Equestrianism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search For the Roman order, see Equestrian order . This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding reliable references . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (October 2008) A young rider at a horse show in Australia Equestrianism (from Latin equester, equestr-, horseman , horse ) [ 1 ] more often known as riding , horseback riding (American English) or horse riding (British English) [ 2 ] refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses . This broad description includes the use of horses for practical working purposes, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sports . Contents 1 Overview of equestrian activities 2 History of horse use 3 Horse racing 3.1 Types of horse racing 4 Olympic disciplines 5 Haute École 6 Horse shows 7 "English" riding 8 "Western" riding 9 Rodeo 9.1 Timed events 9.2 Roping 9.3 "Rough Stock" competition 10 Harness 11 Other equestrian activities 11.1 Arena sports 11.2 Horse sports that use cattle 11.3 Defined area sports 11.4 Cross-country sports 12 Health issues 12.1 Mechanisms of injury 12.2 Types and severity of injury 12.3 Riding astride 13 Criticism of horses in sport 14 Horse riding on coinage 15 See also 16 References 17 External links [ edit ] Overview of equestrian activities A stunt rider at a Devon agricultural show A young Tibetan rider. Horse riding is an essential means of transportation in parts of the world where the landscape does not permit other means Horses are trained and ridden for practical working purposes such as in police work or for controlling herd animals on a ranch . They are also used in competitive sports including, but not limited to, dressage , endurance riding , eventing , reining , show jumping , tent pegging , vaulting , polo , horse racing , driving , and rodeo . (See additional equestrian sports listed later in this article for more examples.) Some popular forms of competition are grouped together at horse shows , where horses perform in a wide variety of disciplines. Horses (and other equids such as mules and donkeys ) are used for non-competitive recreational riding such as fox hunting , trail riding or hacking. There is public access to horse trails in almost every part of the world; many parks, ranches , and public stables offer both guided and independent riding. Horses are also used for therapeutic purposes, both in specialized paraequestrian competition as well as non-competitive riding to improve human health and emotional development. Horses are also driven in harness racing , at horse shows and in other types of exhibition, historical reenactment or ceremony, often pulling carriages . In some parts of the world, they are still used for practical purposes such as farming . Horses continue to be used in public service: in traditional ceremonies (parades, funerals), police and volunteer mounted patrols, and for mounted search and rescue . [ edit ] History of horse use Main articles: Domestication of the horse and Horses in warfare See also: Horses in the Middle Ages Though there is controversy over the exact date horses were domesticated and when they were first ridden; the best estimate is that horses first were ridden approximately 4500 BC. Indirect evidence suggests that horses were ridden long before they were driven. There is some evidence that about 6,000 years ago, near the Dneiper River and the Don River , people were using bits on horses, as a stallion that was buried there shows teeth wear consistent with using a bit. [ 3 ] However, the most unequivocal early archaeological evidence of equines put to working use was of horses being driven. Chariot burials about 2500 BC present the most direct hard evidence of horses used as working animals . In ancient times chariot warfare was followed by the use of war horses as light and heavy cavalry . The horse played an important role throughout human history all over the world, both in warfare and in peaceful pursuits such as transportation , trade and agriculture . Horses lived in North America, but died out at the end of the Ice Age . Horses were brought back to North America by European explorers, beginning with the second voyage of Columbus in 1493. [ 4 ] [ edit ] Horse racing Main articles: Horse racing , Harness racing , and Parimutuel gambling Humans appear to have long expressed a desire to know which horse (or horses) were the fastest, thus horse racing has ancient roots. Gambling on horse races appears to go hand-in hand with racing and has a long history as well. Thoroughbreds have the pre-eminent reputation as a racing breed, but other breeds also race. [ edit ] Types of horse racing Under saddle: Thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular form worldwide. In the UK, it is known as flat racing and is governed by the Jockey Club in the United Kingdom. In the USA, horse racing is governed by the Jockey Club of North America. Steeplechasing involves racing on a track where the horses also jump over obstacles. It is most common in the UK, where it is also called National Hunt racing. American Quarter Horse racing—races over distances of approximately a quarter-mile. Seen mostly in the United States, sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association . Arabian horses , Akhal-Teke , Appaloosas , American Paint Horses and other light breeds are also raced worldwide. Endurance riding , a sport in which the Arabian horse dominates at the top levels, has become very popular in the United States and in Europe. The Federation Equestre International (FEI) governs international races, and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) organizes the sport in North America. Endurance races take place over a given, measured distance and the horses have an even start. Races begin at 20 miles (32 km) and peak at 100 miles (160 km). especially the Tevis Cup . Ride and Tie (in North America, organized by Ride and Tie Association). Ride and Tie involves three equal partners: two humans and one horse. The humans alternately run and ride. In harness: Standardbred horses race in harness with a sulky or racing bike. The United States Trotting Association organizes harness racing in the United States (the horses may trot or pace). Harness racing is also found throughout Europe, New Zealand and Australia. [ edit ] Olympic disciplines Main article: Equestrian at the Summer Olympics Equestrian events were first included in the modern Olympic Games in 1900. By 1912, all three Olympic disciplines still seen today were part of the games. The following forms of competition are recognized worldwide and are a part of the equestrian events at the Olympics: Dressage ("training" in French ) involves the progressive training of the horse to a high level of impulsion , collection , and obedience. Competitive dressage has the goal of showing the horse carrying out, on request, the natural movements that it performs without thinking while running loose. One dressage master has defined it as "returning the freedom of the horse while carrying the rider." Show jumping comprises a timed event judged on the ability of the horse and rider to jump over a series of obstacles, in a given order and with the fewest refusals or knockdowns of portions of the obstacles. Eventing , also called combined training, horse trials, the three-day event, the Military, or the complete test, puts together the obedience of dressage with the athletic ability of show jumping, the fitness demands the cross-country jumping phase. In the last-named, the horses jump over fixed obstacles, such as logs, stone walls, banks , ditches , and water , trying to finish the course under the "optimum time." There was also the 'Steeple Chase' Phase, which is now excluded from most major competitions to bring them in line with the Olympic standard. There is also one equestrian discipline in the Paralympics : Para-Dressage is conducted under the same rules as conventional Dressage, but with riders divided into different classes based on the severity of their disabilities. The additional non-Olympic events sanctioned by the FEI as international disciplines are: combined driving ; endurance ; horseball ; reining ; tent pegging ; and vaulting . These events are recognized internationally and are part of the FEI World Equestrian Games every four years, and hold their own individual World Championships in other years. [ edit ] Haute École Main article: Classical dressage The haute école ( F. "high school"), an advanced component of Classical dressage , is a highly refined set of skills seldom used in competition but often seen in demonstration performances. Leading haute ecole demonstration teams include: The Cadre Noir in Saumur , France . The Spanish Riding School in Vienna , Austria . The Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre in Queluz, Portugal . Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera , Spain . [ edit ] Horse shows Main article: Horse show Horse shows are held throughout the world with a tremendous variety of possible events, equipment, attire and judging standards used. However, most forms of horse show competition can be broken into the following broad categories: Equitation , sometimes called seat and hands or horsemanship , refers to events where the rider is judged on form, style and ability. Pleasure, flat, or under saddle classes feature horses who are ridden on the flat (not jumped) and judged on manners, performance, movement, style and quality. Halter, in-hand breeding, or conformation classes, where the horse is led by a handler on the ground and judged on conformation and suitability as a breeding animal. Harness classes, where the horse is driven rather than ridden, but still judged on manners, performance and quality. Jumping or Over Fences refers broadly to both show jumping and show hunter , where horses and riders must jump obstacles. [ edit ] "English" riding Main article: English riding See also: Hunt seat , Show hack , Show hunter , Show jumping , Dressage , Riding Horse , and Saddle seat In addition to the classical Olympic events, the following forms of competition are seen. In North America they are referred to as " English riding " in contrast with western-style riding; elsewhere in the world, if a distinction is necessary, they are usually described as "classic riding": Hunt seat or Hunter classes judge the movement and the form of horses suitable for work over fences. A typical show hunter division would include classes over fences as well as "Hunter under Saddle" or "flat" classes (sometimes called "hack" classes), in which the horse is judged on its performance, manners and movement without having to jump. Hunters have a long, flat-kneed trot, sometimes called "daisy cutter" movement, a phrase suggesting a good hunter could slice daisies in a field when it reaches its stride out. The over fences classes in show hunter competition are judged on the form of the horse, its manners and the smoothness of the course. A horse with good jumping form snaps its knees up and jumps with a good bascule . It should also be able to canter or gallop with control while having a stride long enough to make a proper number of strides over a given distance between fences. Eventing , show jumping , and dressage , described under "Olympic disciplines," above are all "English" riding disciplines that in North America sometimes are loosely classified within the "hunt seat" category. Saddle seat , is a primarily American discipline, though has recently become somewhat popular in South Africa , was created to show to best advantage the animated movement of high-stepping and gaited breeds such as the American Saddlebred and the Tennessee Walker . Some Arabians and Morgans are also shown saddle seat in the United States. There are usually three basic divisions. Park divisions are for the horses with the highest action. Pleasure divisions still emphasis animated action, but to a lesser degree, with manners ranking over animation. Plantation or Country divisions have the least amount of animation (in some breeds, the horses are flat-shod) and the greatest emphasis on manners. Show hack is a competition seen primarily in the United Kingdom , Australia , and other nations influenced by British traditions, featuring horses of elegant appearance, with excellent way of going and self-carriage. A related event is Riding Horse . [ edit ] "Western" riding Main article: Western riding See also: Reining , Western pleasure , Rodeo , and Cutting (sport) Western riding evolved from the cattle-working and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors , and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy on ranches in the American West . Though the differences between English and Western riding appear dramatic, there are more similarities than most people think. Both styles require riders to have a solid seat, with the hips and shoulders balanced over the feet, with hands independent of the seat so as to avoid disturbing the balance of the horse and interfering with its performance. The most noticeable feature of western style riding is in the saddle, which has a substantial tree that provides greater support to horse and rider when working long hours in the saddle. The western saddle features a prominent pommel topped by a horn (a knob used for dallying a lariat after roping an animal), a deep seat and a high cantle. The stirrups are wider and the saddle has rings and ties that allow objects to be attached to the saddle. Western horses are asked to perform with a loose rein, controlled by one hand. The standard western bridle lacks a noseband and usually consists of a single set of reins attached to a curb bit that has somewhat longer and looser shanks than the curb of an English Weymouth bridle or a pelham bit . Two styles of Western reins developed: The long split reins of the Texas tradition, which are completely separated, or the closed-end " Romal " reins of the California tradition, which have a long single attachment on the ends that can be used as a quirt . Modern rodeo competitors in timed events sometimes use a closed rein without a romal . Western riders wear a long-sleeved shirt, denim jeans, boots, and a wide-brimmed cowboy hat . Cowboy boots , which have pointed toes and higher heels than a traditional riding boot, are designed to prevent the rider's foot from slipping through the stirrup during a fall, preventing the rider from being dragged—most western saddles have no safety bars for the leathers or automatic stirrup release mechanism. A rider may wear protective leather leggings called chaps . Clean, well-fitting work clothing is the usual outfit seen in rodeo , cutting and reining competitions, especially for men, though sometimes both men and women wear brighter colors or finer fabrics for competition than for work. Show events such as Western pleasure use much flashier equipment, unlike the English traditions where clothing and tack is quiet and unobtrusive. Saddles, bits and bridles are ornamented with substantial amounts of silver. The rider may add a jacket or vest, and women's clothing in particular features vivid colors and even, depending on current fads, rhinestones or sequins. [ 5 ] Western horses are asked to have a brisk, ground-covering walk, but a slow, relaxed jog trot that allows the rider to sit the saddle and not post. The Western version of the canter is called a lope and while collected and balanced, is expected to be slow and relaxed. Working western horses seldom use a sustained hand gallop, but must be able to accelerate quickly to high speed when chasing cattle or competing in rodeo speed events, must be able to stop quickly from a dead run and "turn on a dime." [ edit ] Rodeo Main article: Rodeo Rodeo events include the following forms of competition: [ edit ] Timed events Barrel racing and pole bending - the timed speed and agility events seen in rodeo as well as gymkhana or O-Mok-See competition. Both men and women compete in speed events at gymkhanas or O-Mok-Sees; however, at most professional, sanctioned rodeos, barrel racing is an exclusively women's sport. In a barrel race, horse and rider gallop around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels, making agile turns without knocking the barrels over. In pole bending, horse and rider run the length of a line of six upright poles, turn sharply and weave through the poles, turn again and weave back, then return to the start. Steer wrestling - Also known as "Bulldogging," this is a rodeo event where the rider jumps off his horse onto a steer and 'wrestles' it to the ground by grabbing it by the horns. This is probably the single most physically dangerous event in rodeo for the cowboy, who runs a high risk of jumping off a running horse head first and missing the steer, or of having the thrown steer land on top of him, sometimes horns first. Goat tying - usually an event for women or pre-teen girls and boys, a goat is staked out while a mounted rider runs to the goat, dismounts, grabs the goat, throws it to the ground and ties it in the same manner as a calf. This event was designed to teach smaller or younger riders the basics of calf roping without the more complex need to also lasso the animal. [ edit ] Roping Roping includes a number of timed events that are based on the real-life tasks of a working cowboy, who often had to capture calves and adult cattle for branding , medical treatment and other purposes. A lasso or lariat is thrown over the head of a calf or the horns of adult cattle, and the animal is secured in a fashion dictated by its size and age. Calf roping , also called "tie-down roping," is an event where a calf is roped around the neck by a lariat , the horse stops and sets back on the rope while the cowboy dismounts, runs to the calf, throws it to the ground and ties three feet together. (If the horse throws the calf, the cowboy must lose time waiting for the calf to get back to its feet so that the cowboy can do the work. The job of the horse is to hold the calf steady on the rope) This activity is still practiced on modern working ranches for branding , medical treatment, and so on. Team roping , also called "heading and heeling," is the only rodeo event where men and women riders may compete together. Two people capture and restrain a full-grown steer. One horse and rider, the "header," lassos a running steer's horns, while the other horse and rider, the "heeler," lassos the steer's two hind legs. Once the animal is captured, the riders face each other and lightly pull the steer between them, so that it loses its balance, thus in the real world allowing restraint for treatment. Breakaway roping - an easier form of calf roping where a very short lariat is used, tied lightly to the saddle horn with string and a flag. When the calf is roped, the horse stops, allowing the calf to run on, flagging the end of time when the string and flag breaks from the saddle. In the United States, this event is primarily for women of all ages and boys under 12, while in some nations where traditional calf roping is frowned upon, riders of both genders compete. [ edit ] "Rough Stock" competition In spite of popular myth, most modern "broncs" are not in fact wild horses, but are more commonly spoiled riding horses or horses bred specifically as bucking stock. Bronc riding - there are two divisions in rodeo, bareback bronc riding, where the rider is only allowed to hang onto a bucking horse with a surcingle , and saddle bronc riding, where the rider is allowed a specialized western saddle without a horn (for safety) and may hold onto a heavy lead rope attached to a halter on the horse. Bull Riding - though technically not an equestrian event, as the cowboys ride full-grown bulls instead of horses, skills similar to bareback bronc riding are required. [ edit ] Harness A Welsh pony in fine harness competition Main article: Driving (horse) Horses, mules and donkeys are driven in harness in many different ways. For working purposes, they can pull a plow or other farm equipment designed to be pulled by animals. In many parts of the world they still pull wagons for basic hauling and transportation. They may draw carriages at ceremonies, in parades or for tourist rides. As noted in "horse racing" above , horses can race in harness, pulling a very lightweight cart known as a sulky . At the other end of the spectrum, some draft horses compete in horse pulling competitions, where single or teams of horses and their drivers vie to determine who can pull the most weight for a short distance. In horse show competition, the following general categories of competition are seen: Combined driving , an internationally-recognized competition where horses perform an arena-based "dressage" class where precision and control are emphasized, a cross-country "marathon" section that emphasizes fitness and endurance, and a "stadium" or "cones" obstacle course. Draft horse showing : Most draft horse performance competition is done in harness. Pleasure driving : Horses and ponies are usually hitched to a light cart shown at a walk and two speeds of trot, with an emphasis on manners. Fine harness : Also called "Formal driving," Horses are hitched to a light four-wheeled cart and shown in a manner that emphasizes flashy action and dramatic performance. Roadster : A horse show competition where exhibitors wear racing silks and ride in a sulky in a style akin to harness racing , only without actually racing, but rather focusing on manners and performance. Carriage driving, using somewhat larger two or four wheeled carriages, often restored antiques , judged on the turnout/neatness or suitability of horse and carriage. [ edit ] Other equestrian activities Girls and their horses preparing for a polo game There are many other forms of equestrian activity and sports seen worldwide. There are both competitive events and pleasure riding disciplines available. [ edit ] Arena sports Arena polo and Cowboy polo Pato (Argentina's national sport) Charreada , the highest form of Mexican horsemanship based on a mixture of Spanish and Native traditions. Equestrian vaulting : In vaulting, a surcingle with two hoops at the top is attached around a horse's barrel . The horse also wears a bridle with side reins . The vaulter is longed on the horse, and performs gymnastic movements while the horse walks, trots, and canters. Gymkhana , also known as O-Mok-See in the western United States. Reining [ edit ] Horse sports that use cattle Australian rodeo Bullfighting ( rejoneo ) Campdrafting , a type of cattle-working competition popular in Australia Chilean rodeo Cutting Team penning [ edit ] Defined area sports Buzkashi , a sport originating on the steppes of central Asia , now the national sport of Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan . Horseball Jousting and Skill at Arms , events involving use of lances, swords and completion of obstacles. There are stand-alone competitions and also are often seen at historical reenactments , Renaissance Fairs and Society for Creative Anachronism events. Mounted Games , a sport where games are played in a relay-style with two to five members per team at very high speed Polo , a team game played on horses, involves riders using a long-handled mallet to drive a ball on the ground into the opposing team's goal while the opposing team defends their goal Polocrosse Tent pegging Mounted archery [ edit ] Cross-country sports Competitive Mounted Orienteering‎ , a form of orienteering on horses (but unrelated to orienteering ) - consists of three stages: following a precise route marked on a map, negotiation of obstacles, and control of paces. Le Trec , which comprises three phases - trail riding, with jumping and correct basic flatwork. Le Trec, which is very popular in Europe, tests the partnership's ability to cope with an all-day ride across varied terrain, route finding, negotiating natural obstacles and hazards, while considering the welfare of the horse, respecting the countryside and enjoying all it has to offer. Competitive trail riding , a pace race held across terrain similar to endurance riding , but shorter in length (25 - 35 miles (56 km), depending on class). Being a form of pace race , the objective is not to finish in the least time. Instead, as in other forms of judged trail riding , each competitor is graded on everything including physical condition, campsite, and horse management. Horsemanship also is considered, including how the rider handles the trail and how horse is handled and presented to the judge and vet throughout the ride. The horse is graded on performance, manners, etc. "Pulse and respiration" stops check the horse's recovery ability. The judges also set up obstacles along the trail and the horse and rider are graded on how well they perform as a team. The whole point is the partnership between the horse and rider. Cross Country Jumping , a jumping course that contains logs, and natural obstacles mostly. The common clothes worn are usually brighter colors and less conservative. Endurance riding , a competition usually of 50 to 100 miles (160 km) or more, over mountainous or other natural terrain, with scheduled stops to take the horses' vital signs, check soundness, and verify that the horse is fit to continue. The first horse to finish and be confirmed by the veterinarian as fit to continue is the winner. Additional awards are usually given to the best-conditioned horses who finish in the top 10. Fox hunting Hacking, or pleasure riding . Hunter Pacing is a sport where a horse and rider team travel a trail at speeds based the ideal conditions for the horse, with competitors seeking to ride closest to that perfect time. Hunter paces are usually held in a series. Hunter paces are usually a few miles long and covered mostly at a canter or gallop. The horsemanship and management skills of the rider are also considered in the scoring, and periodic stops are required for veterinarians to check the vital signs and overall soundness of the horses. Ride and Tie is a form of endurance riding in which teams of 3 (two humans and one horse) alternate running and riding. Steeplechase Trail Riding , pleasure riding any breed horse, any style across the land. [ edit ] Health issues Handling, riding, and driving horses has a number of health benefits and risks. Please help improve this article by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page . (January 2009) Riding has some inherent risks, as when mounted, the rider's head may be up to 4 m (13 ft) from the ground, and the horse may travel at a speed of up to 65 km/h (40 mph). [ 6 ] The injuries observed range from very minor injuries to fatalities. A recent study in Germany reported that the relative risk of injury from riding a horse, compared to riding a bicycle, was 9 times higher for adolescents and 5.6 times higher for younger children , but that riding a horse was less risky than riding a moped . [ 7 ] In Victoria, Australia , a search of state records found that equestrian sports had the third highest incidence of serious injury, after motor sports and power boating . [ 8 ] In Greece , an analysis of a national registry estimated the incidence of equestrian injury to be 21 per 100,000 person-years for farming and equestrian sports combined, and 160 times higher for horse racing personnel. Other findings were that use of spurs may contribute to ankle fractures and dislocations, and helmets likely prevent traumatic brain injuries. [ 9 ] In the United States each year an estimated 30 million people ride horses, resulting in 50,000 emergency room visits (1 visit per 600 riders per year). [ 10 ] A survey of 679 equestrians in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho estimated that at some time in their equestrian career one in five will be seriously injured, resulting in hospitalization, surgery, or long-term disability. [ 11 ] Among survey respondents, novice equestrians had an incidence of any injury that was three-fold over intermediates, fivefold over advanced equestrians, and nearly eightfold over professionals. Approximately 100 hours of experience are required to achieve a substantial decline in the risk of injury. The survey authors conclude that efforts to prevent equestrian injury should focus on novice equestrians. [ edit ] Mechanisms of injury The most common mechanism of injury is falling from the horse, followed by being kicked, trampled, and bit. About 3 out of 4 injuries are due to falling, broadly defined. A broad definition of falling often includes being crushed and being thrown from the horse, but when reported separately each of these mechanisms may be more common than being kicked. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ edit ] Types and severity of injury In Canada , a 10-year study of trauma center patients injured while riding reported that although 48% had suffered head injuries, only 9% of these riders had been wearing helmets at the time of their accident. Other injuries involved the chest (54%), abdomen (22%), and extremities (17%). [ 14 ] A German study reported that injuries in horse riding are rare compared to other sports, but when they occur they are severe. Specifically, they found that 40% of horse riding injuries were fractures, and only 15% were sprains. Furthermore the study noted that in Germany, one quarter of all sport related fatalities are caused by horse riding. [ 15 ] Most horse related injuries are a result of falling from a horse, which is the cause of 60-80% of all such reported injuries. [ 16 ] [ 17 ] Another common cause of injury is being kicked by a horse, which may cause skull fractures or severe trauma to the internal organs . Some possible injuries resulting from horse riding, with the percent indicating the amounts in relation to all injuries as reported by a New Zealand study, [ 18 ] include: Arm fracture or dislocation (31%) Head injury (21%) Leg fracture or dislocation (15%) Chest injury (??%) Among 36 members and employees of the Hong Kong Jockey Club who were seen in a trauma center during a period of 5 years, 24 fell from horses and 11 were kicked by the horse. Injuries comprised: 18 torso; 11 head, face, or neck; and 11 limb. [ 19 ] The authors of this study recommend that helmets, face shields, and body protectors be worn when riding or handling horses. In New South Wales , Australia , a study of equestrians seen at one hospital over a 6 year period found that 81% were wearing a helmet at the time of injury, and that helmet use both increased over time and was correlated with a lower rate of admission. [ 20 ] In the second half of the study period, of the equestrians seen, only 14% were admitted. In contrast, a study of child equestrians seen at a hospital emergency room in Adelaide, South Australia reported that 60% were admitted. [ 21 ] In the United States, an analysis of National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data performed by theEquestrian Medical Safety Association studied 78,279 horse-related injuries in 2007: "The most common injuries included fractures (28.5%); contusions/abrasions (28.3%); strain/sprain (14.5%); internal injury (8.1%); lacerations (5.7%); concussions (4.6%); dislocations (1.9%); and hematomas (1.2%). Most frequent injury sites are the lower trunk (19.6%); head (15.0%); upper trunk (13.4%); shoulder (8.2%); and wrist (6.8%). Within this study patients were treated and released (86.2%), were hospitalized (8.7%), were transferred (3.6%), left without being treated (0.8%), remained for observation (0.6%), and arrived at the hospital deceased (0.1%)." [ 22 ] [ edit ] Riding astride The idea that riding a horse astride could injure a woman's sex organs is a historic bugaboo . [ citation needed ] This includes the popular idea that riding astride can damage the hymen . [ 23 ] Evidence of injury to any female sex organs is scant. In female high-level athletes, trauma to the perineum is rare and is associated with certain sports (see Pelvic floor#Clinical significance ). The type of trauma associated with equestrian sports has been termed "horse riders' perineum". [ 24 ] A case series of 4 female mountain bike riders and 2 female horse riders found both patient-reported perineal pain and evidence of sub-clinical changes in the clitoris ; [ 25 ] the relevance of these findings to horse riding is unknown. In men, sports-related injuries are among the major causes of testicular trauma. In a small controlled but unblinded study of 52 men, varicocele was significantly more common in equestrians than in non-equestrians. [ 26 ] The difference between these two groups was small, however, compared to differences reported between extreme mountain bike riders and non-riders, [ 27 ] and also between mountain bike riders and on-road bicycle riders. [ 28 ] Horse-riding injuries to the scrotum ( contusions ) and testes ( blunt trauma ) were well known to surgeons in the 19th century and early 20th century. [ 29 ] Injuries from collision with the pommel of a saddle are mentioned specifically. [ 29 ] [ edit ] Criticism of horses in sport This section contains weasel words , vague phrasing that often accompanies biased or unverifiable information . Such statements should be clarified or removed . (January 2009) See also: Horse racing  and Rodeo Most horse owners are interested in the well-being and welfare of horses. Some are allied with various animal welfare organizations that try to end genuine abuse of horses. Almost all competitive events have well-established rules and regulations to prevent abuse of animals and to encourage ethical behavior. Most high-intensity sports like show jumping, endurance riding, eventing, rodeo, and horse racing are closely monitored by veterinarians to prevent and treat injuries. On the other hand, there are genuine abuses of horses that do occur. Some people, often motivated by profit or a desire to win at all costs, may inflict pain, overwork, injure, neglect, starve, or drug horses in ways that harm the animal's physical health and mental well-being. Organized groups dedicated to protecting all animals, such as the Humane Society of the United States , and animal rights groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals , target some horse sports with claims of animal cruelty . Horse racing and rodeo are most commonly targeted both because of their visibility to the non-horse-oriented public and because these are sports where it is sometimes difficult for people who do not know much about horses to differentiate between pushing equines to perform to their peak and actual abuse. One problem is a disagreement about terms like abuse. While some individuals consider even fairly drastic discipline of horses as non-abusive, others consider abuse to be anything done against the will of the animal in question. Some people consider poor living conditions abusive, others think riding itself is abusive. There is no consensus on the issue. Further, the perspective of the individuals holding various viewpoints is sometimes quite different. For example, horse professionals claim they know better what is best for horses than people who live horseless lives, easily influenced by propaganda. On the other hand, other individuals claim that many horse professionals are biased because of motivation for personal gain. However, many people take a middle ground, primarily concerned that certain sports or training techniques may unnecessarily cause pain or injuries to horse athletes, just as they do for human athletes. Some people who advocate use of horses in equestrian activities point out that horses in the wild have a shorter average life expectancy and are injured more often and more severely than those used in sport. Most public laws and statutes carefully describe criminally abusive practices that incur legal penalties in very specific terms. Some behaviors and activities are widely condemned as abusive by people within the horse industry, even if not illegal as a matter of public law. Use of many performance-enhancing drugs is prohibited in most competitions, and organizations that sanction various events spend a great deal of money testing horses for illegal drugs. Some specific training or showing practices are so widely condemned that they have been made illegal at the national level and violations can incur criminal penalties. The most well-known is soring, a practice of applying a caustic ointment just above the hooves of a Tennessee Walking Horse to make it pick up its feet higher. However, in spite of a federal law in the United States prohibiting this practice and routine inspections of horse shows by inspectors from the United States Department of Agriculture , the practice is still widespread and difficult to eliminate. [ 30 ] Some events themselves are also considered so abusive that they are banned in many countries. Among these are horse-tripping, a sport where riders chase and rope a loose-running horse by its front legs, throwing it to the ground. [ edit ] Horse riding on coinage Horse Riding commemorative coin Horse riding events have been selected as a main motif in numerous collectors' coins. One of the recent samples is the €10 Greek Horse Riding commemorative coin , minted in 2003 to commemorate the 2004 Summer Olympics . On the composition of the obverse of this coin, the modern horseman is pictured as he jumps over an obstacle, while in the background the ancient horseman is inspired by a representation on a black-figure vase of the 5th century BC. [ edit ] See also Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Horse riding Glossary of equestrian terms Equitation science Western riding English riding Dressage Classical dressage Driving (horse) Domestication of the horse Equestrian use of roadways Horses in warfare Horse show Equestrian at the Summer Olympics List of horse accidents United States Equestrian Federation International Federation for Equestrian Sports Horse training Horse behavior Equestrian helmet Mounting block Cowboy Mounted Shooting Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club for a description of urban riding traditions [ edit ] References ^ http://www.thefreedictionary.com/equestrian ^ [1] ^ Chamberlin, J. Edward Horse: How the Horse has Shaped Civilization New York:BlueBridge 2006 ISBN 0-9742405-9-1 ^ Bennett, Deb (1998) 'Conquerors: The Roots of New World Horsemanship. Amigo Publications Inc; 1st edition. ISBN 0-9658533-0-6 , pp.151 ^ Hobby Horse clothing company, educational articles on current trends in western show clothing ^ J R Silver (2002-06). "Spinal injuries resulting from horse riding accidents" . Spinal Cord 40 (6): 264–271. doi : 10.1038/sj.sc.3101280 . PMID   12037707 . http://www.nature.com/sc/journal/v40/n6/full/3101280a.html . Retrieved 2009-01-14 .   ^ Schneiders W, Rollow A, Rammelt S, Grass R, Holch M, Serra A, Richter S, Gruner EM, Schlag B, Roesner D, Zwipp H (April 2007). "Risk-inducing activities leading to injuries in a child and adolescent population of Germany". J Trauma 62 (4): 996–1003. doi : 10.1097/01.ta.0000222584.48001.a0 . PMID   17426559 .   ^ Gabbe BJ, Finch CF, Cameron PA, Williamson OD (August 2005). "Incidence of serious injury and death during sport and recreation activities in Victoria, Australia" . Br J Sports Med 39 (8): 573–7. doi : 10.1136/bjsm.2004.015750 . PMID   16046347 .   ^ Petridou E, Kedikoglou S, Belechri M, Ntouvelis E, Dessypris N, Trichopoulos D (March 2004). "The mosaic of equestrian-related injuries in Greece" . J Trauma 56 (3): 643–7. doi : 10.1097/01.TA.0000053470.38129.F4 . PMID   15128138 . http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0022-5282&volume=56&issue=3&spage=643 .   ^ Carrillo EH, Varnagy D, Bragg SM, Levy J, Riordan K (2007). "Traumatic injuries associated with horseback riding". Scand J Surg 96 (1): 79–82. PMID   17461318 .   ^ Mayberry JC, Pearson TE, Wiger KJ, Diggs BS, Mullins RJ (March 2007). "Equestrian injury prevention efforts need more attention to novice riders". J Trauma 62 (3): 735–9. doi : 10.1097/ta.0b013e318031b5d4 . PMID   17414356 .   ^ Loder RT (August 2008). "The demographics of equestrian-related injuries in the United States: injury patterns, orthopedic specific injuries, and avenues for injury prevention" . J Trauma 65 (2): 447–60. doi : 10.1097/TA.0b013e31817dac43 . PMID   18695484 . http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00005373-200808000-00029 .   ^ Clarke CN, Tsuei BJ, Butler KL (May 2008). "Equine-related injury: a retrospective analysis of outcomes over a 10-year period" . Am. J. Surg. 195 (5): 702–4. doi : 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.11.007 . PMID   18424291 . http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002-9610(07)00957-9 .   ^ Ball CG, Ball JE, Kirkpatrick AW, Mulloy RH (May 2007). "Equestrian injuries: incidence, injury patterns, and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuries". Am. J. Surg. 193 (5): 636–40. doi : 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.01.016 . PMID   17434372 .   ^ Dittmer H (1991). "The injury pattern in horseback riding". Langenbecks Archiv fur Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Chirurgie. Kongress : 466–9. PMID   1793946 .   ^ "Most injuries result from falls (80%)", Horse riding during pregnancy , MS Rogers. ^ R. G. Lloyd (March 1987). "Riding and other equestrian injuries: Considerable severity" . British Journal of Sports Medicine 21 (1): 22–24. doi : 10.1136/bjsm.21.1.22 . PMID   3580722 .   ^ Northey G (September 2003). "Equestrian injuries in New Zealand, 1993-2001: knowledge and experience". N. Z. Med. J. 116 (1182): U601. PMID   14581953 .   ^ Yim VW, Yeung JH, Mak PS, Graham CA, Lai PB, Rainer TH (January 2007). "Five year analysis of Jockey Club horse-related injuries presenting to a trauma centre in Hong Kong". Injury 38 (1): 98–103. doi : 10.1016/j.injury.2006.08.026 . PMID   17049524 .   ^ Lim J, Puttaswamy V, Gizzi M, Christie L, Croker W, Crowe P (August 2003). "Pattern of equestrian injuries presenting to a Sydney teaching hospital" . ANZ J Surg 73 (8): 567–71. doi : 10.1046/j.1445-2197.2003.02707.x . PMID   12887517 . http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1445-1433&date=2003&volume=73&issue=8&spage=567 .   ^ Craven JA (August 2008). "Paediatric and adolescent horse-related injuries: does the mechanism of injury justify a trauma response?" . Emerg Med Australasia 20 (4): 357–62. doi : 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2008.01107.x . PMID   18782209 . http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1742-6731&date=2008&volume=20&issue=4&spage=357 .   ^ Equine Disease Quarterly. "Human Injuries Related to Horses Analyzed" reprinted by The Horse, Online edition, Article # 14466, July 05 2009. Accessed July 9, 2009 ^ Dhall A (1995). "Adolescence: myths and misconceptions". Health Millions 21 (3): 35–8. PMID   12346860 .   ^ Crepin G, Biserte J, Cosson M, Duchene F (October 2006). "[The female urogenital system and high level sports]" (in French). Bull. Acad. Natl. Med. 190 (7): 1479–91; discussion 1491–3. PMID   17450681 .   ^ "Ultrasonographic and Doppler Findings of Subclinical Clitoral Microtraumatisms in Mountain Bikers and Horseback Riders" , Cesare Battaglia, Rossella Elena Nappi et al., retrieved 2009-01-12 ^ Turgut AT, Kosar U, Kosar P, Karabulut A (July 2005). "Scrotal sonographic findings in equestrians" . J Ultrasound Med 24 (7): 911–7; quiz 919. PMID   15972705 . http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15972705 .   ^ Frauscher F, Klauser A, Stenzl A, Helweg G, Amort B, zur Nedden D (May 2001). "US findings in the scrotum of extreme mountain bikers" . Radiology 219 (2): 427–31. PMID   11323467 . http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=11323467 .   ^ Mitterberger M, Pinggera GM, Neuwirt H, Colleselli D, Pelzer A, Bartsch G, Strasser H, Gradl J, Pallwein L, Frauscher F (January 2008). "Do mountain bikers have a higher risk of scrotal disorders than on-road cyclists?" . Clin J Sport Med 18 (1): 49–54. doi : 10.1097/JSM.0b013e31815c042f . PMID   18185039 . http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00042752-200801000-00010 .   ^ a b William Williams Keen, John Chalmers Da Costa, ed (1908). Surgery, Its Principles and Practice . 4 . W. B. Saunders Company . http://books.google.com/?id=QnYwAAAAIAAJ .   pages 598, 615 ^ EQUUS Special Report: Why Soring Persists [ edit ] External links International Federation for Equestrian Sports FEI official homepage United States Equestrian Federation USEF Official web site Equestrian Federation of Australia Equestrian Federation of Australia web site Equestrian Federation of Ireland - EFI web site Equestrian Federation of Kazakhstan Russian - Equestrian Federation of Kazakhstan English United States Dressage Federation American Endurance Ride Conference The North American Trail Ride Conference - Competitive Trail Riding UK Endurance Horse Riding Ride and Tie Association The American Vaulting Association - Equestrian Vaulting National Cutting Horse Association v   •   d   •   e Equine Equine science and management Equine anatomy  Â· Equine nutrition  Â· Horse behavior  Â· Horse care  Â· Horse breeding  Â· Equine conformation  Â· Equine coat color  Â· Horse gait Equestrianism and sport Glossary of equestrian terms  Â· Horse tack  Â· Bit  Â· Bridle  Â· Saddle  Â· Harness  Â· English riding  Â· Western riding  Â· Driving  Â· Horse training  Â· Horse racing  Â· Equestrian at the Summer Olympics  Â· Horse show  Â· Equitation Evolution and history Domestication  Â· In warfare  Â· In the Middle Ages  Â· Horses in East Asian warfare  Â· History of the horse in South Asia  Â· Horses in the Napoleonic Wars  Â· Horses in World War I  Â· Horses in World War II Horse breeds , types and other Equidae Horses List of horse breeds  Â· Wild horse  Â· Feral horse  Â· Stock horse  Â· Gaited horse  Â· Draft horse  Â· Warmblood  Â· Sport horse Other Equus Donkey  Â· Zebra  Â· Onager Hybrids Hinny  Â· Mule  Â· Zebroid Category: Equidae v   •   d   •   e Olympic sports Summer sports Archery  â€¢ Athletics  â€¢ Badminton  â€¢ Basketball  â€¢ Boxing  â€¢ Canoeing  â€¢ Cycling  â€¢ Diving  â€¢ Equestrian  â€¢ Field hockey  â€¢ Fencing  â€¢ Football  â€¢ Gymnastics  â€¢ Handball  â€¢ Judo  â€¢ Modern pentathlon  â€¢ Rowing  â€¢ Sailing  â€¢ Shooting  â€¢ Swimming  â€¢ Synchronized swimming  â€¢ Table tennis  â€¢ Taekwondo  â€¢ Tennis  â€¢ Triathlon  â€¢ Volleyball  â€¢ Water polo  â€¢ Weightlifting  â€¢ Wrestling Winter sports Alpine skiing  â€¢ Biathlon  â€¢ Bobsleigh  â€¢ Cross-country skiing  â€¢ Curling  â€¢ Figure skating  â€¢ Freestyle skiing  â€¢ Ice hockey  â€¢ Luge  â€¢ Nordic combined  â€¢ Short track speed skating  â€¢ Skeleton  â€¢ Ski jumping  â€¢ Snowboarding  â€¢ Speed skating Former Olympic sports Baseball  â€¢ Basque pelota  â€¢ Cricket  â€¢ Croquet  â€¢ Golf  â€¢ Jeu de paume  â€¢ Lacrosse  â€¢ Polo  â€¢ Rackets  â€¢ Roque  â€¢ Rugby union  â€¢ Softball  â€¢ Tug of war  â€¢ Water motorsports See also : Paralympic sports || Equestrian helmet From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search An ASTM/SEI-approved equestrian safety helmet suitable for all disciplines. An Equestrian helmet is worn by the rider, when riding horses . This type of helmet is specially designed to protect the rider's head during falls off a horse, especially from striking a hard object while falling or being accidentally struck in the head by a horse's hoof . Certified helmets are required headgear for many competitive riding events, particularly where horse and rider must jump or work at high speed. Helmets are worn more often by English-style riders and are gaining acceptance as required headgear for children. They are most widely accepted in fields such as horse racing , eventing or show jumping . They are required in eventing , in endurance riding and other types of competitions. People who take their horses hacking or trail riding sometimes wear helmets, though there are tremendous variations in helmet use in different regions and cultures. They are recommended for all riders at all times when near or on the horse, though universal acceptance has yet to be achieved. In the United States , the record is particularly dismal, with use by fewer than 1 in 8 riders. [ 1 ] Some states, such as Florida and New York , are starting to require by law that riders under the age of 14 wear helmets at all times they are riding. A rider with a modern style ASTM/SEI approved safety helmet with a decorative ventilation strip down the center. This popular style is sometimes informally known as a "skunk helmet". Contents 1 Design 2 Law and rules concerning helmets 2.1 United States 2.2 International 3 Aesthetic and symbolism 4 Standards 4.1 Conformity assessment 4.2 United States 4.3 Other USA standards 4.4 United Kingdom 4.5 Europe 4.6 Australia/New Zealand 4.7 International 5 Standards compared 6 See also 7 References 8 External links [ edit ] Design A modern ASTM/SEI show-legal helmet covered in velveteen to resemble the old style hunt cap, but has visibly more protective material and an attached harness The inside of an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet, showing padding, ventilation system, adjustment mechanisms, and part of the harness. An equestrian helmet has a hard shell on the outside of an impact-resistant resin or plastic, sometimes covered with cloth for a more attractive look. The brim is particularly flexible and will give way immediately in the event a rider lands on it. Beneath the shell are materials designed to absorb the impact of a fall or blow. The inside is lined and often padded in order to be comfortable for the rider. Ventilation is usually worked into the design, and a harness is attached to keep the helmet on the head at all times. Equestrian helmets have sport-specific differences from those used in other sports. For this reason, a helmet designed for another sport, such as bicycle helmet, is not deemed suitable for riding horses. [ 2 ] The equestrian helmet covers more of a person's head than does a bicycle helmet, fitting lower on the head, particularly at the back of the skull, and has protection distributed evenly around the head rather than concentrated in the front and back. Aside from safety features, aerodynamics are less important in a riding helmet than in a bicycle helmet. The appearance of riding helmets is frequently based on that of an English hunt cap. In addition good ventilation and comfort are considered important features of a riding helmet. Some riders feel that riding helmets are hot, uncomfortable or unattractive and do not want to wear them. However, the classic hunt cap, which modern helmets attempt to resemble, offered little or no protection to the rider of the horse. Neither do other types of hats popular with riders, including the derby , cowboy hat and the top hat . Use of helmets by beginning riders is becoming a common requirement, and some liability insurance policies for riding instructors [ 3 ] ask the instructor to require their students to wear helmets. [ edit ] Law and rules concerning helmets The older style hunt cap or "hard hat" is a thin shell. This cap is not ASTM/SEI certified, and is illegal to wear in classes over fences at a USEF sanctioned competition; it offers inadequate crash protection to the rider's head. Typically, helmets must meet one or more specific safety standards to be permitted for use in competition. [ edit ] United States The states of Florida and New York have passed legislation requiring youths to wear helmets at all times while riding, with certain limited exceptions. In 2009, the state of Florida mandated helmets for youths under the age of 16. [ 4 ] New York has had helmet laws affecting youths under the age of 14 under certain circumstances since 1999. [ 5 ] The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) requires that, in classes that mandate a helmet to be worn, the helmet must be ASTM / SEI certified. The USEF also requires all junior riders (under the age of 18) in any hunt seat discipline to wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet with harness fastened while mounted on their horse anywhere on the show grounds, and requires all riders to wear a helmet when jumping anywhere on the show grounds. While other horse show events do not mandate helmets, the rules have changed in recent years to permit helmets as optional headgear in any class. All riders are required to wear certified helmets while competing in Hunter, Jumpers, and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, and in any other class, including Hunter Hack, where jumping is required. They must fasten their helmet harness and must verify that the helmet meets or exceeds the current standard and carries the SEI tag. [ 6 ] [ edit ] International For FEI international competition that involves competitors from many different nations, protective headgear complying with the European (EN), British (PAS), North American (ASTM), or Australian/New Zealand tested standards is required. [ 7 ] [ edit ] Aesthetic and symbolism Riding helmets traditionally reflect the conservative style of dress that characterized earlier non-protective English riding headwear. The classic riding helmet is covered in black velvet or velveteen (either via a removable cover or permanently glued on), with a small, flexible, visor-style brim. More recently, smooth finish helmets worn without a fabric cover, have become more common. A newly popular style in the hunter-jumper world features a lightly textured (less shiny) plastic shell with a decorative ventilation strip down the center. This design goes by many brand names, but, due to the ventilation strip, is informally called a "skunk helmet." Jockeys who ride race horses wear a helmet designed without a brim, adding a colorful cover that is part of the owners' racing colors, with a false brim for appearance's sake. Use of racing style colored helmet covers has spread to other disciplines, especially amongst Eventers . Casual riders often wear "training" or "schooling" helmets in a variety of colors and some even include patterns (such as stars or stripes). Cloth covers in brilliant colors and vivid designs can be purchased to provide even more variety, but are frowned upon (and are sometimes illegal) in the horse show ring, where black, brown or gray are still the standard. There are helmet designs that resemble a cowboy hat , or have other "western" styling, such as a tan color, or a cordura outer cover. But adoption by western riders has been particularly slow, especially in the USA, where helmets are seen mostly in trail riding , competitive trail riding , and endurance riding , and seldom at rodeos (where use would be particularly well-advised) or in western-style horse show classes. Some helmets retain a symbolic ribbon at the back, which dates from mounted hunting. Traditionally, black ribbon was used for fox hunting or general hunting , with red ribbon used when stag hunting or arme blanche hunting. The ribbon was "sewn up" (i.e. with a bow at the base of the helmet and the tail ends of the ribbon either cut off or glued pointing upwards on the body of the helmet) for "common" riders. The ribbon was "sewn down" (i.e. with the tail ends dangling from the bow, below the edge of the helmet) for hunt masters and hunt staff. Because any rider is entitled to wear a sewn up black ribbon, this is the standard for modern helmets retaining the ribbon. The use of "sewn down" ribbons by those not entitled to them sometimes occurs in the United States but is considered a serious transgression by traditionalists. In some nations, members of the cavalry wear silver ribbons and national athletes wear gold ribbons. The ribbons are sewn up for troopers and common riders, and sewn down for officers and riders who have represented their countries at the Olympics or championships such as the World Equestrian Games . [ edit ] Standards Helmets must meet a defined standard to be certified for use in competition. Procedures vary from one nation to the next. However, as a general rule, the design standards are created by a standards organization that has knowledge of hazards in the field of activity, and then actual helmets are tested and certified by a separate Conformity assessment organization with testing expertise. The testing standards in the United States and New Zealand are considered more rigorous than those in other nations. [ 8 ] Independent testing in the United Kingdom in 2003 by the British Equestrian Trade Association found a number of "traditional" designs from the three most established and respected British manufacturers failed a series of tests indended to determine if a design provided proper protection in the event of a fall. [ 8 ] [ edit ] Conformity assessment Conformity assessment organizations that certify safety equipment perform some similar tests on all protective helmets (including bicycle, hockey and equestrian helmets), such as dropping them onto a flat anvil from a height of about six feet from several angles and directions. However, other tests are designed to consider the particular risks of a given sport. For equestrian helmets, these other tests may include dropping the helmet onto an anvil with a sharp edge, to simulate impact with the edge of a jump standard or a horse hoof. [ 9 ] [ edit ] United States The most common standard used by sanctioning organizations in the United States is known as ASTM F1163 [ 10 ] It is periodically updated, the most recent is ASTM F1163-04a (2004). [ 11 ] It is a performance standard written by a volunteer committee of producers (persons who represent manufacturing companies) and users of equestrian helmets, and published by ASTM International . The standard defines performance criteria and test methods; it does not prescribe helmet design. This is the current standard adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). [ 10 ] In the United States, conformity assessment of riding helmets to defined standards is performed primarily by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). Helmet manufacturers voluntarily provide samples of each model and size of helmet to the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) for simulated crash testing using the test methods defined by the ASTM standard. If the samples pass the tests, the producers may label other helmets of the same model and size to indicate that the helmet is ASTM/SEI certified . SEI also monitors the market for helmets fraudulently labeled as being ASTM/SEI certified; for this purpose, SEI publishes a list of all the helmet models and sizes which it has certified. [ edit ] Other USA standards The Snell Memorial Foundation , [ 12 ] best known for its safety testing standards for motorcycle helmets, also publishes a safety testing standard for Equestrian helmets, E2001. [ 13 ] However, no national sanctioning equestrian organization to date has adopted the Snell standard, the ASTM standard is more generally used. [ 14 ] [ edit ] United Kingdom Product Approved Specification (PAS) 015 is one British safety standard for equestrian helmets. [ 15 ] It defines test methods to evaluate shock absorption, penetration resistance, strength and effectiveness of retention system, durability of quick release mechanisms, and deflection of the peak. The other standard is BS EN 1384:1997 [ 16 ] The EN 1384 and PAS 015:1998 are now essentially the same. [ 1 ] Conformity assessment in the UK for the EN 1384 and ASTM F1163 standards is performed by INSPEC [ 17 ] [ edit ] Europe European Normes EN 1384 (Helmets for Equestrian Activities) and EN 14572 (High Performance Helmets for Equestrian Activities) are standards published by the Centre for European Normes in Brussels, and widely used for purposes of conformity assessment in Europe. [ 1 ] The codes for EN standards is sometimes prefixed by other codes to indicate adoption by national standards organizations. For example, the acronym "DIN" is used to indicate the Deutsches Institut für Normung, and "BS" indicates a standard adopted in the UK. [ edit ] Australia/New Zealand The helmet standard in Australian and New Zealand standard is AS/NZ 3838:2006. [ edit ] International The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 65:1996 is a widely respected international best practices standard for entities operating certification programs such as SEI and INSPEC. [ 18 ] [ edit ] Standards compared More recent versions of PAS 015:1998 and BS EN 1384:1997 are nearly identical. [ 1 ] In contrast, ASTM F1163 and PAS 015 are not identical, though a series of tests in 1999 indicated that in some cases, the ASTM standard in use at that time was marginally superior. [ 19 ] On the other hand, the current debate between the ASTM standard and the EN standard is primarily over the issue of ventilation slots, allowed by ASTM. The debate centers over whether there is an actual need for protection from penetration by sharp objects. [ 1 ] The SEI is accredited to ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). [ 20 ] This means that SEI is one of several testing programs that complies with the guidelines of the ISO. [ 21 ] [ edit ] See also Helmet Hunt seat Show jumping Show hunter English riding United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) ASTM International Safety Equipment Institute [ edit ] References ^ a b c d e Riding Hat Standards Explained Web site accessed August 5, 2007. ^ "Why Not Use A Bicycle Helmet for Horseback Riding?" American Medical Equestrian Association News. February 1996, Vol. VI, Number 1 ^ Riding Instructor Liability Insurance application ^ Ryder, Erin. "Florida Governor Signs Youth Equestrian Helmet Law." The Horse , online edition, June 9, 2009 ^ Strickland, Charlene. "Equine-Related Human Injuries" The Horse , online edition, October 1, 2000 ^ "GPA Helmets Purchased in Europe Might Not Meet USEF Safety Standards" December 24, 2006 ^ FEI Article 521 ^ a b "Most horseriders' helmets 'fail to protect them'" The Times , June 3, 2003. Web article accessed August 5, 2007 ^ Riding Helmet Safety Standards Explained ^ a b abstract ASTM F1163-04a Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Horse Sports and Horseback Riding. ^ "Equestrian Helmet Models" Web page accessed August 6, 2007 ^ Snell Memorial Foundation ^ Snell Memorial Foundation 2001 Helmet Standard For Use in Horseback Riding HTML version or PDF version ^ United States Equestrian Federation requires ASTM/SEI certified helmets ^ PAS 015: Helmets for equestrian use ^ http://www.bsi-global.com/en/Standards-and-Publications/Industry-Sectors/Health-and-Safety/H--S-Products/BS-EN-13841997/ BS EN 1384:1997 Specification for helmets for equestrian activities ^ Head Protection Testing. Web site accessed August 6, 2007 ^ http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2004/pdf/Bic_Crash_6.pdf "Assessing the Level of Safety Provided by the Snell B95 Standard for Bicycle Helmets." Section 2.4. Web page accessed August 6, 2007 ^ Equestrian Helmet Safety Test Scores . Web site accessed July 30, 2007 ^ Safety Equipment Institute ^ http://www.useventing.com/resources/files/docs/AMEASRFNewsSpringSummer2005.pdf UPDATE: Commentary on Proposed Legislation Senate 2681 (2002), 2254 (2004). Web page accessed August 6, 2007 [ edit ] External links ASTM International Safety Equipment Institute Horse and Rider safety || Home Equestrian Leisure Industrial Construction Agriculture Bagged Sand Contact Us Latest News Keep up to date with our latest news. Latest News Updates Posted on Friday 15th October, 2010 Our latest news will appear here. Enquire Now Call today or if you prefer, please fill out our online enquiry form and we will be in touch with you shortly! Equestrian Leisure We offer high quality Silica Sand that is used throughout the specialist equestrian profession. From horse training areas and tracks to lungeing and roller pits our sand is a suitable property for these surfaces. Our sand choice for a Manege is P100 or Washed Fine Silica Sand as it compacts well and can be used on its own. This sand gives a good resilient surface for heavy to medium use and does not require a lot of maintenance, it is a professional standard sand. Our silica sand has been used for other equestrian uses and we are able to offer other grades for specific requirements. AS Moist is a washed sand used for Lungeing rings which can also be mixed with types of rubber and fibre to produce different surfaces. P203 is also another washed sand which is suitable for race horse training tracks. Members of our staff are available to answer specific questions on these products and our range of Silica Sand . Animal Bedding Our sand is used for animal bedding of dairy cows, elephants and wild animals. The most suitable sand type for this is AS Moist. Dairy farmers using this have noted improvements in their milk quality and the health of their livestock, this product is also used at leading animal parks providing comfortable living with successful results. There have been some really good articles in 'Farmers Weekly' regarding the advantages of using sand as animal bedding. Site Navigation Home Equestrian Leisure Industrial Construction Agriculture Bagged Sand Contact News Resources Site Map Site Map XML Contact Information Address: L.B. Silica Sand ltd The Plant Yard Grovebury Road Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 4TB Phone: 01525 372 000 Fax: 01525 382 270 L. B. Silica Sand Ltd © 2010 L B. Silica Sand Ltd All rights reserved Company No 873485 Vat No 197 7720 12 Web Design, Web Video & SEO by Creare W3C Compliant XHTML Website - W3C Compliant CSS Veterinary Surgery Woolwich Modular Buildings Lifting Equipment || amazon.co.uk Hello. Sign in to get personalised recommendations . New Customer? Start here . Last day to order for Christmas with Free UK Delivery Info on weather-affected deliveries Your Amazon.co.uk | Today's Deals | Gift Cards | Gifts & Wish Lists Your Account | Help Shop All Departments Search Basket Basket Wish List Books Advanced Search Browse Genres New & Future Releases Bestsellers Paperbacks Audio Books Bargain Books Special Offers Sell Your Books Books › Reference › Other Reference By Subject › "Equestrian & Animal Sports" Showing 1 - 12 of 22 Results Sort by 1. Encyclopedia British Horseracing HB (Sports Reference Series) by Dr Joyce Kay and Professor Wray Vamplew ( Hardcover - 21 Dec 2004) Buy new : £95.00 £90.25 12 new from £81.90 4 used from £81.91 Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. ( 1 ) Excerpt - page 21 : " ... week course. In 1974 further courses financed by the HBLB commenced at the National Equestrian Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire" 2. Photographing and Videoing Horses Explained: Digital and Film - The Horse Owner's Manual for Improved Portraits, Schooling Tools, Sales and Promotions by Charles Mann ( Paperback - 26 Oct 2007) Buy new : £19.95 £14.99 12 new from £3.99 7 used from £3.87 Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. 3. Encyclopedia British Horseracing Pb (Sports Reference Series) by Dr Joyce Kay and Professor Wray Vamplew ( Paperback - 21 Dec 2004) Buy new : £36.99 £35.14 11 new from £28.00 4 used from £13.19 Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. ( 1 ) Excerpt - page 21 : " ... week course. In 1974 further courses financed by the HBLB commenced at the National Equestrian Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire" 4. The BAHNM Dictionary of Holistic Horse Medicine and Management by Keith Allison ( Paperback - 30 Apr 1998) 2 new from £8.43 9 used from £0.22 5. All the King's Horses: A Celebration of Royal Horses from 1066 to the Present Day by Amanda Murray ( Paperback - 31 May 2006) 6 new from £1.27 11 used from £0.01 ( 1 ) Excerpt - page 36 : " ... have a great deal of influence on how the royal family viewed the practice and equestrian sportsmanship as a whole. Over the next six decades Cavendish expanded his ... " 6. Riding and Roadcraft: The BHS Riding and Road Safety Manual (Official Bhs Exams Tests 1-6) by British Horse Society ( Paperback - 6 Feb 2006) 2 new from £12.50 6 used from £0.01 ( 3 ) Excerpt - page 33 : " ... individual members. Block cover for officials at events is also extended to all equestrian activities organised" 7. The Incredible Little Book of 10, 001 Names for Horses by Barbara Mannis and Catherine Lewis ( Paperback - 25 Jun 1999) 4 new from £17.54 5 used from £1.49 ( 1 ) Excerpt - page 107 : " ... Alfalfa Sprout Almond Joy And Everything Nice And Puppy Dog Tails Animal Crackers Applebee Apple Jacks A Real" 8. The Horse's Health from A to Z: An Equine Veterinary Dictionary by Peter Rossdale and Susan M. Wreford ( Paperback - 31 Jan 1998) 2 new from £86.59 8 used from £9.95 ( 1 ) Excerpt - page 173 : " ... NW, Washington, DC 20007 (202) 965-0500. British H. Soc, British Equestrian Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire CV8 2LR (01203 696697). Cf pony ... " 9. Family Tree Page Ideas for Scrapbookers: 150 Ways to Create a Scrapbook Legacy (Memory Makers) by Memory Makers Books ( Paperback - 31 Dec 2004) 4 new from £33.95 5 used from £4.88 Excerpt - page 103 : " ... strips. Cut hay photo border with decorative scissors; adhere animal stickers" 10. More Than Memories: The Complete Guide to Preserving Your Family History No. 1 by Julie Stephani ( Paperback - 1 Dec 1998) Buy new : £10.99 7 new from £0.01 20 used from £0.01 Usually dispatched within 9 to 14 days Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. 11. The Horse Dictionary: English-language Terms Used in Equine Care, Feeding, Training, Treatment, Racing and Show by Vivienne M. Eby ( Paperback - 31 May 2001) Buy new : £35.50 £33.73 9 new from £29.52 4 used from £36.99 Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. 12. The Horse's Health from A to Z: An Equine Veterinary Dictionary by Peter Rossdale and Susan M. Wreford ( Paperback - Jan 1996) 1 new from £19.98 18 used from £0.01 ( 1 ) « Previous | Page: 1 2 | Next » Books Books Kindle eBooks Books For Study Audio Books Music, DVD & Games Music MP3 Downloads Musical Instruments & DJ DVD & Blu-ray Blu-ray PC & Video Games Kindle Kindle (Wi-Fi) Amazon's 6" wireless reading device Kindle 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) Amazon's 6" wireless reading device Free Kindle Reading Apps For PC, iPad, iPhone, Android, and more Kindle Accessories Kindle eBooks Kindle Newspapers Kindle Magazines Kindle Store Electronics Camera & Photo TV & Home Theatre Audio, MP3 & Accessories Sat Nav & Car Electronics Phones & Accessories PC & Video Games All Electronics Computers & Office PCs & Laptops Computer Accessories Computer Components Software PC & Video Games Printers & Ink Office Products & Supplies Home, Garden & Pets Kitchen & Dining Appliances Homeware & Furnishings Lighting Garden & Outdoors Pet Supplies All Home & Garden Toys, Children & Baby Toys & Games Baby Clothes, Shoes & Watches Clothing Shoes Jewellery Watches Bags & Accessories Hobbies, Sports & Leisure Musical Instruments & DJ Exercise & Fitness Camping & Hiking Bikes & Scooters Golf All Sports & Leisure Grocery, Health & Beauty Grocery Health & Beauty DIY, Tools & Car DIY & Home Improvement Power & Hand Tools Car & Motorbike Sat Nav & Car Electronics Sponsored Links ( What is this? ) 1. 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Horse tack can refer to any equipment used to make equestrian sports easier, though it usually refers to the items a horse "wears" while being ridden. Saddles and bridles are the most common and well-known forms of horse tack, but there are plenty of others. Saddle The saddle is the piece of horse tack that is placed on the horse's back, and is where the rider sits for equestrian activities. There are dozens of different types of saddles, though they are primarily categorized as "English" and "western". English saddles are further differentiated as cutback, all purpose, side saddle, close contact and several other types. Western saddles, on the other hand, are usually named for the sport in which they are used, such as barrel saddles and reining saddles. Bridle A bridle as horse tack is the piece of equestrian equipment that is placed on the horse's head. Nearly all bridles have a cheek piece, headstall and throatlatch, while others come with a cavesson and brow band. Bridles, like saddles, are usually constructed of leather, and can be decorated to suit a particular equestrian sport. For example, dressage bridles are typically black and white, while saddleseat bridles might have colorful cheek pieces. Girth The girth (or cinch) is the strap that holds the saddle to the horse. This piece of horse tack can be constructed of leather, plastic, rubber or other materials. A girth for an English saddle usually has two buckles on either end of the strap, which connect to the saddle billets. A cinch on a western saddle is sometimes equipped with a buckle, but more often simply has two metal rings around which the latigo is tied. Read on How to Saddle Break a Horse How to Get Horse Show Sponsorship Prevent Horse Theft Reins Reins are a piece of horse tack that are attached to the bridle for equestrian sports. They are usually made of leather, and may be either smooth or braided. Western reins are typically buckled at one end and leather at the other, while English reins have buckles on both ends. Martingale A martingale is a more sophisticated piece of horse tack that is used to keep a horse's head from lifting too high in the air. A running martingale wraps around the horse's chest, slips between the legs to the girth, and has two leather straps with rings through which the reins are threaded. A standing martingale, on the other hand, has a single leather strap that connects to the cavesson rather than the reins. Breast Collar Most often used in western sports, a breast collar is a piece of horse tack that is used to keep a saddle in place. It wraps around the neck and chest like a martingale, but is attached to the saddle rather than the reins by two leather or nylon straps with buckles. Saddle Pad If a saddle is placed directly on a horse's back, the leather will rub sores in the skin and be very uncomfortable. This is why an additional piece of horse tack, called a saddle pad, is used. In English riding, a saddle pad may be contoured to the shape of the saddle or cut like a rectangle instead. Western pads are thicker and are generally rectangular in shape. These are the basic pieces of horse tack, but there are other types of equestrian equipment used for specific sports or training. It is important to know how to use all of this equipment effectively to avoid danger to the horse and the rider. Copyright Laura Thompson . Contact the author to obtain permission for republication. Print Article | Share Article | English Dressage Saddle - Laura Thompson What do you think about this article? NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable. Submit comment What is 1+4? Related Articles How to Get Horse Show Sponsorship What to Bring to Summer Horse Camp How to Switch Disciplines in Horseback Riding How to Saddle Break a Horse How to Choose Saddle Pads Prevent Horse Theft Western Versus English Riding English Versus Western Riding Techniques more in horses Related Topics Horse Training Horse Breeding Horse Products Horse Care Horse Competitions Reference horse tack equestrian equipment saddle pad martingale breast collar equestrian sports More in Plants & Animals Birds Botany Cats Desert/Water-wise Gardens Dogs Flower Gardens Freshwater Fish Horses Houseplants Insects/Spiders Landscaping Mammals Organic Gardens Pet Care Plants & Bulbs Reptiles & Amphibians