Helmet Safety and Concussion Awareness

Concussions, or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), are an unfortunate risk of equestrian activities. According to a 2016 study (Winkler et al. 2016), equestrian sports were the leading cause of sports-related traumatic brain injuries.

To minimize the potential consequences of a fall or injury, you can educate yourself and others about helmet safety, concussion detection, and safe horse handling and riding.

1. Events (all 4-H events at which riding or driving occurs)
   • Helmet policy (effective immediately):
     • All youth must wear helmets while mounted, driving, or in the show ring with an equine (e.g. showmanship at halter).
     • Any adults riding at 4-H events must wear helmets while mounted.
   • Concussion policy (effective October 1, 2019):
     • All 4-H events, including state-level events, that include equine driving or mounted riding will have a written concussion protocol on hand and must have at least one staff member or volunteer present who has successfully completed the Heads Up Online Training (CDC). Information about and the link to the Heads Up Online Training course offered by the CDC can be found below.
     • Jessica Tyson will keep a record of all adults who have completed the online training.
2. Education
   • Encourage all local clubs to have at least one safety and concussion awareness-oriented meeting per year.
   • Make educational materials regarding helmet use and concussion awareness available to all youth involved in 4-H.