Injury2025; 57(5); 112907; doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112907

Factors influencing equestrian helmet use, purchase and safety perceptions: A cross-sectional study.

Gosbee, H
·
Hume, PA
·
Theadom, A

Abstract: Helmets play a critical role in preventing and reducing the severity of head injuries in high-risk sports. Understanding the factors influencing equestrian helmet use and safety perceptions is needed to optimise injury prevention strategies. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 596 equestrian participants aged ≥12 years, we assessed helmet use, factors influencing helmet purchase decisions, and perceptions of helmet safety. Chi square tests and regression models examined differences by age, professional status, jumping versus non-jumping disciplines and concussion history. Results: Helmet use whilst riding was high (96 % participants). A high proportion of helmets used for competition (97 %) met at least one safety standard, however this was lower for recreational use (65 %). Younger equestrians (aged 12-44 years) and those who had not experienced a concussion were more likely to rank price as the most important factor for helmet purchase decision making. There were no differences by jumping or non-jumping equestrian disciplines or professional status. Older age and being female were independently linked with higher perceptions of helmet safety in the regression model (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Safety messages need to focus on improving understanding of helmet standards and the reasoning behind safety recommendations to help reduce the injury risk in equestrian sports, particularly targeting adolescents/young adults.

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Publication Date: 2025-11-27 PubMed ID: 41330824DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112907Google Scholar: Lookup

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Journal Article

Summary

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Overview

This study investigated the factors that influence equestrian helmet use, purchase decisions, and safety perceptions among riders.
It aimed to identify differences in helmet use and attitudes based on age, professional status, riding discipline, and concussion history to inform injury prevention strategies.

Study Purpose and Importance

Helmets are crucial for preventing and reducing head injuries in equestrian sports, which are considered high risk.
Despite the known benefits, helmet use and safety perceptions can vary among riders, influencing injury outcomes.
Understanding the factors that affect helmet use and choice helps in tailoring safety campaigns and improving helmet standards adherence.

Methods

Design: Cross-sectional survey.
Participants: 596 equestrian riders aged 12 years and older.
Data collected on helmet use, purchase behaviors (factors influencing helmet choice), and safety perceptions.
Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests to compare categorical groups and regression models to identify predictors of safety perceptions.
Comparisons were made based on:
- Age groups (younger vs. older riders).
- Professional status (professional vs. amateur riders).
- Riding discipline (jumping vs. non-jumping).
- History of concussion (yes vs. no).

Key Findings

Helmet use: Very high overall, with 96% of participants wearing helmets while riding.
Helmet standards compliance:
- For competition, 97% of helmets met at least one safety standard.
- For recreational riding, compliance was lower at 65%, indicating a gap in standard adherence during non-competitive activities.
Factors influencing helmet purchase:
- Younger riders (12-44 years) and those without prior concussions prioritized helmet price more significantly.
- No significant difference in purchasing factors between jumping and non-jumping riders or between professionals and amateurs.
Safety perceptions:
- Older riders and females tended to have higher perceptions of helmet safety.
- This was significant in the regression model (p = 0.01), suggesting demographic factors influence how riders view helmet effectiveness.

Conclusions and Implications

High helmet usage rates show good awareness, but the reduced usage of safety-standard helmets in recreational contexts is a concern.
Price is an important consideration for younger riders and those without concussion experience, which could influence helmet quality purchased.
There are no major differences related to riding discipline or rider professionalism regarding helmet use or purchase factors.
Older age and female gender are associated with greater trust in helmet safety, which may influence consistent use.
Recommendations:
- Safety messages should emphasize understanding helmet safety standards, especially geared toward adolescents and young adults.
- Clear communication regarding why certain helmet standards are recommended can improve purchase decisions and compliance.
- Targeted educational efforts may reduce injury risk by promoting higher quality helmet use during recreational riding.

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APA

Gosbee H, Hume PA, Theadom A. (2025). Factors influencing equestrian helmet use, purchase and safety perceptions: A cross-sectional study. Injury, 57(5), 112907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2025.112907

Publication

Injury

ISSN: 1879-0267

NlmUniqueID: 0226040

Country: Netherlands

Language: English

Volume: 57

Issue: 5

Pages: 112907

PII: S0020-1383(25)00765-X

Researcher Affiliations

Gosbee, H

TBI Network, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

Hume, P A

TBI Network, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

Theadom, A

TBI Network, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Electronic address: alice.theadom@aut.ac.nz.