What Every 4-H Family Should Know

A riding helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment your rider will own. Choosing the right one protects not only participation in the horse project, but your child’s long-term health and well-being.

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1. Certification Matters

All riding helmets used in 4-H must be:

• ASTM approved

• SEI certified

 

Look inside the helmet for a label from:

• American Society for Testing and Materials

• Safety Equipment Institute

 

If the certification label is missing, damaged, or unreadable, do not purchase the helmet.

 

2. Helmet Age & Replacement

Riding helmets do not last forever.

• Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 3–5 years from first use.

• Helmets must be replaced after any fall or impact, even if there is no visible damage.

• Materials can degrade over time due to sweat, heat, and normal wear.

 

Always check the manufacture date inside the helmet before purchasing.

 

3. Buying Used Helmets

Purchasing a used helmet is generally not recommended because:

• You cannot verify whether it has been in a fall.

• Internal foam damage is often invisible.

• Exposure to heat (such as being stored in a vehicle) can weaken protection.

• Certification labels may be outdated or missing.

 

If considering a used helmet, you must ask:

• Has this helmet ever been in a fall?

• Has it ever been dropped on a hard surface?

• How old is it?

• How was it stored?

 

If there is uncertainty about its history, it is safest to purchase new.

 

4. Proper Fit Is Essential

Even a certified helmet will not protect properly if it does not fit correctly.

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A helmet should:

• Sit level on the head (not tipped back)

• Fit snugly all the way around

• Not rock or shift when the rider moves

• Stay in place when the rider bends forward

 

Different brands fit different head shapes. Trying on multiple options is encouraged.

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We highly recommend visiting a local tack store like Dover Saddlery in Libertyville, Illinois. We're you will get very knowledgeable help with figuring out the proper helmet from fit to needs.  Once you know the helmet brand, model number, and size then you can do some shopping to find the best deal.  You can also check out the Tack, Gear, and Apparel page to find a list of stores to check out.

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5. Budget Considerations

Safety does not require a high-end show helmet.

 

Many ASTM/SEI certified helmets are available at reasonable price points. The priority should always be:

✔ Proper certification
✔ Proper fit
✔ Known helmet history

 

Helmets protect growing brains. This is one area where compromise is not advised.