ll be fighting to get back on your horse as soon as possible, scars and all!
After a fall it’s vitally important to do a thorough inspection of your helmet before putting it to use again. Below are key inspection guidelines; failing which we always advise to have your riding helmet inspected in-store by one of our trained team members.
Checking your helmet:
On the outside:
Is the peak intact and stable?
Yes? Great, we’ll inspect the inner shell area later.
No? Hopefully it’s a replaceable peak and no further damage was caused to the helmet shell. If the peak was a fixed style, these can’t be replaced and it’s likely time to replace your helmet.
Are all the vents intact, not moving and/or broken?
No? If vents are broken, your helmet should be replaced. If the vents have slight movement, closer inspection is required to understand why they are moving. Chances are, your helmet should be replaced as its structure has been compromised.
Further inspection of the shell
Place your hands on either side of the helmet, peak facing forward. Push the helmet inwards towards itself. There should be little to no movement or noise coming from the helmet. If there is a noise or movement coming from the helmet, chances are the structure of the helmet has been compromised.
On the Inside – Any cracks?
The newer generation riding helmets all have removable inner linings. Remove this lining to check the integrity of helmet’s inner shell for cracks and compression damage. This is best done in a well-lit area.
Cracks can be very hard to spot as the shell is designed to handle the impact force generated during a fall in various ways. At times the only visible damage might be a small hairline crack.
Years of damage shown on an older helmet:
Visible and hairline cracks under centre and side vents. Visible cracks under the center and side vent of the helmet. Shell at rear of the helmet is compressed and cracked. Large crack runs from under a vent to the outer shell, hidden under helmet lining. Compression of shell shown in blue. Crack between vents, not very obvious to the eye.
If you do find a hairline crack and/or larger cracks, you should be satisfied, as your helmet has effectively protected you! This does however mean that your helmet can no longer be used. Sorry bank account – safety first!
Always check your helmet after a fall, regardless of the fall’s severity! If you do find damage to the helmet’s construction we strongly advise against using it again. It is unlikely to withstand another impact.
If you are uncertain about the extent of the damage caused by a fall or other impact to your helmet, please bring the helmet in to be inspected by one of our trained staff members.
Happy riding!
