A new helmet program joins an existing one: Hear what the top riders are saying about this generous -- and unexpected -- grant, and what NSA medical personnel say is driving the modern focus on protecting the one part of your body that doesn’t always heal. 

By Betsy Burke Parker

Licensed steeplechase jockeys will benefit from a new program that reimburses the cost of purchasing a new helmet every year. 

The Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation initiative joins an existing program that pays to replace the helmet of any licensed rider that takes a fall in a National Steeplechase Association-sanctioned race. 

NSA’s Rosella Hunter says there are currently 37 licensed riders, 11 of them listed as professionals. All of them are eligible.

Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation president Kathy Neilson, herself an active amateur jockey in the 1990s and early 2000s, says that the helmet upgrade “was made possible by a grant from a generous donor, acknowledging that helmet replacement is an important foundational feature of rider health and welfare, and supporting the NSA’s comprehensive safety protocols.”

Recognizing the different preferences in brands and styles of active riders, the foundation doesn’t “give” helmets to riders; instead, riders can apply for reimbursement each year, paid back up to $500.  

To be approved, helmets must carry either the ASTM’s SEI label or the British Standards Institute EN 1384, PAS 015.

Another benefit of the reimbursement program is that riders can do their own research and upgrade annually as new science perfects lightweight protection offered by the latest jockey skull cap offerings. 

“The new mips technology is ideally going to help prevent concussions or lesson the severity. Hopefully everyone takes advantage of this wonderful opportunity,” Neilson says.

Jockeys Bernie Dalton and Gerard Galligan at the Aiken Spring Steeplechase (Tod Marks photo for the National Steeplechase Association)

How it happened 

The new TGSF program got started from a casual conversation. 

"I’d (given) a presentation at the NSA race chair meeting in Charlottesville in January, letting them know who TGSF is and what we do," says TGSF director Alissa Norman. Charlottesville-based amateur jockey Zach Miller “came up to me at cocktail hour and pitched the idea for new helmets annually for jockeys. I liked it, and sent it on to our trustees. 

“The trustees loved the idea, but we couldn't make it work in our existing budget. This is where Zach was able to work his magic,” identifying and securing a grant donor.  

"I pitched the idea of funding a proactive replacement program" to the donor, Miller says. "It was approved by my organization, and through the heroic efforts of Alissa and Rosella to package the logistics of implementation in a way that the TGSF board could get behind, we’re up and running."

“The Gwathmey Foundation provides the necessary 501(c)3 non-profit beneficiary-status needed for acceptance and distribution of the funds from Zach's organization," Norman explains the nuances of the generous funding. “One of TGSF's chief missions is safety, so this fits right into our story, and bolsters the program we already have in place for jockeys that replaces helmets after they have had a fall."

“Race day helmets should be replaced annually, regardless of condition, even if it hasn’t sustained the impact of a fall. This program will make that practice attainable.

“Our goal is to have each and every one of our eligible jockeys in a new helmet as soon as possible.”

Riders that have already purchased a helmet this year can apply for reimbursement retroactively.

Norman notes that the new helmet-every-year program does not take the place of an existing Gwathmey Foundation program which replaces safety helmets when a jockey has a fall.  

Long an NSA steward and one of the association’s safety commissioners, former professional jump rider and longtime physician’s assistant Gregg Morris is impressed with both the replacement and renewal programs. “This sounds like an important project,” Morris says, noting that standards have methodically improved over the years as knowledge of medical science tracks manufacturing capabilities. “I was a vest-less, caliente helmet guy for pretty much the duration of my riding career.”

Morris had teamed with Vanderbilt University surgeon Dr. Craig Ferrell in 2013 to create the original baseline concussion test still used for jump riders today. 

What they’re saying: 

NSA president Al Griffin: 

“Champion (a British brand of jockey skull caps, riding helmets and other safety gear) had a big discount on them for licensed jockeys for a short period of time (back in the 1980s), but this is a first for an annual free helmet to start the season."

Current leading jockey Parker Hendriks: 

“I wear a KEP helmet, an Italian brand. I buy mine from jockeytack.com in Florida. 

I’ve worn them for about five years now and don’t think I’ll change out of them anytime soon. They cost about $650. I like them because they fit my head really well, and they’re light. 

I have used the (helmet replacement) program a couple times before, and I try and get a new one if I hit my head or every season. 

I have one (KEP helmet) for riding out, one for racing and a spare one. 

I had a bad fall last May, and I’m lucky it wasn’t any worse than it was. (I believe that) my helmet protected me well, though I’m not sure I can quantify that. 

I really appreciate the TGSF paying for a majority of our helmets, and it’s good to encourage people to replace their helmets regularly."

Bernie Dalton, currently second on the riders’ leaderboard: 

“I wear an (English-made) Champion (skull cap.) I find them a good fit. 

I (was already in the habit to) get a new one each season and use the old one for riding out. 

I haven’t yet used the TGSF program funds but I should!"

Harrison Beswick, currently fourth on the riders’ leaderboard: 

“I am currently wearing a Champion. They're around $300. 

I don't plan to change – they fit very well. 

I have taken advantage of the very charitable Temple Gwathmey Foundation program …. I had a very bad fall at Aiken last year, and they reimbursed the purchase of my new helmet in full. 

I currently have one helmet for riding out and my other for racing. 

I've never really strayed far from the Champion or Charles Owen in my career. I've always felt very safe and comfortable in them. 

This (extra help from the TGS) fund and the other means of support towards jockeys are vital and very much appreciated by all of us."