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Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)1993; 108(1); 121-126;

Strategies of a successful campaign to promote the use of equestrian helmets.

Abstract: Although the risk of serious head injury for horse riders is higher than for most other sports, few equestrians regularly wear protective headgear. This study indicates that riders are well informed about the need for helmets and that the main reason for nonuse is inadequate helmet design. In particular, riders perceive that existing helmets are uncomfortable, expensive, and inappropriate for some riding styles. Based on these findings, the authors developed strategies to increase usage and incorporated them into a successful program. These strategies included working with manufacturers to develop a low-cost, versatile helmet; efficiently distributing educational literature among the horse riding community; and encouraging individual clubs and equestrian organizations to mandate a helmet policy.
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Publication Date: 1993-01-01 PubMed ID: 8434088PubMed Central: PMC1403341
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on the importance of wearing helmets by equestrians and explores strategies to promote helmet use, which includes developing a budget-friendly versatile helmet, distributing educational material on the benefits of helmets, and enforcing helmet policies within clubs and equestrian institutions.

Background

  • The authors identified that despite horse riding posing a higher risk for head injuries compared to many other sports, many riders don’t regularly wear protective helmets.
  • The study sought to understand the reasons behind riders’ reluctance to use helmets and find strategies to increase helmet use.

Research Findings

  • The study found that equestrians were very well informed about the necessity for helmets and yet their use of such protective gear was minimal.
  • The main reasons preventing helmet use were found to be discomfort, the perceived expensive nature of helmets and the belief that helmets were not suitable for all types of horse riding.
  • These findings signal a need for changes in the design and cost of equestrian helmets, as well as addressing misconceptions about helmet use.

Strategies Proposed

  • In response to the identified issues, the authors proposed a set of strategies focused on design, education, and policy to promote the use of helmets.
  • The first strategy was to collaborate with manufacturers to develop a low-cost versatile helmet that would be comfortable to wear, affordable, and appropriate for different riding styles.
  • The second strategy involved the efficient distribution of educational literature among the horse riding community. This literature would articulate the importance of helmets and dispel misconceptions about their application in different horse riding styles.
  • The third strategy suggested a policy change within equestrian clubs and organizations to mandate the use of helmets. Such a rule would enforce the necessity for safety and encourage a change in helmet wearing habits.
  • The authors then integrated these strategies into a program that resulted in success, indicating the effectiveness of these strategies.

In conclusion, the authors believe that these strategies – affordable and versatile helmet design, comprehensive educational outreach, and policy enforcement – would significantly promote helmet usage among equestrians, therefore reducing the risk of head injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Condie C, Rivara FP, Bergman AB. (1993). Strategies of a successful campaign to promote the use of equestrian helmets. Public Health Rep, 108(1), 121-126.

Publication

Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
ISSN: 0033-3549
NlmUniqueID: 9716844
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 108
Issue: 1
Pages: 121-126

Researcher Affiliations

Condie, C
  • Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center (HIPRC) in Seattle 98104.
Rivara, F P
    Bergman, A B

      MeSH Terms

      • Adolescent
      • Adult
      • Animals
      • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
      • Attitude
      • Child
      • Cost-Benefit Analysis
      • Craniocerebral Trauma / prevention & control
      • Equipment Design
      • Female
      • Head Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
      • Health Promotion / economics
      • Health Promotion / methods
      • Horses
      • Humans
      • Male
      • Pilot Projects
      • Program Development
      • Washington

      Grant Funding

      • CCR49-00257O / PHS HHS

      References

      This article includes 7 references
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      Citations

      This article has been cited 14 times.
      1. Majeedkutty NA, Khairulanuar NA. Prevalence, patterns, and correlates of equestrian injuries in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study. J Family Community Med 2017 Jan-Apr;24(1):18-22.
        doi: 10.4103/2230-8229.197177pubmed: 28163571google scholar: lookup
      2. Schröter C, Schulte-Sutum A, Busch M, Winkelmann M, Macke C, Zeckey C, Krettek C, Mommsen P. [Cervical spine injury in equestrian sports]. Unfallchirurg 2017 Jun;120(6):494-500.
        doi: 10.1007/s00113-016-0154-8pubmed: 26975502google scholar: lookup
      3. 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).
        doi: 10.3390/ani6020014pubmed: 26901229google scholar: lookup
      4. 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.
        doi: 10.3390/ani5030373pubmed: 26479375google scholar: lookup
      5. 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.
        doi: 10.3390/ani5030372pubmed: 26479374google scholar: lookup
      6. Schröter C, Schulte-Sutum A, Zeckey C, Winkelmann M, Krettek C, Mommsen P. [Accidents in equestrian sports : Analysis of injury mechanisms and patterns]. Unfallchirurg 2017 Feb;120(2):129-138.
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        doi: 10.2165/00007256-199622030-00005pubmed: 8883215google scholar: lookup
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