United States Eventing Association

VIDEO: How New Safety Technology is Going to Reduce Risk

We are bringing you select content from the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention on demand in partnership with RNS Video Media, giving you a chance to relive all the action!

Roy Burek of Charles Owen passed away on April 27, 2019 following a heart attack in his sleep. Through his work at Charles Owen, Burek made an immeasurable contribution to head injury research and helmet safety technology that will benefit generations of riders to come.

In his presentation at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Burek discussed the different safety technology currently used in helmets as well as advancements in technology that are taking place. He began with a review of existing technology and the different part of the helmet, including how each part contributes to the safety of the rider. He discussed the importance of correct fit, described the testing process, and examined a number of different studies on the different factors that affect how the body responds to a brain injury. He reviewed how different angles of impact and different surfaces contribute to the effectiveness of the helmet in a fall and closed the session with an examination of new advancements in helmet technology before taking questions from the audience.

Cynthia Burek – Roy’s sister and a Professor at the University of Chester – is working to establish a trust to fund research on head injury and to continue her brother’s legacy and their grandfather’s mission of Charles Owen being ‘For a Safer World.’ Click here to make a donation. A celebration of Roy Burek's life will take place later this week at St. Giles' Parish Church in Wrexham, Wales.

About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is taking place at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, December 12-15, 2019. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.