Motherboard, Think Tank, Thinker…whatever you call it, your brain is the most important part of your body. From being able to speak, hear, comprehend, write, and think, to being able to move your fingers, walk on your tip toes, or post up and down in your saddle; your brain controls all of it. Without protection, we leave our brain and our skull open to damage from a fall or a hit. Depending on the extent of injury from a fall if you hit your head on the ground or an object, it can cause a multitude of issues from loss of coordination, loss of balance, fractured bones, unconsciousness, issues with sight and hearing, or the inability to speak or comprehend what others are saying…to name a few. Yes, this damage can be temporary but it can also become permanent. So why mess with your brain!? Protect it!

When horseback riding, our helmet protects our head from objects above us and from the ground below us…if you haven’t noticed, it’s a long way down. Its protection will be most optimal if your helmet is fitted properly, and within its expiration date. With that said, did you know that your helmet expires!? Inside every helmet is an expiration date that usually spans 3-5 years depending on the manufacturer. It’s not just a gimmick to get you to purchase more helmets, it’s for your safety.

Why does your helmet expire!? The materials may look like they are in mint condition, but they are slowly losing their protective properties which make them the solid brain fortress’ they are, in a natural process of deterioration. If you leave your helmet in a location that has varying temperatures, this can also cause damage to the materials within the helmet. Helmets also expire when the rider wearing it, takes a tumble. Even if your helmet looks fine afterwards, it’s considered expired and should be replaced. You never know what kind of damage happened to numerous internal layers that are not visible to the naked eye.

Don’t wait for the something to happen to see if your expired helmet will protect you, replace it as it expires and after every tumble. Yes, the cost can be a challenge, but think about your life and how fantastic it is to live in it as you are now…why risk losing that? Have fun by being safe! It’s plain and simple…PROTECT YOUR NOGGIN!

FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM THE EXPERTS, CHECK OUT THESE LINKS BELOW:

• How to properly fit your helmet by Charles Owen Helmets – click HERE
• Learn more about the various layers of protection within a helmet from Charles Owen Helmets – click HERE
• One K Helmets gives a fantastic analogy of replacing your helmet being just as important as replacing the tires or brakes on your car. Read more about One K helmets view on helmet replacement and how to enhance the longevity of your helmet by clicking HERE.
• Equus Magazine lists signs that may indicate your helmet needs to be replaced – click HERE