Welcome to the Equestrian Outreach Safety Workshop Page

Safety Workshops Overview (Helmets Are They Needed?)

While the use of equestrian safety helmets during horse activities is still a new and debated topic, a core group of people believe that helmets are a necessary safety precaution and must be worn during horse related activities. These people can become effective advocates of helmet use due to personal experience getting injured themselves or having some- one close to them injured. The videos, materials and data support their beliefs in promoting helmet use. Training to this group, while preaching to the choir, is very productive.

On the other hand, there are those who resist and resent -what is perceived as bureaucratic intervention in their personal affairs. In addition, equestrians tend to be pioneer spirited people who believe that their existing tradition must be preserved. Many believe that the risk involved in the equestrian riding is obvious and knowingly taken. Still others believe that it is still too soon to make conclusions about the long term effectiveness of wearing equestrian helmets. These equestrians are critical of what they see as oversimplified approach to horse safety.

The fact remains that 6000 head injuries are reported each year in the United States from horse riding accidents. Half of these injuries require hospitalization. There does need to be improved collection of accurate statistics an horse-related injuries, including information on whether or not approved equestrian helmets are involved. While it is indisputable that scores of lives have been spared due to the use of a helmet while horseback riding, many people unfortunately remain unaware that ASTM/SEI equestrian safety helmets are available and becoming more affordable and comfortable. Education, exposure, familiarity, peer pressure and political changes all can influence attitudes and behaviors that can save lives, The results of one training program in New Mexico show that some people can change their minds about helmet use. If only one person goes forth to convince another, the cycle has begun.

Equestrian Outreach Safety Workshops FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the purpose of a safety clinic? Every year thousands of people are injured and killed as a result of equestrian related injuries. As an equestrian advocate with a focus on safety, we provide these workshops to show equestrians how to improve the safe interaction with horses.

When will you be having safety workshops? EO will offer safety workshops once a month on a weekend day weekend. The workshop class schedues are being processed and will be announced at a later date.

How long are your safety workshops? EO safety workshops last for one hour (additional time my be scheduled) and are scheduled precisely on the hour. Workshop attendees are expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to the workshop (no exceptions).

What is the cost to attend your safety workshops? EO safety workshops as scheduled will be sponsored by named EO sponsors and will be at no charge to attendees.

What is else is required to attend your safety workshops? EO requires all attendees to print, fill out, sign and return a release form (Click here to see a copy of our workshop form). Attendees who are bringing a horse must provide all materials needed to transport, feed, maintain, saddle and ride that horse. This includes heeled boots, long pants and a helmet (Click here to see and example).
Attendees who are not bringing a horse must bring heeled boots, long pants and a helmet (Click here to see and example).