GPA HELMET ADDED TO LIST OF APPROVED HELMETS

The National Hunter/Jumper Council of USA Equestrian is pleased to announce that the popular GPA helmet has been added to the list of ASTM/SEI certified riding helmets. Although the current model of GPA helmet worn by riders is made to ASTM standards, it is not certified by the SEI. "We have worked closely with Frantisi, Inc., who will be the United States distributor, to get the approved GPA helmet to the market," explained Joe Dotoli, Chairman of the NHJC Ad-Hoc Safety Helmet Committee. "Each approved helmet that comes on the market gives riders more choices in fit and style." The new GPA Model 4 is made with a Titanium strip within the shell.

GPA is the eighth company to offer ASTM/SEI approved riding helmets. The other seven are Aussie Rider, Charles Owens, Del Mar Helmets, International, Lexington, Polybid and Troxel. A complete list of ASTM/SEI certified helmets is on the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) website at www.seinet.org.

"We are very pleased to receive the news that the GPA is now certified by the SEI," explained Don Bassin of Frantisi, Inc. "The helmets will start shipping in the next two weeks, and we anticipate they will be available in tack stores in mid-December."

As of December 1, 2001, all junior riders at USA Equestrian recognized hunter/jumper competitions will be required to wear ASTM/SEI approved headgear. For more information, visit both the NHJC (www.nhjc.org) and USA Equestrian (www.equestrian.org) websites.

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Update on GPA4 SEI Certified Helmets

To clarify a November 9, 2001 release from the National Hunter/Jumper Council (NHJC) of USA Equestrian, there is only one model of GPA helmet, the GPA4, which has been certified as compliant with ASTM/SEI specifications. These are manufactured by LAS and distributed by Frantisi. The SEI informs us that only those GPA4 helmets manufactured and shipped after November 7, 2001, the date of SEI certification, qualify as meeting the ASTM standards and SEI certification. Other certified helmets are made by Aussie Rider, Charles Owens, Del Mar Helmets, Eurocasque, International, Lexington, Polybid, and Troxel.

The NHJC also points out that no helmet can protect against all injuries, and neither the NHJC nor USA Equestrian warrants any product. For a list of all SEI certified helmets, visit the SEI website (www.SEInet.org) and click on Certified Products. Under the heading "Equestrian Helmets" appears a list of all manufacturers and models that have been certified as meeting the ASTM standards.

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The National Hunter/Jumper Council is the official hunter/jumper discipline organization of the USA Equestrian. As such, the NHJC seeks to represent the interests of all hunter/jumper competitors, horse shows, and organizations in the United States.
The NHJC is divided into 12 geographic zones, with the chairmen and vice-chairmen from each zone serving on the Council's 30 member Board of Governors. Each chairman of the six USA Equestrian hunter/jumper discipline committees serves also, rounding out the 30 member governing board.
In addition, the NHJC has many other committees dealing with specific issues relevant to the hunter/jumper sport, such as education, grass roots, stewards, judges, show management, show standards, drugs and medications, young rider and junior jumper championships, and planning.
The NHJC is also committed to communicating with its hunter/jumper constituency through a variety of media, including "Equestrian" magazine, the NHJC website (www.nhjc.org), and its quarterly newsletter, "The Council Connection." For more information, contact Marnye Langer, Director of Communications.