Table of contents
- Latest Equestrian Helmet Lawsuit Updates
- February 9, 2023: CPSC Announces Recall 23-116
- February 9, 2023: Health Canada Posts the Joint Recall
- What Is an Equestrian Helmet?
- Who May Be Affected?
- Reported Injuries or Damages
- Recall and Regulatory Background
- Evidence to Preserve
- Filing Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Made the Recalled Ovation Protégé Helmets?
- How Do I Get a Refund for a Recalled Ovation Protégé Helmet?
- Who Do I Contact About the Ovation Protégé Helmet Recall?
- Where Can I Report an Injury from an Ovation Protégé Helmet?
- What Does the Research Say About the Ovation Protégé Helmet Defect?
- How Many Ovation Protégé Helmets Were Sold in Canada?
Ovation Protégé equestrian helmets were recalled on February 9, 2023, because they fail the ASTM F1163-15 impact standard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the defect poses an impact injury hazard to riders who fall.
The recall covers models 467716, 469566 and 469766, made from December 2020 through December 2022. Owners should stop using these helmets right away and contact English Riding Supply LLC for a free replacement or a refund.
No lawsuit, class action or MDL has been filed over equestrian helmets, and CPSC lists no injuries or incidents. CPSC handled the action as a fast-track recall with Health Canada.
Latest Equestrian Helmet Lawsuit Updates
February 9, 2023: CPSC Announces Recall 23-116
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 23-116 of about 49,300 Ovation Protégé equestrian helmets sold in the United States, as the CPSC notice states [1].
The helmets fail ASTM F1163-15 impact requirements. The remedy is a free replacement Ovation Deluxe Schooler helmet or a $60 refund. Owners are told to stop using the recalled helmets.
February 9, 2023: Health Canada Posts the Joint Recall
Health Canada posted the joint recall under identification number RA-72642 [2]. The Health Canada notice lists the recalled models as 467716, 469566 and 469766, built between December 2020 and December 2022.
What Is an Equestrian Helmet?
The company recall page says the Ovation Protégé is an equestrian helmet certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to the ASTM F1163-15 standard [3].
An SEI label inside the helmets shows the model name and date of manufacture. “OV” is printed on the front.
Who May Be Affected?
Riders who bought or wore an Ovation Protégé helmet in model 467716, 469566 or 469766 may be affected. Helmets made outside the recalled date range are not included.
Retailers sold the helmets from January 2021 through December 2022 for between $58 and $66. Buyers found them at tack shops, English equestrian specialty stores, amazon.com and statelinetack.com.
A recall does not establish liability. Your own facts decide whether you have a claim, and only an individual legal review can assess them.
Reported Injuries or Damages
The hazard is an impact injury to riders who fall. The company told Health Canada it had no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada or the United States. That statement dates from January 24, 2023.
Recall and Regulatory Background
The importer is English Riding Supply LLC of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Before December 31, 2021, it operated as ERS Equestrian Inc.
Owners can return the helmet to the retailer or an Ovation authorized dealer, or ask English Riding Supply for a $60 refund. No lawsuit, class action or MDL names these helmets.
Evidence to Preserve
If you were hurt in a fall while wearing a recalled helmet, keep these items:
- The helmet itself, with its interior SEI certification label and manufacturing label showing the date and serial number
- The receipt or order record showing where and when you bought it
- Photographs of the helmet, the label and any damage
- Medical records and bills
- Any messages with the retailer or English Riding Supply
Filing Deadlines
Filing deadlines for a helmet injury claim are set by the law of each state. The deadline depends on where you live and when the injury and its diagnosis happened.
Once a state deadline passes, a helmet injury claim may be barred even if the facts are strong. If you were hurt, ask a lawyer promptly about the deadline that applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Made the Recalled Ovation Protégé Helmets?
The recalled Ovation Protégé helmets were made in Taiwan. Health Canada lists the manufacturer as Hopus Technology, Inc. of Tainan City. The CPSC notice also gives Taiwan as the place of manufacture.
How Do I Get a Refund for a Recalled Ovation Protégé Helmet?
To get a refund for a recalled Ovation Protégé helmet, you can show proof of destruction instead of returning it. Cut off the harness straps, then email photos of the cut harness and of the interior label showing the manufacturing date and serial number.
Who Do I Contact About the Ovation Protégé Helmet Recall?
You can contact English Riding Supply about the Ovation Protégé helmet recall toll-free at 866-569-1600, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. You can also email helmets@englishridingsupply.com or visit www.englishridingsupply.com/ProtegeRecall.
Where Can I Report an Injury from an Ovation Protégé Helmet?
You can report an injury from an Ovation Protégé helmet to CPSC at SaferProducts.gov or by calling 800-638-2772. A report to CPSC does not prove that the helmet caused the injury.
What Does the Research Say About the Ovation Protégé Helmet Defect?
The research on the Ovation Protégé helmet defect is limited to regulator findings. Neither CPSC nor Health Canada cites a study, and both agencies report that the company had no incident or injury reports.
How Many Ovation Protégé Helmets Were Sold in Canada?
About 5,270 Ovation Protégé helmets were sold in Canada, in addition to the roughly 49,300 sold in the United States. Those Canadian sales fall under the Health Canada notice.