Would You Know If Someone Was Suffering from a Concussion?

As we prepare to celebrate the seventh annual Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day on Saturday, September 17th, we ask “Would You Know If Someone Was Suffering from a Concussion?”

Did you know that the average amount of traumatic brain injury-related deaths in equestrian sport is more than seven times that of traumatic brain injury-related deaths in contact sports (such as American football)? That’s an average of 60 deaths in equestrian sports each year.

Much of those deaths can be due to an inaccurate diagnosis of a concussion.

Concussion Basics

According to the Center for Disease Control, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, which causes the brain or head to move back and forth rapidly. When that happens, inside your head your brain will bounce or twist around, damaging the brain cells, thus creating chemical changes in the brain.

Concussions cannot be captured on any imaging because there are no abnormalities, says Dr. Lola Chambless, a neurosurgeon at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. and longtime eventing rider. “The symptoms are purely a clinical diagnosis – you will not see anything on a CT scan or MRI.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion are:

• Appearing dazed or confused
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Feeling groggy or sluggish

Is It a Concussion?

Because most falls can happen when you’re not at a sanctioned equestrian event, most concussions can go undiagnosed.

“Things like that happen all the time, and most people generally are not going to seek medical attention unless they are very symptomatic,” says Dr. Chambless.

Dr. Chambless has worked with the National Football League to help come up with a concussion protocol to be used along the sidelines at the games to help diagnose players with concussions. And while the protocol’s questions are football specific, they can be modified for any sport. She strongly encourages trainers, instructors and riders to all learn to ask these questions any time a fellow rider has come off his or her horse.

The series of questions are fairly simple to essentially test immediate and short-term memory of the person in question. Questions may include: Where are we riding today? What color is your saddle pad? Where did you last show your horse? What’s your horse’s name? If she/he cannot answer one of these questions, it is recommended to have a physician see her or him to make a further diagnosis.

And it’s the aftercare for concussions that are just as important. Someone who has suffered from a previous concussion should try to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with training, but most importantly prevent secondary injury. Secondary injury is when a rider returns to the saddle before he or she has fully recovered from a concussion, putting him or her at a much greater risk for long-term or permanent issues from a concussion.

Can a Helmet Prevent a Concussion?

While approved helmets do reduce the chance of a lethal head injury and can save your life, they do not prevent concussions.

Helmets are designed to limit the types of forces that cause skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhage, which are things that are going to kill you or leave you with neurologic problems. Unfortunately, they are not designed to affect the forces that generally we believe can cause a concussion.

“Unfortunately, there is no safety gear out there currently that really reduces your chances of concussion from a fall of 6 feet, which is basically what you’re assuming you’re going to fall from in most equestrian injuries,” says Dr. Chambless. “We can’t prevent people from falling off, but we can make it a lesser risk by wearing a helmet and riding in safe situations.”

To find out more about International Helmet Awareness Day, visit Riders4Helmets and learn how leading helmet manufacturers around the globe are offering special discounts to help keep you safe in the saddle this year.

Tack Shops around the globe who wish to register to participate in the event may email emily@riders4helmets.com and will then receive an email with information on how to sign up. Only tack shops who register will be eligible for restocking discounts from the 15 participating helmet brands (please note – participating brands vary by country).

Media Contact:
Lyndsey White
Lyndsey@riders4helmets.com

Thinking with Your Head about Your Helmet

Lexington, KY (September 6th, 2016) – You’ve seen those commercials talking about replacing your mattress after every eight years – after all, that’s a lot of dead skin cells, dirt, dust mites, etc., that gathers every night. And when it comes to your favorite pair of riding pants, you don’t think twice about replacing them when they’re starting to be worn thin, or maybe showing a little too much wear and tear. But do you even think about how old your helmet is?

Go ahead, take a moment from reading this to find your helmet and look at the tags inside. We’ll wait…

Did you see the date? Or is it so faded you can’t tell if that’s a three or an eight? Can you even remember when you purchased it? It might just be time to buy a new helmet.

As we prepare to celebrate the seventh annual Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day on Saturday September 17th, we want to applaud everyone who doesn’t think twice about putting on a helmet before swinging their leg over a horse. They are the ones that know that wearing a helmet can help reduce the chance of a lethal head injury.

But if you’ve worn helmets most of your life, you might be the type to just pick up the same old helmet that has gotten you through your junior rider years and onto your adult classes because… well, it’s “broken in” and more comfortable. But wearing a helmet that’s passed its limit of effectiveness might not fully protect you in the way an updated helmet can.

Did you know that helmet manufacturers generally recommend that you replace your helmet every four to five years? Think about all the time you spend in the saddle – the liters of sweat, the coats of dust, and drenching from the rains all take a toll on your helmet and causes the Styrofoam inside to break down, reducing its effectiveness at protection.

If you’ve had an accident while wearing your helmet, no matter how minor it was (i.e., your head just barely hit the ground), that can reduce the effectiveness of the helmet’s protection. Damage to the helmet might not be visible to the naked eye, so you can’t assume there is no issue after a fall. Of course, any catastrophic incident can render a helmet useless and cause for an immediate replacement.

And when you do go to purchase a new helmet, take precautions when it comes to proper fit and ensuring the date of manufacture. When trying on helmets, be sure to wear your hair the way you would any time you ride – if you prefer a bun, wear a bun; if you prefer a ponytail, wear your hair in a ponytail – then go shop.

Also, check the manufacture date on the inside of the helmet, no matter if you’re purchasing new or used. Take caution when considering purchasing a used helmet, since the helmet may have sustained damage from a previous incident that you can’t see.

Don’t think that only children or novice riders should be the ones to wear an approved helmet – there has been no statistical correlation between skill level and the likelihood of an injury when it comes to equestrian sport. You can even have a catastrophic injury from falling off a horse that’s standing still.

If you like to think with your head, take a moment to consider your head first and wearing proper protection.

To find out more about International Helmet Awareness Day, visit Riders4Helmets and learn how leading helmet manufacturers around the globe are offering special discounts to help keep you safe in the saddle this year.

Media Contact:
Lyndsey White
Lyndsey@riders4helmets.com

Global Network of Equestrian Retailers to Provide Education and Helmet Discounts

Lexington, KY (July 16th) – Riders4Helmets.com has teamed up with leading helmet manufacturers to once again host International Helmet Awareness Day 2015 on Saturday August 1st. Building on the success of International Helmet Awareness Day 2014, participating retailers all over the world will be offering discounts on helmets to equestrians on this day. “We are delighted to be in our sixth year of hosting and organizing International Helmet Awareness Day,” said Lyndsey White, Riders4Helmets. “Retailers in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, South Africa, UK, USA and New Zealand have already registered to participate in this year’s event and many more are expected to do so prior to August 1st.”

“International Helmet Awareness Day was founded in 2010 as a direct result of my accident, with the aim of educating equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitting, secured and certified helmet,” said Courtney King-Dye, Olympian. “Whether you are a helmet manufacturer, retailer or equestrian, I hope that you will lend your full support to this important event in 2015.”

International Helmet Awareness Day is not just an opportunity for equestrians to purchase a helmet at a special one-time discount, more importantly it is an opportunity for equestrians to be educated. Riders4Helmets will therefore be live streaming “Get Educated” webinars via Riders4Helmets.com on Saturday August 1st, in which equestrians will be able to ask a variety of experts real-time questions. The webinars will feature experts in fields, such as Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion, Helmet Manufacturers, and Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors. Riders4Helmets will announce the confirmed line-up of participants at Riders4Helmets.com prior to August 1st. The educational aspect of International Helmet Awareness Day will be supported by participating retailers, many of whom make plans to offer educational events in their stores.

Helmet brands that have committed involvement in International Helmet Awareness Day 2014 to date include: Antares-Sellier, Champion, Charles Owen, Devon Aire (Aegis), Gatehouse, GPA, International Riding Helmets (IRH), KEP Italia, LAS helmets (Leslie Sutcliffe), One K, Ovation, Samshield, Tipperary, Troxel and Uvex. “We are grateful to the helmet manufacturers for their continued support of this important event,” said Emily Johnson, Riders4Helmets.

Retailers who wish to participate in the event may register by visiting www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/retailer-information/. Only retailers who register via riders4helmets will be eligible to receive discounts from the helmet manufacturers. Retailers are encouraged to register prior to July 24th in order to ensure that they receive educational materials in time for the event. Late registrations will, however, still be accepted through July 31st. Retailers who would like riders4Helmets to share information on any safety events that they hold in store, or helmet wearing stories provided by their customers, may email these year-round to lyndsey@riders4helmets.com for publication on Riders4Helmets.com and via our social media channels.

Equestrians may visit www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/ to learn more about International Helmet Awareness Day and to search for participating retailers by “Name” or “Geographic Location.” Equestrians are encouraged to visit www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/ the morning of August 1st, 2015, to view the most current update, as participating retailers continue to be added on a daily basis.

For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign, visit www.riders4helmets.com. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets and http://twitter.com/riders4helmets.

July 12 marks the 5th annual Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day. Once again, Riders4Helmets has teamed up with leading manufacturers to offer special discounts on safety headgear. Hundreds of retailers in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the U.S., and UK are joining in the cause.

Although International Helmet Awareness Day (IHAD) gives equestrians the chance to purchase a new helmet at a lower price, that’s definitely not all the day is about. The Riders4Helmets campaign was founded as a direct result of dressage Olympian Courtney King-Dye’s accident from which she suffered brain injury and left her in a coma for several weeks. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

“The impact that Riders4Helmets is making makes my struggle worthwhile,” said King-Dye, who campaigns for helmet safety in partnership with riders4helmets. “It’s educating people to not make the same mistake that I did.”

In 2013, the FEI invited Riders4Helmets to partner with them on a global safety initiative. The FEI then promoted the campaign when sharing information about their new helmet rule which went into effect Jan.1, 2013.

Riders4Helmets’ mission is to educate equestrians on all aspects of helmet safety. Education starts with choosing a helmet that is right for you and how to properly secure it on your head. A properly fitting helmet will optimize your chances of a safe ride and knowing when to change your helmet is imperative.

As 2014’s IHAD nears, Riders4Helmets’ Lyndsey White shared these ten important tips that all riders should remember.

1. If you have a hard impact blow while wearing your helmet, immediately replace it with a new helmet. There may be damage to the helmet that is not visible to the naked eye.

2. Helmet manufacturers generally recommend replacing your hat every 4-5 years. Helmets take a beating over time from sweat, heat, dust and rain, and the styrofoam liner in the helmet, relinquishes its ability to protect the head over time. “Replacing your helmet sooner than 4 to 5 years may, in some circumstances, be necessary,” said White.

3. A ponytail or different hairstyle can affect the fit of your helmet. When you try on helmets prior to purchase, wear your hair in the style that you expect to wear it when riding.

4. Only purchase a helmet online if it is brand new and unused. Check the date of manufacture. Purchasing a used helmet can be very risky and is NOT recommended. The helmet may have sustained previous damage that you are not able to see.

5. Riding is considered more dangerous than downhill skiing and motorcycling.

6. There is no statistical correlation between skill level and injury likelihood. Professional riders are just as “at risk” to sustain injury due to a fall as amateur riders.

7. Approximately 20% of all accidents which result in head injuries happen while the person is on the ground.

8. Head injuries are cumulative. An original head injury can be made much worse by ­additional concussions.

9. Even a fall from a standing horse can be catastrophic. Your injury risk depends on the height from which you fall, as well as the speed at which you are traveling.

10. It is best if you invest in your own helmet, regardless of whether or not you own a horse. “It is a personal safety product purchase. Your helmet is designed to fit your head,” reminds White, “as a poorly fitting helmet offers very little, to no protection.” In addition to wearing a properly fitted helmet, the harness must fit snugly in order for the helmet not to rotate should you have a fall.

Riders looking to purchase a helmet can visit www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/ to find retailers near them who are participating in IHAD.

For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign, visit Riders4Helmets.com. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets, http://twitter.com/riders4helmets, instagram.com/riders4helmets, and pinterest.com/riders4helmets/. Use #IHAD to share your photos and updates.

Global Network of Equestrian Retailers to Provide Education and Helmet Discounts

Lexington, KY (June 26th) – Riders4Helmets.com has teamed up with leading helmet manufacturers to once again host International Helmet Awareness Day 2014 on Saturday July 12th. Building on the success of International Helmet Awareness Day 2013, participating retailers all over the world will be offering discounts on helmets to equestrians on this day. “We are absolutely delighted at the continued support of the event shown by equestrians, retailers and helmet manufacturers,” said Lyndsey White, Riders4Helmets. “To be in our fifth year of hosting and organizing International Helmet Awareness Day is truly a testament to the need for continued education of equestrians with regards to all aspects of helmet safety. Over 200 retailers have already registered to participate in this year’s event.”

The riders4helmets campaign was founded in 2010 as a direct result of Olympian Courtney King-Dye’s accident with the aim of educating equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitting, secured and certified helmet. “In 2013, International Helmet Awareness Day received support from 12 helmet manufacturers and retailers in 8 countries,” said King-Dye. “Whether you are a helmet manufacturer, retailer or equestrian, I hope that you will lend your full support to this important event in 2014.”

International Helmet Awareness Day is not just an opportunity for equestrians to purchase a helmet at a special one-time discount, more importantly it is an opportunity for equestrians to be educated. Riders4Helmets will therefore be live streaming “Get Educated” webinars via Riders4Helmets.com on Saturday July 12th, in which equestrians will be able to ask a variety of experts real-time questions. The webinars will feature experts in fields such as: Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion; Psychology; Neuro Physiotherapy; Helmet Manufacturers; Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors; Leading Equestrians; and Helmet Testing Agencies. Riders4Helmets will announce the confirmed line-up of participants at Riders4Helmets.com prior to July 12th. The educational aspect of International Helmet Awareness Day will be supported by participating retailers, many of whom make plans to offer educational events in their stores.

Helmet brands that have committed involvement in International Helmet Awareness Day 2014 to date include: Antares-Sellier, Champion, Charles Owen, Devon Aire (Aegis), Gatehouse, GPA, International Riding Helmets (IRH), KEP Italia, LAS helmets (Leslie Sutcliffe), One K, Ovation, Samshield, Tipperary, Troxel, and Uvex. “We are grateful to the helmet manufacturers for their continued support of this important event,” said Chad Mendell, Riders4Helmets. “The Riders4Helmets campaign has continued to grow on a global level, as we hope will International Helmet Awareness Day.” 50,000+ unique visitors per month currently visit Riders4Helmets.com to read the many articles, watch educational videos and share their stories. The campaign has also hosted four Safety Symposia, videos from which can be viewed on the website.

Retailers who wish to participate in the event may register by visiting www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/retailer-information/. Retailers are encouraged to register prior to July 4th, 2014 in order to ensure that they receive educational materials in time for the event. Late registrations will however, still be accepted through July 11th. Retailers who would like riders4Helmets to share information on any safety events that they hold in store, or helmet wearing stories provided by their customers, may email these year-round to lyndsey@riders4helmets.com for publication on Riders4Helmets.com and via our social media channels.

Equestrians may visit www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/ to learn more about International Helmet Awareness Day and to search for participating retailers by “Name” or “Geographic Location.” Equestrians are encouraged to visit www.riders4helmets.com/ihad/ the morning of July 12th, 2014, to view the most current update, as participating retailers continue to be added on a daily basis.

For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign, visit Riders4Helmets.com. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets and http://twitter.com/riders4helmets.

Riders4Helmets was founded in early 2010 after Olympic dressage rider Courtney King Dye was seriously injured in a riding accident. King Dye, who remained in a coma for a month following her accident, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Chad Mendell
chad@riders4helmets.com