Head injuries account for 10-30% of equestrian injuries and the majority of horse-related fatalities. Wearing a properly fitted helmet is an easy and effective way to reduce the chances of incurring a head injury in case of a fall from or with a horse. This article explains the mechanism of how helmets work, how to properly fit a helmet, and how to care for a helmet. How Helmets Work The equestrian helmets of today generally consist of a hard-outer shell, liner, and a harness.