Program boundary: Resilient Riders provides equine-assisted wellness and educational activities. It does not diagnose, cure, or treat anxiety, autism, PTSD, depression, or any other medical or mental-health condition.
For children
- Wear the helmet staff gives or approves.
- Keep it fastened as instructed.
- Tell staff if it hurts, moves, or blocks your view.
For preteens
- A riding helmet should be designed and certified for equestrian use.
- The helmet should fit securely and be checked before riding.
- A helmet involved in an impact should be removed from use and reviewed or replaced.
For teens and adults
- Use sport-specific protective equipment that fits the rider and activity.
- Do not use a damaged, poorly fitting, or unapproved helmet.
- A helmet reduces risk but cannot prevent every injury.
Practical choices
Before mounting
- Complete the staff equipment check.
- Secure loose clothing and footwear.
- Ask about mounting and dismounting support.
- Do not ride when staff pauses the activity for safety.
Safety comes first
Riding is offered only when staff determines that the participant, horse, equipment, environment, and activity can proceed within program safety rules.
Evidence and attribution
Sources and review information
Resilient Riders wrote this page in original language after reviewing the sources below. No third-party image, worksheet, logo, assessment, or downloadable file is reproduced.
American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
Horseback Riding Safety for Children- Publication or review date
- Last updated August 8, 2022
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Copyrighted article is not copied. Resilient Riders provides an original safety summary and links to the source.
American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
Bicycling and Beyond: When Your Kids Should Wear Helmets- Publication or review date
- Last updated September 10, 2024
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Copyrighted article is not copied. Resilient Riders provides an original safety summary and links to the source.
PATH International
PATH International Standards Manual- Publication or review date
- Current standards page; publication date not stated
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Copyrighted standards are not reproduced. Resilient Riders provides an original high-level safety summary and links to PATH International.