New helmet regulations for young Alberta 4-H riders
By Tamara Gignac, Calgary Herald
Young people who sign up for equine programs with Alberta 4-H face tougher helmet rules.
Starting Oct. 1, rookie riders and anyone born after 2000 must wear protective headgear before climbing in the saddle.
The new regulations are designed to minimize accidents for the more than 2,700 young Albertans who take part in 4-H competitions and activities each year.
It comes as many sports are examining ways to minimize head injuries, said Marguerite Stark, executive secretary of Alberta's 4-H Council.
"There's been a lot of press about it," she said. "The majority of our members are supportive and absolutely believe that wearing a helmet is one of the many ways to protect kids in an activity where an injury could happen."
Indeed, University of Calgary researchers concluded in a 2007 study that the potential for serious head trauma while horseback riding is on par with rugby and riskier than auto racing, motorcycle riding, football and skiing.
Beginners accounted for only a small number of trauma patients admitted to Foothills Hospital between 1995 and 2005. Surprisingly, many of the injured surveyed for the study were well-trained riders on experienced horses.
It's one of the reasons many equine organizations across the country already require participants to strap on a helmet. Two years ago, Saskatchewan 4-H officials approved a mandatory policy for all participants 18 years old and younger. There was initially some objection within the province's equestrian community, as some parents felt the rules infringed on their rights. "I compare it to the seatbelt law. When it was first enforced, some people weren't too happy about it. Now it's just part of everyday life," said Saskatchewan 4-H spokeswoman Lauren Heistad. Strict helmet rules have had no effect on 4-H participation, Heistad said. In fact, there's been an increase in young 4-H equestrians since the mandatory policy took effect.
The British Columbia 4-H Council introduced similar regulations in 2007. And in Ontario, 4-H officials have supported mandatory helmet use since 2006.
"I would have liked Alberta 4-H to have been one of the first provinces to do it," said Stark. "We weren't the first, but we're not the last. It's doing what's right for our young people."
She said the organization has received "a little bit" of pushback, but the majority of young riders and their families support the move to reduce serious brain injuries.
In Alberta, 4-H offers horseriding programs to young people of varying skill levels between the ages of nine and 20.
Comments
chrissy, 6 months ago
I didn't have to wear a helmet when I was in 4 H as a kid. Now being a parent I would sooner my kids be safe. At home my oldest one don't wear a helmet unless she is jumping or riding green horses. My youngest one don't feel comfortable unless she has a helmet on. It is a matter of personal preferance but it won't hurt to strap one on either.