The sport of riding comes with inherent risk, something that all riders know. Head injuries are the most common reason among riders for admission to the hospital and, believe it or not, horseback riders have the same number of injury accidents as motorcycle riders. Luckily, there are ways riders can help keep themselves safe in the saddle, starting with a horseback riding helmet.
“Our goal at SmartPak is powering healthy horses and–in particular–happy riders,” said Donnie Steele, SmartPak’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our customers take great care of their horses, but we also want them to remember it is important to take care of themselves while riding, too. As riders ourselves, we know it can be tough to shop for a new helmet, especially online. That’s why we offer free shipping both ways and back every order with our 100% Happiness Guarantee.”
SmartPakers aren’t the only ones who think helmets are important. The American Medical Equestrian Association calculates that ASTM/SEI approved helmets have reduced severe head injuries by 50%. When choosing a helmet, riders should look for helmets with the ASTM/SEI certification. Some riders might have the preconceived notion that the more expensive the helmet, the better it will protect you, but every helmet with the ASTM/SEI certification is a certified protective helmet. The price and style of the helmet ultimately come down to personal preference.
A proper fit is essential to getting the maximum protection from your helmet. Fitting a helmet can be tricky, but SmartPak can help! Riders can watch the “How to Fit a Helmet” video to get step-by-step instructions on how to measure their head and test a helmet for fit, straight from the experts.
Fit isn’t the only factor that affects your helmet’s protection–it’s also important to make sure your helmet stays in great condition. Just because a helmet looks fine on the outside doesn’t mean it’s safe. Over time, a helmet’s padding compresses and breaks down from use and environmental factors such as heat and sunlight. Because of this natural breakdown, experts recommend that you replace your helmet every five years or after every fall. To help keep your helmet in tip top shape for as long as possible, be sure to store it in a cool, dry location, ideally out of direct sunlight (and not in your car or trailer!).
At SmartPak, we’ve got all your favorite brands of equine riding helmets, including Charles Owen, Samshield, IRH, Troxel and Tipperary. Don’t forget, SmartPak is the smartest place to shop for your new helmet. With free shipping on orders over $75, free returns on sized items, and a 100% Happiness Guarantee, you can try a new helmet risk free! Visit www.SmartPak.com today and start shopping.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness. With the success of this simple and convenient feeding system, SmartPak has continued to expand its offering of quality products, including its own line of more than 60 supplement formulas called SmartSupplements, and a wide variety of tack, equipment, and supplies. The company has grown rapidly each year and is now the largest retailer of equestrian products in the United States. SmartPak’s success has been powered by a passion for delivering an unbeatable customer experience, and the company has been recognized with a Bizrate Circle of Excellence award as well as an “Elite” rating from STELLAService. A nine-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, SmartPak is the only equine company ever named to the Inc. 500 list.
