August 2002

Giant Leap Forward For ASTM/SEI Helmets

USAE’s helmet rule for juniors will bring discipline-wide acceptance. As juniors become used to these helmets, old prejudices will vanish.

Most juniors, even Western riders, at shows ûin New York state might be required to wear ûprotective headgear.

The decision by USA Equestrian to require junior riders in their hunter/jumper shows to wear ASTM/SEI helmets is a huge step in the right direction. This means no more hunt caps, or “items of apparel” for any junior riders. With juniors complying, more adult riders will follow suit. In addition, the change will encourage additional organizations to pass similar rules.

We’re long past the arguments about whether ASTM/SEI helmets are “safer” or not. And we’re certainly not going to go down the aesthetic road. That just reminds us of the joke, “If you think your hair is more important than your brain, it probably is.” Suffice it to say, ASTM/SEI…