Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
2/11/00
Contacts:
Beth Minner, 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-8617,
x1bmin@exnet.iastate.edu
Peggy Miller, Extension Equine Specialist, (515) 294-5260,
peggy@iastate.edu
Tracy Petersen, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5672, tracyp@iastate.edu
New Helmet Rule Increases Safety For 4-H Horse Participants
AMES, Iowa -- Youth involved in Iowa 4-H horse and pony projects or activities will head into the new millennium a little safer due to a new 4-H equestrian helmet guideline.
Starting Jan. 1, 2000, youth need to follow a new equestrian helmet guideline when riding in 4-H youth horse activities at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This includes the Iowa State Fair 4-H Horse Show, 4-H Horse Jamboree/Horse Fair and Block and Bridle events.
"It is important that individuals find out about this rule because if they show up at an event without the proper gear, they won't be able to participate," said Beth Minner, agriculture program specialist for ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.
The new equestrian helmet rule will impact the following projects or activities: Western games (barrels and poles), hunt seat classes, hunt seat over fences, rodeo, team penning and team roping projects and activities.
Helmet specifications also are addressed by the new rule. It states that all helmets must be American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)- and Safety Engineering Institute (SEI)- approved. Individuals in these activities are to be wearing headgear, with properly fitted chin strap, while mounted and riding in any 4-H activity located at the fairgrounds.
"Equestrian helmets are no new subject in the horse industry," said Peggy Miller, ISU Extension equine specialist. Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center has conducted a study that found more than 121,000 people were admitted to hospitals in 1990 as a result of equestrian injuries. Head injuries accounted for 25 percent of these injuries and are responsible for 60 percent of equestrian deaths.
For more information about equestrian helmet rules, where to purchase helmets, or how to receive a $5 discount coupon toward the purchase of an ASTM/SEI approved helmet, contact your local county Iowa State University Extension office or call Beth Minner at (515) 294-8617.
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A downloadable photo is available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2000/feb00/feb0008_helmet.html
Picture Caption:
Liv Sandberg, an Iowa State University equine instructor, holds "Scotch" while Sarah Minner, a 4-H member from Boone County, gets her helmet checked by Peggy Miller, Iowa State University Extension equine specialist. 4-H equestrian participants must wear helmets for safety in state competitions beginning in January 2000. A helmet coupon and more information are available at the ISU Extension county office.
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