Announcement From USEF Regarding Prohibition of Equestrian Helmet Cameras
YouTube screen grab
By: Brittany Bevis
Ever wondered what it feels like to spin with dizzying speed on an elite Reining horse, soar over a 7-foot Puissance wall, or dash for the finish line in a Triple Crown race? A simple YouTube search will result in numerous equestrian “helmet cam” videos that give viewers an in-the-saddle look at what it feels like to compete in various disciplines.
However, a statement released just last week from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) indicates that practice may be on the outs, at least in some types of equestrian competitions, pending the results of an “independent expert safety report.”
“Effective immediately and until further notice, the use of helmet cameras is prohibited at all USEF licensed and/or endorsed competitions pending the completion of an independent expert report on the safety of helmet cameras.” USEF Communications Dept.- Oct. 29th, 2014
Earlier this month, on October 17th, British Eventing, the National Governing Body for Eventing in Great Britain, released a statement prohibiting the use of helmet cameras at all BE affiliated events, pending the completion of an independent expert report on the safety use thereof. Furthermore, the statement indicated the use of such cameras has been a topic up for discussion for some time, because of concerns raised that the usage may compromise the integrity of the helmet.
These new prohibitions may have something to do with a October 2014 media report involving seven-time World Champion skier, Michael Schumacher, who sustained a traumatic brain injury during a fall in December, 2013. The situation stemmed from comments made by a journalist on a French radio station suggesting the injury may have been exacerbated due to his helmet being compromised by the GoPro camera that was attached to it.
Click here to read a October 13th story in The New York Post. Although unconfirmed, the speculation may have had some effect as GoPro stock, which went public in June, fell in New York trading in early October, according to some reports.
Only time will tell whether equestrian helmet cameras will be allowed at future USEF competitions, pending the results of the expert safety report. What’s your opinion? Do you think helmet cameras could pose a danger to a horse and rider? Does it depend on the discipline?
YouTube Links:
GoPro on Shawn Flarida and Yankee Gun in the finals of the 2012 NRHA Open Futurity
GoPro Horse Show Jumping– 2011 ride at The Oaks in San Juan, California
EquiSight Jockey Cam Comes to Colonial Downs- July 20th, Race 2 at Colonial Downs
