Helmets and horseback riders.
Abstract: To determine patterns of helmet use and attitudes toward helmets among horseback riders, we analyzed a subset of data (n = 1,834) from a cross-sectional mail survey of horseback riders conducted from July to December 1991. Riders were randomly selected from the mailing list of a national mail-order company that sells horseback-riding equipment. Of 900 English-style riders, 517 (57.5%) wore helmets on their last ride, compared with only 81 of 684 (11.8%) Western-style riders. Among 546 riders who did not own helmets, their most commonly cited reasons included believing that helmets were unnecessary (43.8%) or uncomfortable (29.9%). Of the 1,263 helmet owners, nearly 62% had one or more complaints about helmets, but 41.1% of owners reported that their helmet had prevented at least one head injury. Increasing helmet use will require major educational efforts with horseback riders and design changes by manufacturers.
Publication Date: 1994-01-01 PubMed ID: 8172726
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
Summary
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This research revolves around the pattern of helmet use and attitudes towards its use among horseback riders. It found that while some riders are consistent in helmet use, others are rarely using or not owning helmets at all, mostly due to the belief that they are unnecessary or uncomfortable.
Methodology and Participants
- The research was conducted through a cross-section mail survey which ran from July until December in 1991.
- The participants, 1,834 horseback riders, were randomly selected from the mailing list of a national company that sells horse-riding equipment.
Brief Overview of the Findings
- Out of the 900 riders who rode English-style, 57.5% of them (517 riders) wore helmets on their last ride.
- Conversely, only 11.8% of the 684 Western-style riders (81 people) wore helmets on their last ride.
Reasons for not using helmets
- Among the 546 riders who did not own helmets, the primary reasons cited for not owning a helmet included a belief that helmets were unnecessary (43.8%) or discomfort while wearing them (29.9%).
Feedback from helmet owners
- From the total count of 1,263 helmet owners, close to 62% had one or more complaints about helmets.
- Yet, 41.1% of these owners did confirm that their helmet had prevented at least one head injury. This reveals that despite the discomfort or other complaints, helmet use does offer significant safety benefits.
Suggested Recommendations
- The research suggests that encouraging more helmet use will necessitate major educational efforts towards riders about the importance of safety.
- Additionally, to address the issues of discomfort and other complaints, manufacturers will also need to undertake design improvements.
Cite This Article
APA
Nelson DE, Rivara FP, Condie C.
(1994).
Helmets and horseback riders.
Am J Prev Med, 10(1), 15-19.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Animals
- Attitude
- Child
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Female
- Head Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Sports
Grant Funding
- CDC CCR 002570 / NIDCD NIH HHS
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Stier R, Tavassol F, Dupke C, Rüter M, Jehn P, Gellrich NC, Spalthoff S. Retrospective analysis of 15 years of horse-related maxillofacial fracture data at a major German trauma center. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022 Aug;48(4):2539-2546.
- Ikinger CM, Baldamus J, Spiller A. Factors Influencing the Safety Behavior of German Equestrians: Attitudes towards Protective Equipment and Peer Behaviors. Animals (Basel) 2016 Feb 18;6(2).
- Haigh L, Thompson K. Helmet Use Amongst Equestrians: Harnessing Social and Attitudinal Factors Revealed in Online Forums. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):576-91.
- Thompson K, McGreevy P, McManus P. A Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):561-75.
- Kuhl HN, Ritchie D, Taveira-Dick AC, Hoefling KA, Russo SA. Concussion history and knowledge base in competitive equestrian athletes. Sports Health 2014 Mar;6(2):136-8.
- McCrory P, Turner M, LeMasson B, Bodere C, Allemandou A. An analysis of injuries resulting from professional horse racing in France during 1991-2001: a comparison with injuries resulting from professional horse racing in Great Britain during 1992-2001. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jul;40(7):614-8.
- Thomas KE, Annest JL, Gilchrist J, Bixby-Hammett DM. Non-fatal horse related injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States, 2001-2003. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jul;40(7):619-26.
- Turner M, McCrory P, Halley W. Injuries in professional horse racing in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland during 1992-2000. Br J Sports Med 2002 Dec;36(6):403-9.
- Watt GM, Finch CF. Preventing equestrian injuries. Locking the stable door. Sports Med 1996 Sep;22(3):187-97.
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