Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Helmets

Not trying to fuel the helmet debate or come down on one side or the other 
(although I don't put a foot in the stirrup without a helmet), and definitely 
not attacking anyone (is that enough disclaimers?  <G>)...but I've noticed 
that a person or two has mentioned being willing to occassionally ride a 
gentle or reliable horse without a helmet.  One thing to consider is that you 
might still end up on the ground through no  fault of the horse - what if the 
horse trips and falls?  This happened to me on a 50 this past April...we were 
flying along at a fast trot, and my horse stepped in a hole hidden in the 
grass and did a somersault (he was ok, thank goodness).  I hit the ground 
head first, shattering my helmet, then hit my cheekbone, breaking my right 
eye socket.  Yes, I still ended up in the emergency room, but as the ER doc 
said, I was darn luck to have been wearing a helmet.  I was quite colorful 
for a few weeks <G> but ultimately ended up with nothing more than a little 
double vision when I look upwards that I'll always carry with me as a 
reminder.  My husband used to hop on his reliable gelding occasionally 
without a helmet, and I'd always say, what if the horse trips and falls?  
After a couple times, he went back to always wearing a helmet...and now after 
my accident, he's a believer.  (ain't it great when your "what if" nagging 
comes true? <G>)
Anyhow, something to consider...off my soapbox. 

Dawn in East Texas

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