The most common myths about equestrian safety – what do riders still believe?

Horse riding is a beautiful, demanding, and… unpredictable sport. Regardless of skill level, every rider knows that interacting with a horse involves working with a living, instinctive animal. Therefore, protective equipment is not just an accessory, but the foundation of responsible riding. Despite this, many myths still circulate in the equestrian community, which can lead to poor decisions and a false sense of security. Below, we address the most common ones!

MYTH 1: A helmet only needs to be replaced if it breaks after a fall.

FACT: A helmet can be damaged even if it appears intact.

Many riders still mistakenly assume that as long as there's no visible damage to the helmet, everything is fine. However, the helmet's design works like the crumple zone in a car—its purpose is to absorb impact energy, not necessarily "show" that it has done so. The inner layers can undergo micro-cracks or deformations, which aren't visible from the outside but significantly reduce the level of protection. The absence of a crack is no proof that the helmet is still functioning properly. It's the invisible damage that's most insidious, providing a false sense of security.

MYTH 2: After every fall, the helmet must be replaced.

FACT: For premium brands, helmet diagnostics are possible.

The belief that a helmet needs to be replaced after a fall is often based on caution, but in practice, this isn't always justified. Premium brands offer professional diagnostics that allow for an assessment of the helmet's actual condition after the event . Manufacturers such as KEP and Samshield offer X-rays and internal structure analysis, allowing you to determine whether any damage has occurred that would disqualify the helmet from further use. This assessment is more precise than automatic "just in case" replacements and allows for decisions based on facts, not guesswork.

MYTH 3: If a helmet is expensive, it protects better in every situation.

FACT: Price is no substitute for fit and certification.

The price of a helmet often goes hand in hand with the quality of materials, design, and comfort of use, but it doesn't guarantee safety if the helmet doesn't fit properly . Even the most advanced model won't fulfill its function if it's too loose, shifts while riding, or doesn't conform to the shape of the rider's head. Certifications confirming the level of protection, proper size, and proper fit are crucial. An expensive helmet can convey a sense of prestige, but if it doesn't fit perfectly, it becomes merely an expensive gadget that provides no real safety.

MYTH 4: A helmet only protects your head – everything else is overkill.

FACT: Head injury is only part of the risk.

This is one of the most dangerous myths, suggesting that head protection is sufficient to minimize the risk of an accident. However, horse riding is a sport in which a fall can strain the entire body—from the spine, through the chest, to the neck and ribs. Many serious injuries don't involve the head at all, but rather those areas not protected by a helmet. A responsible rider should consider safety holistically: a helmet is fundamental, but only when combined with a protective vest or airbag does it create a real barrier against the effects of unpredictable situations. Safety is a system, not a single element.

MYTH 5: Modern protective vests are stiff and restrict movement.

FACT: Today's vests are designed with the rider's natural body movement in mind.

Such beliefs stem from a time when vests were indeed heavy, hard, and inflexible. Today's models, however, have little in common with those days. Modern vests are designed with the rider's biomechanics in mind—they work with the body, not against it. Flexible materials, a segmented design, and an ergonomic fit mean that a well-fitting vest practically "disappears" while riding. If a rider feels stiff or restricted in movement, it most often indicates the wrong size or poor fit, not a technical defect.

MYTH 6: An airbag vest can explode at any time.

FACT: Airbags do not activate automatically.

The fear of an airbag "self-exploding" may stem primarily from a lack of understanding of how the system works. The activation mechanism is very precise and only triggers when the rider separates from the horse and the safety line is suddenly severed . Normal movements, energetic transitions, jumps, or even sudden stops cannot trigger activation. An airbag is not a pyrotechnic device that can be accidentally activated—it is a controlled safety system, designed to respond only in situations of real danger.

MYTH 7: Recreational horse riding does not require special protection.

FACT: Most injuries occur outside of competitive sports.

This is one of the most misleading myths, suggesting that risk only occurs when a rider competes. Despite this, statistics show that most injuries occur during recreational riding —when alertness wanes and routine replaces concentration. Recreation often means a more relaxed atmosphere, a lack of full equipment, and less focus on technique. And the horse, regardless of the rider's skill level, remains an animal that reacts instinctively. Therefore, protection isn't reserved for athletes—it's necessary for everyone who mounts a horse, regardless of their riding pace or athletic ambitions.

MYTH 8: If I've been riding for years, I know what I'm doing - the equipment is secondary

FACT: Experience reduces errors but does not eliminate risk.

Experience in the saddle is a huge asset, but it doesn't guarantee immunity from the unpredictability of horses. Even the most conscious, technical rider can find themselves in situations that are impossible to predict or control—a horse might spook, stumble, swerve, or react instinctively to a stimulus the rider doesn't even notice. Routine often lowers alertness, and it's experienced riders who suffer the most serious injuries because they're more likely to ride "freely," without full protection. Protective equipment isn't a sign of a lack of skill—it's a sensible safeguard against the consequences of situations beyond our control, regardless of experience in the saddle.

MYTH 9: Certificates are just marketing paper

FACT: Certificates are the result of real impact and durability tests.

Certifications aren't just for show or advertising—they're the result of real, demanding tests that verify the resistance of helmets and vests to impacts, overloads, and deformation . Standards such as EN, NF, and VG1 define the minimum level of protection that equipment must meet before it can be marketed. The lack of a certificate means the product hasn't undergone any official testing, and its effectiveness is based solely on the manufacturer's declarations. For equipment designed to protect health and life, this is clearly insufficient.

MYTH 10: Children learn faster without protective equipment

FACT: Security builds confidence.

Such beliefs are not only false but also dangerous. Children learn faster when they feel safe —they are then calmer, more focused, and more willing to take on new challenges. Protective equipment doesn't hinder their development, but provides them with the psychological comfort that allows them to focus on learning, not on the fear of falling. An injury at a young age can discourage riding for years, sometimes permanently. A properly fitted helmet or vest doesn't hinder learning—on the contrary, they create conditions in which a child can develop harmoniously and safely .

To sum up

Safety in equestrian riding isn't based on luck or experience, but on informed decisions and well-chosen protective equipment. Debunking myths is the first step to riding more confidently, smarter, and with greater respect for your health. A helmet, vest, or airbag aren't accessories—they're real shields that can make the difference between the severity of an injury and an unexpected outcome.

If you want to choose protective equipment tailored to your needs, it's worth using trusted sources that offer certified products and professional advice. One such source is Equishop , a store where you'll find premium helmets and vests, as well as support in selecting the right size and model.

A conscious choice is the best investment in safety – regardless of whether you ride recreationally, for sport, or simply love spending time in the saddle.