Around 50,000 equestrian helmets were recalled because they may not protect a horseback rider’s head in a fall.
Need a Texas Equestrian Helmet Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were injured in a horse riding accident where an equestrian helmet failed, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Equestrian Helmets Recalled for Injury Hazard
In February 2023, English Riding Supply recalled over 49,300 Ovation Protege Equestrian Helmets that may not protect horse riders from deadly head injuries.
The recall involves Ovation Protégé riding helmets that were sold nationwide from January 2021 through December 2022 at tack shops and English equestrian specialty stores.
The helmet has a label stating that it is certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to the ASTM F1163-15 standard. Unfortunately, the helmets “fail to meet the impact requirements of the ASTM F1163-15 standard for this type of helmet, posing an impact injury hazard to riders who fall,” according to the recall.
What is an Equestrian Helmet?
Riding helmets must meet specific design specifications and standards for equestrian sports. Every helmet must pass a series of tests to prove that it can actually protect a rider’s head.
Unlike bike helmets, equestrian helmets are designed for the dangers of horseback riding. They are supposed to withstand falls from higher heights, greater speeds, kicks from a horse, or falling onto a rock.
What is ASTM F1163-15?
Safety certifications like the ASTM F1163-15 use an “equestrian hazard anvil” to test the strength of equestrian helmets. This anvil is heavy and sharp, so it can simulate the impact of hitting a sharp rock or the horse’s hoof in a fall. This is why equestrian helmets have a very hard outer shell, unlike bicycle helmets. Riding helmets also cover more of the head than a bike helmet, especially in the back.
Riding Helmets Reduce Head Injury Risk by 50%
Like all sports, equestrian sports have inherent risks. There is no concussion-proof helmet, but wearing an effective helmet that is designed for horseback riding can decrease your risk (or your child’s risk) of a traumatic brain injury by up to 50%.
What is the Problem?
The problem is that not all helmets are made equal. In recent years, even “certified” equestrian helmets have been recalled for failing to actually pass impact tests — meaning they may not protect a rider’s head or brain from severe, life-threatening injuries in a fall or accident.
Head Injuries in Horseback Riding Accidents
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain damage
- Concussion
- Skull fracture
- Intracrainal hematoma (ICH) — bleeding in the brain
- Contusion (bruise on the brain, causes bleeding and swelling)
- Loss of consciousness
- Paralysis
- Death
Need an Equestrian Helmet Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.
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