Riding Safety Archives

Horseback Riding Lessons For Kids-What to Expect For a Child

Western Range Rider

Consider Horseback Riding Lessons For Kids As a Fun Activity

Today’s kids spend far too much of their time indoors in front of computers and TVs. This tends to cause many modern parents to be at their wits’ end when it comes to finding ways to entice them to play outside.

So readers who can relate to this problem might have to get a bit inventive. Have you ever considered horseback riding lessons for your kids as an alternative to this problem.

Maybe your kids would enjoy getting outdoors and learning how to ride horseback.

Instead of just encouraging them to engage in more unstructured outdoor play, try signing them up for horseback riding lessons for kids.

You can find out now how to get started below

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How Young is Too Young?

There’s really no consistent, industry-wide answer to this question. Some instructors begin offering horse riding lessons for kids as young as seven years of age, or even younger. Others believe that it’s best to wait until their students are more physically mature.

Kids of just about any age can at least enjoy a pony ride and many younger children are plenty mature enough to grasp basic skills. Ultimately, it’s up to parents to make the call on when to get their children started with riding lessons.

Required Equipment

I need to talk about one thing right now. Let’s get to it. Horseback riding does require somewhat of an investment.

Western Style Riding Guide — Young Rider Wearing Safety Helmet

Parents will need to pay for lessons and, more often than not, they’ll have to supply their children with proper clothes, boots, and an approved safety riding helmet.

Although it’s perfectly acceptable to get started learning about horseback riding for kids in used clothing, helmets should always be purchased new.

Make sure to bring the child to the store to be fitted for a helmet so that it will fit properly.

In fact I wrote an informational post that may help you out with this. You can go here to read, Buy Only a Riding Helmet Certified By ASTM

Benefits of Riding Lessons

There are many benefits of horse riding for kids, even before they’ve really gotten the hang of it. It gets them out of the house and encourages them to be more physically active.

It cultivates character and teaches them important life skills. Once kids have learned the ropes, it can also offer a great confidence boost.

Some of the lesser-known benefits of riding lessons may come as a surprise to parents. For instance, one study performed by the Tokyo University of Agriculture showed that students who took horseback riding lessons perform better in school thanks to increased cognitive ability.

Plus, it offers good, wholesome fun and that, in itself, is a good reason to enroll kids in riding lessons.

Getting Started

Even parents who are avid riders sometimes find themselves at a loss when it comes to actually teaching their children how to ride.

horseback riding for kids — Beginning Horse Riding Lessons

That’s why the majority of them enroll their kids in official riding lessons.

If you are a parent who knows your way around a horse, you can definitely help your child get to know what is necessary for them to be successful with a horse.

They can offer their children the following horse riding tips for beginners before they head off to their first lessons.

Mounting and Dismounting

The process of mounting a horse requires some pretty specific foot and hand motions and children who are still too short to reach a saddle’s stirrups will be physically unable to mount by themselves.

Make sure to help the child retain his or her balance when he or she tries mounting for the first time and offer reminders of which foot and hand to use where.

Learning proper dismounting habits is just as important as knowing how to mount a horse appropriately. Kids who are tall enough to mount a horse for themselves should be tall enough to learn how to dismount, as well.

Offer plenty of support, but don’t just lift them down.

How to Tell if a Child is Ready to Ride

Parents who have helped their children learn how to mount and dismount or those who have observed while a trained instructor did so should have an idea of whether their kids are really ready to get started riding.

Is Your Child Balanced It Will Make a Large Difference

Pay attention to how well-balanced the child is and whether he or she has had the attention span to learn the basics before allowing them to proceed with lessons.

Horseback riding can be perfectly safe for mature children, even at a young age, but they have to be able to really get the basics down before they start horseback riding lessons for kids in earnest.

Tipperary Riding Helmet-A Top Youth Equestrian Helmet

Western Range Rider

This is the Tipperary Sportage 8500 helmet. It is constructed proudly by Phoenix Performance in Ontario, Canada.

Phoenix has always supported and still actively supports youth programs of horse riding events.

I am excited to present this review to you and your young horse rider. This is an excellent choice for a kids horseback riding helmet.

This helmet gives you an opportunity to protect your beginner level student of western riding, against any really serious riding injuries.

The head of your beginner will be protected to the maximum with the Tipperary Sportage 8500 riding helmet.

Why a Tipperary Sportage Helmet Best Meets Your Needs

Now I want to present a picture of why the Tipperary is built well for maximum protection.

The Tipperary Riding Helmet is a tough, flexible riding safety helmet. It is designed with the main idea of protecting young horse riders from injury while riding a horse. This helmet does a really wonderful job of totally protecting the head of the rider.

While we encourage strongly protecting the children from horse riding head injuries, it is vitally important across the board that everyone would one day be best protected against head and brain injuries, by wearing a cowboy hat helmet.

Many riders have mentioned specifically that the helmet covers the back of the head down towards the top of the neck, as well as how well the helmet fits the head of each individual so very well.

Many also have commented on how well the helmet is vented. Many have also mentioned they had never successfully worn a western riding safety helmet before because they were always too warm to wear.

This isn’t so with the Tipperary Sportage 8500 riding helmet.

The Tipperary Reputation Precedes Itself

Tipperary Eventer Vest (Navy, Youth-X-Large)

Phoenix Performance, the parent of the Tipperary riding helmet’s production and design, started its work on horse riding safety over 30 years ago now.

The Tipperary Sportage 8500 riding helmet is built by Phoenix, which is located on the northwest side of Toronto, Canada. They are located actually in Vaughan, Ontario.

They are now known throughout most horse communities, as you make your way around the world.

And, they are highly respected for top-notch safety products for horse riders, especially the young competitors. Here is a perfect example of their goals for child rider safety.

They have a popular safety vest product, called the Tipperary Eventer Vest

This is designed specifically for the youngsters who compete in the horse eventing activities. This Eventer Vest is available in three colors.

The colors are Black, Hunter Green, and Navy Blue. This is usually priced in the $250.00-$350.00 range.

I believe this is well worth the investment to protect your young rider from serious horse riding injuries.

Built With Athletic Flexibility in Mind
The product developers at Phoenix Performance have made it their goal to always treat all riders, at all ages as athletes. Each product is made with maximum mobility, attention to comfort and functional fit.

As they do this, they have worked hard to produce top-notch riding helmets that strongly protect the rider from serious head injuries. The helmets can be adjusted for a good fit. Their goal is to form a bond of trust with their customers.

It is made with ABS material. ABS is short for Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. This is quite a mouthful, but ABS is a common thermoplastic polymer which is typically used for injection molding applications.

The best qualities of ABS is that it provides a nice strong helmet, but a lightweight helmet.

Tipperary Helmet Sizes That Are Available

This helmet comes in the following sizes. As you look at the information below this is how it reads.
Size head circumference hat size

Extra Small 19½-19 7/8” (50-51cm) 6¼-6 3/8
Small 20½-20¾” (52-53cm) 6½-6 5/8
Medium 21 1/8-21½” (54-55cm) 6¾-6 7/8
Large 21 7/8″ – 22¼” (56-57cm) 7-7 1/8
Extra Large 22 5/8-23 7/8” (58-61cm) 7¼-75/8

Pros-My Reasons Why I Would Purchase

ASTM-SEI certified-please see my post on ASTM Certification Specifics
Made to be flexible
It is lightweight
Comes with a rear reflective strip
equipped with a flexible visor
It has an extra padding piece the attach or detaches easily at the back rear area of the helmet. This piece adds extra protection
Has 9 air vents to let air into the helmet. Often riders overheat in the summer riding conditions
Can be worn stylishly for eventing, western, dressage, or showing riding
ABS material provides superior impact resistance

Cons-Things To Be Aware Of

If you are bothered by a snug helmet, maybe a reconsideration is necessary. This helmet is a bit snug for some
Imported from Canada. If you are looking for Made in the USA.

My Summation for This Review and What I think

In the overall view of this western style riding safety helmet, I believe that any rider would be very fortunate to own and ride with the Tipperary Sportage 8500 helmet.

I have found that the helmet is versatile for different types of riding, and it just fits in. The style is not a drawback.

You will have no problem with it embarrassing you with its looks.

It is lightweight, comfortable, is cool to wear in the summer, and it is not hard to look at, it is easy on the eyes.

Some riding helmets in the past were known to be ugly, the function was fine, but the look was not fitting under any circumstances.

So now with this helmet, you can have maximum protection, and you won’t even notice because you are very comfortable and protected.

Tipperary Sportage Western Riding Helmet Low Profile White

Pricing Ranges You Should Check Out
In shopping you will find that there are different colors of the Tipperary Sportage available to be purchased.

As the model type changes so do the price of the riding helmet. Here are a couple examples of the current hot models and click to get today’s price for you.

A very Hot Choice is the White Tipperary Sportage Model.

It is sleek and eye-catching, I believe you will agree. You can check the price for purchasing today!

Tipperary Sportage Western Riding Helmet Low Profile Navy Blue

While looking at the Tipperary Sportage it is also ready to be purchased in a Navy Blue color choice.

In Navy Blue take a look at how elegant, and sleek it will look on you. All the features are here as previously discussed.

You will not be overheated wearing this riding safety helmet.

Please also don’t forget all the benefits you will have for yourself when picking the Navy Blue Sportage Helmet.

Tipperary Sportage Hybrid Helmet L Black/Black

So a further discussion of Tipperary riding helmet selections will bring you to the Tipperary Sportage Hybrid helmet series.

There are different colors and different price ranges to choose from in shopping and buying your horse riding helmet selection.

The pricing generally has ranged generally speaking, from Around $75.00-$160.00.

Sometimes a little less, sometimes more. You can click to get today’s price from Amazon.

Please don’t forget you will be getting Amazon’s satisfaction guarantee along with the savings on your purchase. for more information on that guarantee go to Amazon A-to-z Guarantee

6 Top Reasons to Love Your Resistol Cowboy Hat

Western Range Rider

You Will Never Give Up a Resistol Cowboy Hat

Being a cowboy is a fun life. It is also a lot of work. Wearing a Resistol cowboy hat would qualify you as a real cowboy.

If you are a cowboy you are either all in or you aren’t a real cowboy.

People who are real cowboys know what a Resistol cowboy hat is and what it represents to a cowboy. These western riding hats are made for all cowboys and all situations a cowboy will find himself in.

Everything from a working cowboy to a Saturday night going out cowboy. You have a look that announces you are a cowboy. No faking it.

Even people who are not real cowboys seek out buying a Resistol cowboy hat, to be part of the scene. So they obviously would go buy another cowboy hat that may be found somewhere other than a cowboy supply business.

There are other manufacturers who make cowboy hats but in our opinion, none are built as well, respected and have the history of a Resistol cowboy hat.

6 Top Reasons Why Resistol Is It

Let’s go over why we believe cowboy hats made by Resistol are your best choice for purchasing your cowboy hat.

6 Top reasons for making your choice one of several vintage Resistol cowboy hats to choose from.

All Resistol cowboy hats are made in the USA. They are all 100% handcrafted in the State of Texas, USA.
Their raw body factory is in Longview, Texas plant and then their finishing plant is in Garland, Texas.
They have a long history as a long-lasting, and enduring product which takes the beatings a vintage cowboy hat will need to take. They are time tested to last. History has proven this to be true. This stellar company has been around since 1927.
The Legacy of the Resistol Vintage Cowboy hats speaks volumes. Their customers are extremely loyal to the brand. Generations of Cowboys have worn and continue to wear Resistol western hats as part of their everyday attire. Fathers have passed down the tradition of wearing a Resistol western hats to their sons.
Resistol gives you a broad selection of choices and styles. We can choose from a selection of felt cowboy hats(13 hats in this category), Straw cowboy hats (12 different hats to choose from) and what they call the John Wayne Collection has 5 cowboy hats in it as well.
The cowboy hats are manufactured by Resistol using only the best raw materials available. They use a blend of rabbit,mink,sable and beaver furs to use in the felting process.
Resistol uses only fur in the felting process. Most other hat companies use a 95% wool to 5% fur blend in their hats.
They use a rating system to focus on the durability of their hats. An XXXX hat is the most durable and an X is the lower on the durability scale. The higher the X count for durability is based on the 4X hat having the highest percentage of beaver fur in the blend for the hat.
So the more durable the hat the more beaver fur in the hat.

Look At a Couple of Samples From Resistol & Amazon

Resistol Men’s Wildfire Hat, Natural, 7 3/8

May we suggest these two western cowboy hats as popular choices among customers today.

A best seller from Resistol on Amazon. The customers are very enthusiastic about the style of this hat. This is easy to buy from the comfort of your home.

Here is Choice A. This A moderate seller on Amazon. A very attractive dress Cowboy hat from Resistol.

Resistol Jason Aldean Hicktown – Mexican Palm Straw Cowboy Hat (Medium)

Now may we suggest the second style of these two western cowboy hats. This one seems to be doing well right now.

Here is another best seller from Resistol & Amazon. The customers are very enthusiastic about the style of this hat. We make this easy to buy from the comfort of your home.

Here is Choice B. A Popular selling Cowboy hat made in conjunction with Country & Western Musician Jason Aldean.

Company Video Shows the Manufacturing Process

It’s A Slam Dunk Resistol Is the Best

You can search the world over, and it appears after I completed my research that these cowboy hats are the best available for you to own.

They have a complete selection of working cowboy hats to going out dress cowboy hats. Their hats are not only stylish but they also cover the look desired by cowboys across the world.

The hats can be purchased as straw hats, felt hats, and they even make great wool hats for you.

The hats are all precisely blocked out individually for each customer and they each have a sewn-in leather sweat brim and are lined with a satin lining. A product that is built to last.

So why not order one up for yourself now. Take a look at just a few of the choices.

Resistol Men’s 6X Midnight Fur Felt Cowboy Hat Silverbelly 7 1/4

I am ready to add one of the vintage Resistol cowboy hats
to my cowboy attire today.

Buy from Amazon the selection is wide and their service is tops.

Easy to buy from the comfort of your home.

Resistol Mens Amarillo Sky Palm 4 1/8 Brim Straw Cowboy Hat XL NaturalResistol Men’s 2X Pageant Wool Felt Cowboy Hat White 7 1/2

Resistol RideSafe Western Hat Helmet

Western Range Rider

Resisting a Resistol Ridesafe Western Hat Helmet Is Hard

There is a real health injury problem in the horse riding community. Think about researching and buying a Resistol RideSafe western hat helmet as a solution and protection for you.

If you are a western horse rider you should be seriously be thinking about your head safety.

The safety issue isn’t new, it is just to a point where the riders are thinking they should maybe be doing something and now that some manufacturers are providing good choices for wearing and for maintaining the real cowboy look, why not invest in your own safety today.

Western Riding Head Safety Isn’t New

So we have written other articles in the past about the importance of wearing a safety helmet when riding a horse.

Our other articles are titled, Western Riding Helmets-Should They Be Worn?, Do You Have A Troxel Cheyenne Rowdy Riding Helmet? and Cowboy Hat Helmets Help You Protect Yourself.

A recent article we posted talks about the importance of buying a certified by the ASTM/SEI as your best option in really protecting yourself. This article may be found here, Buy Only a Riding Helmet Certified By ASTM

These are all great reads, and now we add another strongly investigated resource for your information.

It is imperative to the rider that he or she would be protected from any serious head injuries when riding a horse. This isn’t now nor has it ever been fun and games for the rider.

The rider, as well as the parents, both would like to be protected from a riding fall.

But from the young adults or even better yet your younger child who is learning to ride, they have always resisted a riding helmet.

This has been mostly due to the appearances of western horse riding with a silly looking horse riding helmet.

So why is the Resistol conquering the support of all ages of riders, and garnering support in the favor of wearing this cowboy hat helmet?

One main reason is that the helmet does provide the protection but without giving up the traditional cowboy hat appearance. This Is very important to the western horse rider.

Western Horse Riding Safety Helmet Passes Mustard

Resistol RideSafe Western Hat Helmet Medium

I have found that the magic bullet for western horse safety riding is here now and available for all ages as great protective headgear.

It ‘s called the Resistol Ridesafe a great looking western helmet hat the passes all the inspections and bears the ASTM/REI certifications for safety.

It also has to look like I am wearing a cowboy hat, not a riding safety helmet. This helmet passes the eye test to the horse riding of today’s western horse community.

Injury Report Facts As Collected

Over 11,759 people visited emergency rooms for horseback riding related head injuries. That is way too many head injuries treated at emergency rooms in hospitals for head injuries from horseback riding.

This is according to National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) information. Very sad, but true, we believe many of these which could have been prevented with the Resistol RideSafe western hat helmet.

This is from Resistol’s home website. So as you can see there are thousands of injuries that could have been helped out with protective head gear used and in place.

Features of This Helmet

Resistol RideSafe is a genuine 7X fur felt cowboy hat 7X fur felt 100% pure felt including the brim Brim may be shaped just like your favorite cowboy hat
New Comfort Dial ASTM/SEI approved
Made in the Resistol Factories in Texas, With the Main office in Garland, Texas, USA
Item Specifications: Color: Black Measurements: xx Small: 6 3/8 – 6 1/2″ x Small: 6 1/2 – 6 5/8″ Small: 6 3/4 – 6 7/8″ Medium: 7 – 7 1/8″ Large: 7 1/4 – 7 3/8″

An interview with Ricky Bolin, President of Resistol unveiling the new Resistrol Ridesafe cowboy hat.

Some Questions and Answers

Question: What is the best way to clean my headgear?

The Resistol RideSafe headgear can be cleaned by using a clean damp cloth on the plastic parts and a soft brush on the hat portion.

Question: How should the Ridesafe be stored?

The protective materials in your headgear are sensitive to extreme heat, so your headgear should always be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Do not leave your headgear in a car on a hot day or it may be damaged.

Question: Do you make the RideSafe for extra-small or extra-large heads?

Headgear must fit properly for optimum performance. To find the most comfortable fit for your headgear, follow the headgear fit guide to find your correct size.

Miscellaneous comments that will help you in your decision

Resistol RideSafe Western Hat Helmet Medium

Please contact Resistol Customer Service if you have any questions. You can contact Resistol for customer service by going to this link, Resistol Hats.
The felt or straw hat is made in Garland, Texas and the brim can be shaped to your style.
The hat distributes the force of an impact while resisting penetration
The inside of the hat uses impact absorbing EPS. This high-density foam crushes to absorb the energy of an impact. The high impact foam inside the hat protects the top of your head.
a high-density shell and foam helps protect the lower back of your head
Use a comfort dial to fine tune the fit to exactly how you want it for an unmatched level of comfort and security.
The Ridesafe also uses a retention system that uses adjustable straps to keep the hat securely on your head no matter how hard the ride

So in summation we have built with ample evidence why a Resistol cowboy hat helmet should be considered by all riders in today’s riding world.

You can still look like a cowboy and be safe. Protect your head and your life. It’s invaluable to all who love you.

Buy Only a Riding Helmet Certified By ASTM

Western Range Rider

What Does Buy Only a Riding Helmet Certified By ASTM Mean

When you are looking to purchase a horse riding safety helmet please be reminded to buy only a riding helmet certified by ASTM.

This will ensure the maximum protection for the rider’s head in case of a horse riding mishap, such as being thrown off your horse and landing awkwardly.

Many injuries, some serious occur every year due to the horse suddenly throwing the rider to the ground.

It seems that the ASTM acronym is bantered about rather loosely in the riding community but that if really pressed many would not really know what this is really about.

With that thought in mind, we would like to offer this article to all involved as a resource to remind you or to share the information with all riders both young and old as to the important work the American Society for Testing Materials really does for the American and now worldwide community.

Reminding You What the ASTM Really Does

When it comes to the horse riding community you should really know or at least be reminded of what they do with the rider safety cowboy hat helmets to test them let alone what’s required to earn that seal of approval.

The ASTM puts much effort into a series of scientific test to ensure the ASTM certification is earned before they will certify a western horse riding helmet.

Some History on the ASTM

The American Society for Testing and Materials or better known by most today as simply the ASTM was formed in the year 1898. So they have been in existence for 120 years.

It is an organization that was formed by chemists and engineers from the Pennsylvania Railroad. At that time back in 1898 they were first known as the American Section of the International Association Testing and Materials.

A friendly reminder to all western horse riders: Please only purchase a safety helmet that is ASTM certified.

There initial leader and a founding member was Mr. Charles B. Dudley, PhD., a chemist with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In the year 2001, they became known only as the ASTM, as they are known today.

When you go to their website, which may be found at this address, The ASTM, you can find the mission statement which reads and I quote them on this, “Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards, developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts, and innovative services to improve lives— Helping our world …”

So How Does the Testing For Certification Work

Resistol RideSafe Western Hat Helmet Medium

So a manufacturer of rider safety helmets will submit their product for testing by the ASTM and the SEI.

After rigorous testing of a helmet, it will earn the certification only if they have passed all of the following four different tests.

So the standards are set up by the ASTM, and the testing is completed by the SEI or the Safety Equipment Institute.

If all is successful the manufacturer is then given the certification which is basically very much needed to market and sell the riding helmets.

There are different tests designed for specific sports but to earn the equestrian riding helmet certification, these are four tests the helmet must pass.
So if you are looking for an attractive riding helmet certified by ASTM, that has been newly developed not only for safety but to give you what most horse riding helmets up to this time in history have been lacking.

The look of a cowboy hat first and foremost not a riding safety helmet.

A List Of Horse Riding Helmet Tests

These tests are performed by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to ensure that helmets are being manufactured to standards that meet or exceed the ASTM standards.

ROUND ANVIL TEST
Objective: to verify the even distribution of the shock wave in order to limit the risks of traumatism.
POINTED ANVIL TEST
Objective: to verify that a sharp object will not pierce the helmet
HELMET RETENTION TEST
Objective: to verify that the helmet stays on in the event of a fall and that the harness strap system is not too long.
VISOR TEST
Objective: to verify the flexibility of the visor to prevent nasal fracture in the event of a fall.

Some Personal Insights On the Testing

When checking out the safety measures that are in place in the riding community a great source of information is the Equestrian Medical Safety Association, they have a whole staff of experts on the various areas of horse safety.

One such expert is Drusilla Malavese, who had some personal insights from the direct testing of horse riding safety helmets. You get a chance to see just how involved the testing is from these insights.

According to Dru, who served on the ASTM’s equestrian protective headgear committee since 1984, during the Round Anvil Test, the helmets are dropped onto a flat anvil from a height of about six feet from several angles and directions. “Computer sensors measure the sock from the fall that is transferred to the inside of a helmet in terms of gravity force (g). The threshold at which the most serious head injuries occur is 300g.”

The Pointed Anvil Test simulates the impact of the side of a jump or a horse’s hoof.

During the Helmet Retention Test, all straps must hold the helmet on the head without stretching beyond a certain amount.

Then, all helmets are retested again for concussion and retention after being frozen to minus 20 degrees, heated to over 120 degrees and submerged in water overnight. If the helmet still transfers no more than 300g and the strap is still effective, it earns the ASTM/SEI seal of approval.

“With all we put riding helmets through around the barn,” says Malavase, “we have to know that they are still going to protect us.”