by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 8, 2022
In the wake of Virginia Institute of Technology’s new helmet ratings (to read about them, click on this link) helmet manufacturers are replying.
Here is the comment from Tipperay Equestrian:
Now that the much-anticipated results from the Virginia Tech equestrian helmet study are available, Tipperary Equestrian can review and apply these learnings to our manufacturing process and continue to provide you with the best equestrian protective gear.
Product advancements in protective equipment often come from independent innovators, Mips® for example. A person or company has an idea that they study, research, and develop, then work with manufacturers to apply new technology or a concept to their products. The Virginia Tech study is a great example of this.
Much like we did with Mips®, it is our job to stay on top of innovations and update our processes accordingly. Regarding the VT results, we must explore how to incorporate the new learnings while ensuring that we continue to meet the ASTM F1163-15 equestrian standard; a requirement for us as a North American brand. Most importantly, the VT evaluation is weighted towards low velocity impacts, while the current ASTM standard focuses on high velocity impacts known to cause catastrophic injuries like a skull fracture, or worse. Both impact types are entirely possible and now that the importance of low velocity impacts has been brought to light by VT, addressing both vastly different fall scenarios is necessary.
Important for all equestrians to know, the ASTM standard is updated every 5 years to capture new research. We’re eager to see the update and subsequent changes in the equestrian industry, which is unfortunately often the last to see new innovations. Other sports get this treatment first; just as Mips® was initially seen in cycling, and the VT ratings began in Football. We encourage all organizations who have the ability, time, and resources to help make our sport better. Tipperary Equestrian is always open to new information; it is the only way forward.
This is One K’s response:
As you are likely aware, Virginia Tech has published a study of 40 equestrian helmets that have been tested and assigned a rating using their STAR evaluation system. The safety of our consumers is a top priority for One K , and they know that selecting the right helmet means finding one that performs on impact and is properly sized and fitted. We applaud the efforts of Virginia Tech to explore these helmet safety issues.
Please note that the VA Tech rating system is not a pass/fail system. OneK helmets have passed the safety standards for equestrian helmets set by ASGTM F1163-15. Those results are then certified by the Safety Equipment Institute “SEI. It is important to note that the ASTM standard is based upon high impact falls that could result in catastrophic injury. Helmets built to the highest levels of this standard often do not score high on studies that include low impacts. It has been our mission to supply products that meet or exceed those standards for protection. VA Tech expressly acknowledges that helmets pass ASTM F1163-15 and thus are considered safe. Additionally, they are tested to and certified by CE to the European standards EN 1384:2014 and VG1 01.040 2014-2.
One K in the prestigious 2021 Folksam’s test in Sweden earned top ratings for safety
We view the VA Tech test as an opportunity to take these additional learnings and apply them to continue to deliver safe, durable, and high-quality helmets to the English rider.
The Mips response from Sweden:
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has just released their ratings of equestrian helmets, the first time to apply their STAR evaluation system to them. At Mips, we welcome the new benchmark initiative to evaluate equestrian helmets, yet aspects of the test and rating methods leave room for improvement.
Mips, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, provides the Mips® safety system, which is intended to help reduce harmful rotational motion that might be otherwise transferred to the user’s head for certain impacts.
After carefully evaluating the test method and ratings process, Mips believes that the STAR ratings system should adopt additional testing methods. Mips Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer Peter Halldin further explains below:
● The Virginia Tech rating program conducts tests to the helmet that primarily include compression forces to the helmet, mimicking an accident situation where the rider falls straight towards the ground, a vertical velocity relative to the ground.
● However, even if rotational kinematics are measured, rotation is principally induced due to the head rotating around the neck, not at the first contact with the impacting surface.
● If a horse and its rider have a speed forward during their fall, there will be both vertical and horizontal velocity relative to the ground, and rotation could also be induced at the initial contact with the ground due to tangential force. To be able to replicate this phenomenon another test method is required.
● This could explain the discrepancy between Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s ratings, and those from Swedish insurance company Folksam; for example, a helmet rated 1-star by Virginia Tech are rated 5-star by Folksam.
● The Folksam rating program includes impacts that have a tangential force acting on the helmet, which we suggest Virginia Tech implements to complement their current test method.
● Additionally, the Virginia Tech rating system weights the front impact location and the lower impact velocity of 4.0 m/s higher than the impact velocity of 6.3 m/s. Therefore, the final rating of the helmets in the Virginia Tech rating program is more dependent on the performance of the front of the helmet and low velocity impacts.
While we appreciate the new initiatives to evaluate equestrian helmets and promote helmet safety more generally, we at Mips believe that the new rating systems may be cause for confusion.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 7, 2022
Virginia Tech just released the safety ratings for 40 equestrian helmets following an initiative undertaken with funding from eventing supporter Jacqueline Mars, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, U.S. Eventing Association and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association.
The project involves the same system Virginia Tech uses for its football helmet ratings. The best helmets get the most stars. The interesting thing is the wide variance in price among the top choices. So yes, you can afford a top-rated helmet. Click here to see where your helmet fits in.
Over the past two years, Virginia Tech researchers analyzed over 100 videos of riders falling off horses, precisely measured the hardness of the sand, dirt, grass, and synthetic surfaces underfoot at equestrian events, and dragged dummy heads and other equipment — and boxes and boxes of helmets — out to Virginia Tech’s equestrian facilities to simulate falls.
Then the team of researchers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics took all that data back to the lab to recreate those events in a series of controlled, quantitative tests. They used those tests to assess 40 equestrian helmets from different manufacturers. The result is the first set of equestrian helmet ratings from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab.
If a rider’s head hits the ground in a fall, their helmet can determine whether the rider makes it through without an injury. That’s why the Helmet Lab wanted to determine which helmets perform better than others. Of the 40 models included in this initial set of ratings, two earned the top score of five stars. Eleven earned four, and the rest earned three or below. Price isn’t necessarily a predictor of quality: One of the two five-star helmets retails for $460, and the other for $58.
The ratings apply to falls that occur at all gaits, as well as jumping.
The lab’s extensive testing also shed more light on what happens during real impact in the equestrian arena and illuminated some gaps between the required safety standards these helmets have to pass before going on the market and the actual impact they’re subjected to when a rider is wearing them.
“Standards for equestrian helmets are typically based on severe impacts,” said Stefan Duma, director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science at Virginia Tech.
“What we found is that a lot of riders come off at lower velocities, and many helmets are too stiff to effectively cushion those softer impacts. The helmets that perform better are able to deal with different energy levels.”
Virginia Tech’s ratings also go beyond the existing standards by using a formula that considers the rotational acceleration that occurs when a rider’s head hits the ground, in addition to linear acceleration.
This is the lab’s ninth major ratings release since researchers began rating helmets in 2011. They have tested and rated helmets for varsity, youth, and flag football; soccer; cycling; hockey; snow sports; and whitewater sports, transforming the science of sports safety by giving athletes, parents, and coaches unbiased, quantitative data they can use to choose the safest equipment.
“With every sport we look at we go through detailed analysis to make sure that the biomechanics we’re testing relate specifically to those athletes,” said the director.
“For these ratings, we determined what the acceleration profile would look like for a rider falling on the ground. Then we take that trace and bring it into the lab and recreate it, to make sure that our testing matches what a rider would experience if they fell off a horse.”
The pendulum impactor used for the equestrian helmet testing sits in a lab space outfitted with custom-built test equipment in the basement of the headquarters of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science.
When the pendulum strikes a head form protected by one of the helmets being tested, sensors inside the head form record the blow. Each helmet model was tested at three impact locations and two impact speeds that are representative of real-world falls.
T“The U.S. Equestrian Federation is not only fully committed to the welfare and protection of horses but also of our people,” said David O’Connor, chief of sport at the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
“The launch of the rating system developed through the helmet research done by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is an exponential step in improving equipment in the world that will reduce the risk of injuries. We are proud to have supported this research and congratulate the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on their progressive work for the benefit of all equestrians.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 8, 2022
The amazing blind Appaloosa Endo, who has the ultimate trust in his rider, is always busy. Now he has set the mark high again in the Guinness World Records. Read a story we ran about him in 2020 by clicking here.
To learn about this amazing horse’s current accomplishments in jumping and dressage, go to this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 16, 2022
World Dressage Champion Lottie Fry of Great Britain picked the right place to be close to perfect with the magnificent Glamourdale, winnning the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle at the London International Horse Show tonight.
Her overall score was 90.995 percent, but one of the five judges gave the 26-year-old rider an artistic marking of 98 percent, totally amazing. Lottie’s total bettered her world championships freestyle mark of 90.654 on the 11-year-old black stallion.
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale enjoy their victory lap in London. (Photo courtesy FEI)
“The support from the crowd tonight was incredible, and to end this amazing year here is wonderful! It is almost impossible to sum up 2022–it has been incredible and coming to London and performing in front of my home crowd is the best feeling and the best way to end the year,” Lottie said.
Talking about Glamourdale’s performance tonight, she added, “I had such an easy, fun ride. He is better than he was in Herning (world championships) and we keep improving, so I can’t wait for the years to come. Paris (Olympic Games 2024) is for sure the goal, and we will see how it goes until then”.
Glamourdale and Lottie Fry at the World Championships, where they were stars.
Her countryman, Gareth Hughes and Classic Briolinca, also a Dutchbred, were second but far behind, even on a very respectable score of 84.590 percent.
Third went to Germany’s Ingrid Klimke, better known as an eventer, who finished on 82.170 percent with Franzikus FRH. Ingrid leads the Western European League as she seeks to qualify for the Cup finals this spring in Omaha.
To see all the scores, click on this link.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 11, 2022
With tears running down his face, McLain Ward talked about his stunning victory today in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva, Switzerland, aboard the 16-year-old HH Azur.
A double exposure of a victorious McLain Ward on HH Azur juxtaposed against an overall shot of the Palexpo arena.
“It’s something I always dreamed of,” he said, after putting in an amazing time of 38.43 seconds to defeat hometown hero and defending champion Martin Fuchs of Switzerland on Leone Jei, clear in 39.77 seconds.
Coming down to the final obstacle in the race against the clock, Azur put in an extra stutter stride that seemed certain to result in toppling one of the green and yellow rails.
Yet miraculously, everything stayed in place to assure McLain’s win in the prestigious class at the Palexpo Arena, which looked like Aachen moved indoors with its lake and trees.
“I don’t know how she cleared the last fence. Really amazing,” declared McLain, only the third American to win the featured class in the history of Geneva’s December show..
“But that’s what you have to do to beat Martin Fuchs.”
Rolex runner-up Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei.
His face a study in joy and amazement, McLain started celebrating as soon as he realized he had done it, waving and fist-pumping as joy washed over him.
McLain added about his 2017 World Cup champion, “Azur is an incredible partner and friend. ”
He offered thanks to her team and owners, mentioning the late Hunter Harrison and his father, Barney Ward, who he is sure was looking down on his effort today.
McLain had the fastest time with Contagious on Friday in the Rolex International Jumper Riders Club Top Ten Finals, but finished fourth with a rail down. He kept up the speed quotient of that performance today, going fastest in the first round of 40 starters, which gave him the advantage of running last in the 13-horse jump-off, where he aimed at Martin’s time.
Martin Fuchs and McLain Ward.
World Champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, winner of the Top Ten on King Edward, did not make the jump-off today when a rail near the end of the course scuttled his chances.
Germany’s Daniel Deusser, who was looking to clinch his second segment of the four-part Rolex Grand Slam after winning the competition at Spruce Meadows in September, wound up sixth on Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in 42.58 seconds.
The Grand Slam cycle starts again next year in s’-Hertogenbosch, Holland, and you can bet McLain will be there at the Dutch Masters, looking toward a sweep to take the bonus.
Scott Brash of Great Britain became the first rider to take the Grand Slam in 2015.
Despite not winning the featured class in Geneva, Martin had a special day, having said on Friday that his main focus this afternoon would be on the retirement ceremony for his great star, Clooney.
Martin Fuchs shows his fondness for Clooney during the star show jumper’s retirement at Geneva.
The horse he rode to the European Championship and individual silver at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games is headed for the pasture after recovering from a broken shoulder he suffered last year in the pasture.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 8, 2022
Spain’s Santiago Varela, who designed the memorable show jumping courses for the Tokyo Olympics, will work alongside Gregory Bodo of France to lay out the routes for the show jumping competition and eventing stadium jumping phase at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Olympic team silver medalist Jessica Springsteen of the USA over one of the imaginative jumps on Santiago Varela’s Tokyo course.
FEI President Ingmar De Vos noted that “As is always the case for the Olympic Games, we went through a thorough evaluation process and selected two individuals, both of whom hold a wealth of experience and are renowned for their dedication and impeccable work ethic.
“The designs created by Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo are stunning and combine huge expertise with unique local flavor. Most importantly, they always put the horse at the core of their thought process and produce courses mindful of the welfare of both our equine and human athletes. ”
As he pointed out, the two have worked together on numerous occasions, including the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, where Santiago handled the courses and Gregory was the assistant designer.
“I am convinced that with their knowledge, creative spirit, and professional attitude, the equestrian community, the spectators and the fans around the world can expect jumping courses of the highest quality,” the FEI president continued.
“With the equestrian events scheduled to be held in Versailles with the historical château as the uniquely beautiful backdrop, these are set to be truly exceptional Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
