Lexington, KY(June 7th)- Organized by the popular Helmet Awareness Campaign Riders4Helmets, International Helmet Awareness Day to be held Saturday June 11th, has attracted widespread support. Riders4Helmets has teamed up with leading helmet manufacturers to offer discounts on helmets to equestrians via participating retailers globally on this date. Over 420 retailers in the US, Canada, UK and Australia have already signed up, with the number continuing to increase. 

The event was created in 2010 to support the Riders4Helmets campaign, designed to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing properly secured and fitting, certified helmets. Such was the success of the 2010 event in the US, that the decision was made to make the event a global one this year. "We are delighted at the support that has been shown by manufacturers, retailers, organizations and leading equestrians," said Lyndsey White, co-founder of the riders4helmets campaign.

Helmet brands that have committed involvement in the promotion in the USA include: Samshield, Troxel, Charles Owen, GPA, Aegis (Devon-Aire), Pegasus, Tipperary, Ovation, IRH, and, KEP Italia. 

Individuals or organizations wishing to hold an event to recognize International Helmet Awareness Day may email [email protected] for helmet awareness graphics and other support materials. "You can participate and show your support just by wearing a helmet on June 11th, no matter whether you are trail riding, showing or competing" said White. "Additionally, Riders4Helmets logo wear is available for purchase at www.equestriancollections.com for equestrians who wish to show their support for the campaign."

Equestrians may visit www.riders4helmets.com and view the International Helmet Awareness Day page to locate their nearest participating retailer. Manufacturers or retailers wishing to participate in the event may visit the website for details on how to become involved and to download promotional support materials.
For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign, visit www.riders4helmets.com or contact Lyndsey White at [email protected]. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets and http://twitter.com/riders4helmets. The campaign is officially endorsed by USEF, USEA, USDF, USHJA, AETA, ARIA, EAF, CHA, PRO, EMSA and many leading equestrians.

Riders4Helmets was founded in early 2010 after Olympic dressage rider Courtney King Dye was seriously injured in a riding accident. King Dye, who remained in a coma for a month following her accident, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.  Jeri Bryant donated her helmet campaign t-shirts (featuring the slogan "Strap One On - Everyone's Doing it") to an eBay store set up to raise funds for King Dye, and a partnership was formed with Lyndsey White, resulting in the Riders4Helmets campaign.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.