Do I replace my helmet even though I was not injured in the fall?

[scribblywibbly]

@ThreeFigs

Even if a fake, it’s good advice to replace a helmet after falls. Especially if your head “ricochets” off the ground. Somebody else might benefit from this “fake” posting.

I’m not sure why people are saying this is fake I read posts about direct head to ground impact but none about ‘body first then head’ where the head suffers secondary impact… I thought about posting on reddit, but sometimes I don’t get traffic there.

[scribblywibbly]

@ladyj79

Did anyone else say fake? Because this is 100% fake. Possible the kind of fake that comes back with a new screen name after a half a dozen seven barns and stirrup leather threads.

Sorry, not sure why you think this post is fake. I didn’t see any threads about whether to replace a helmet if the impact is secondary, which is why I decided to create an account so that I could find out. I don’t even own a horse, so not sure why I would be posting about barns and stirrups, lol.

[scribblywibbly]

@mychestnutvalentine

There are some people who say you should replace a helmet everytime you fall. And then some who say every impact fall. Although I know that that doesn’t always happen. (And there are those who don’t wear a helmet at all lol).
I personally don’t replace my helmet unless it was a bad fall where my head really smacked the ground or an object. Most of the time my body will hit the ground first but there are times there is some whiplash.
Follow your instinct- if you can confidently feel like your helmet will protect your head and it didn’t get damaged then don’t worry. But if even a bit unsure- play it safe and get another helmet.

Thanks for the advice! Yes, instinct is saying to replace the helmet even though it looks good and my falls weren’t bad, ut I definitely want to play it safe with my head!

[scribblywibbly]

@Lusoluv

If cost is making you think twice about replacing your helmet, there are inexpensive, certified/approved helmets out there! With online coupons and sales, you can do a little online searching and find them for around $30!! You’ll pay more for the trendier, blingier brands, but if you’re a beginner and just need safe brain protection, prices shouldn’t prevent you from doing that!

Thankfully, the helmet that I use is certified and only about $70. Will definitely be getting another! Thank you!

[scribblywibbly]

@x-halt-salute

If you need to ask whether replacement is a good idea, then replacement is a good idea.

This is good advice, thank you!

[scribblywibbly]

@mswillie

Replace the helmet. The head "ricocheted off the ground" part is all you need to know. In fact if it’s happened twice it should have been replaced after the first fall.

If you’re worried about the expense buy a less expensive schooling helmet. I know that I would probably want to make excuses if I had to throw a several hundred dollar helmet in the trash but if I have to toss a $40 or $50 helmet it isn’t nearly so painful.

As an aside, not long ago I dismounted and when I removed my (IRH) helmet it literally fell apart in my hands. The hard shell separated from the styrofoam. It was getting old but that shouldn’t have happened, it looked fine when I put it on before my ride so make sure to inspect your helmets and replace them periodically. It was never involved in a fall, nor did I ever store it in extreme temperatures. And yes, I thanked my lucky stars and stopped and bought a new one on my way home.

Thank you for the advice! Thankfully, my helmet is not too expensive (although it’s properly certified), so it’s not a huge deal to get a new one. I don’t actually know how to fall in a way where my body doesn’t just flop. I mean, it’s saved me from bruises and aches, but I can’t seem to stop the secondary head impact.

[scribblywibbly]

@RedHorses

Especially if someone posts the explanation that helmets are designed to be single impact uses just like air bags in a car. The helmet material is designed to crush under impact WITHOUT expanding back to its original size. The impact pressure squashes the material which slows the head inside before it reaches the stopping point, which reduces the rebound forces. This means the brain will impact the inside of the skull with far less force, or maybe even fail to impact the skull altogether. A milder impact may not produce visible changes to the helmet material, but NEXT time you fall you might need that extra slowing power to prevent a serious brain injury.

Oh look, someone just did!

That’s a good point, thank you! Any impact means it’s less safe. I’ve also dropped it before from thigh? height (I’m short but still), so there’s another reason to replace it…

[Mukluk]

A perfectly safe helmet can be had for well under $100.00…Your brain is priceless…

I like the tipperary sportage helmet because it is reasonably priced, comes down lower in the back, has good ventilation, and is very light weight.

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/tipperary-sportage-helmet-4850?cm_mmc=google--nb_rlsa_gear_helmets_3rd%20party_new_exact_tablet--tipperary-_-tipperary%20sportage%20helmet&utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=nb_rlsa_gear_helmets_3rd%20party_new_exact_tablet&utm_campaign=tipperary&utm_term=tipperary%20sportage%20helmet&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8YGsu4v22QIVirrACh1ztwyIEAAYASAAEgKvxvD_BwE

[mmeqcenter]

I typically replace a helmet if a fall included hitting my head at any intensity. If I landed on my rear and didn’t fall back on my head, I do not replace it. I buy the Ovation and Troxel helmets for schooling, < $50.