Helmets and horseback riders.

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.