Equine safety
Equine Safety: How the Right Equipment Makes Riding Safer
Shira Nafshi, owner of The Trainer’s Loft, knows that nearly every horse owner has experienced moments of unexpected danger. “We’re all aware of the possibility of risk,” she says, “but choosing the right equipment can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of injury.” Proper helmets and stirrups are key elements for safer riding.
Choosing the Right Helmet
According to Shira, the helmet is the most important piece of safety gear. “A helmet is an investment designed to protect your head—you only have one.” To ensure maximum protection, select a well-fitting riding helmet confirmed by a professional fitter.
Helmet manufacturers like Troxel Helmets recommend replacing helmets every five years or immediately after any impact. Helmets absorb impact energy during falls, which can cause compression or cracks, even if damage isn’t visible. Using a helmet that has been dropped or involved in a fall can increase the risk of injury.
Ensure your helmet is certified by ASTM and SEI safety standards. These certifications guarantee the helmet can withstand rigorous testing and meets international safety criteria. Note that bicycle helmets are not suitable for equestrian use due to differences in impact forces encountered while riding a horse.
Proper fit is also critical. Shira personally fits helmets for customers, emphasizing that helmets should feel snug but comfortable, apply firm and even pressure around the head, and remain stable during movement. Many helmets include adjustable padding to customize the fit.
Safety Stirrups
Stirrups are essential for mounting and supporting riders, but in the event of a spooked horse, traditional stirrups can pose a risk of dragging. Tim Harvey, inventor of the Free Ride Western Safety Stirrup, understands this danger personally. After being dragged several hundred feet when his foot caught in the stirrup during a fall, Tim designed a safety stirrup to prevent this hazard.
Tim’s stirrups use a ‘peacock design’ with a detachable rubber component that releases the rider’s foot in a fall, allowing them to separate safely without being dragged. Produced in the US at Hebert Foundry, these stirrups combine safety with Western styling, finished with leather details.
Riding and caring for horses involves risks, but selecting the right safety equipment helps reduce the chance and severity of injury for both horse and rider, enhancing confidence and enjoyment.
The Trainer’s Loft is a consignment tack and holistic horse supply shop located at 307 Main Street in Tilton, NH. Visit their website at thetrainersloft.com.
